What does continuous positive airway pressure mean? CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines pump air into the lungs of people who have breathing problems — usually sleep apnea. CPAP machines should not be used for COVID-19 coronavirus patients as they spread the virus farther. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) means maintaining a constant air pressure …
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What is mechanical ventilation? People with the most severe lung symptoms from COVID-19 coronavirus disease need mechanical ventilation to stay alive. Experts fear a shortage of breathing machines in the U.S., considering the pandemic. Mechanical ventilation is a treatment to help a person breathe when they find it difficult or are unable to breathe on their own. A mechanical ventilator …
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What is azithromycin (Zithromax, Z-Pak)? Azithromycin is a semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic chemically related to erythromycin and clarithromycin (Biaxin). Azithromycin is effective against susceptible bacteria causing: Otitis media (infection of the middle ear) Tonsillitis Laryngitis Bronchitis Pneumonia Sinusitis Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections Mycobacterium avium complex Acute bacterial flare ups of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) It also is effective …
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What is pericardiocentesis? Pericardiocentesis is a procedure to drain excess fluid from the heart's protective sack (pericardium). Pericardiocentesis is an invasive procedure to remove fluid from the protective sac (pericardium) around the heart. Pericardium is a thin, two-layered sac with a small amount of fluid. Pericardiocentesis is a procedure by which excessive pericardial fluid (pericardial effusion) is drained. Fluid removed …
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Facts you should know about teething Teething can cause significant pain in babies. Teething is the process by which a baby's teeth erupt, or break through, the gums. Teething generally occurs between 6 to 24 months of age. Symptoms of teething include irritability, tender and swollen gums, and the infant wanting to place objects or fingers into the mouth in …
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What is EGD? Pictured is a lighted camera called an endoscope used for the EGD (upper endoscopy) diagnostic procedure. EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) is a procedure for examining the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. A flexible tube with a lighted camera (endoscope) is introduced through the mouth or nose passing through the esophagus and stomach up to the top part of the small …
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What is cardiac tamponade? Cardiac tamponade is a condition in which the pressurized protective sack around the heart (pericardium) fills with blood and compromised heart function. Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening condition caused by excessive fluid accumulation in the protective sac (pericardium) around the heart. The fluid exerts pressure on the heart and impairs its ability to pump blood. Cardiac …
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Chloroquine (Aralen) vs. hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil): What’s the difference? Chloroquine (Aralen) and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) are anti-malarial drugs used to treat several forms of malaria. Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are under investigation for treatment of the COVID-19 coronavirus disease. Study results on their effectiveness have been mixed. Chloroquine is also used to treat amebiasis that has spread outside of the intestines. Hydroxychloroquine is …
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What is paracentesis? Paracentesis is a procedure for removing fluid from a body cavity or a cyst with a hollow needle or catheter. Paracentesis commonly refers to peritoneocentesis, which is removal of fluid from the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity. Paracentesis of the chest cavity is known as thoracentesis.Paracentesis is the process of draining fluid from an bone or other organ through …
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What is Aralen (chloroquine), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Chloroquine (Aralen) and its sister drug hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) are under investigation for treatment of the COVID-19 coronavirus disease Korean doctors used these anti-malaria drugs to treat COVID-19 with some success, according to a paper filed with Elsevier in March 2020. A tiny French study also suggested the drugs …
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