Hypernatremia Definition Hypernatremia is an imbalance in electrolyte, where the sodium level gets elevated in the blood. Generally, hypernatremia do not occur due to excess sodium; instead, it is caused due to free water deficiency in the body, which causes the sodium in the body to rise. Hence, hypernatremia is a water-problem rather than sodium homeostasis. Hypernatremia due to excess salt intake is rare, and may happen in situations like salt water ingestion. Thus, hypernatremia is synonymous with dehydration. A strong thirst sensation resulting as a consequence of increased sodium level indicates hypernatremia, and this can be corrected by drinking water while feeling thirsty. Normal range: 136-145 mEq/L Hypernatremia: 145 [...]

Hypovolemia Definition Hypovolemia is a condition, where the blood volume decreases, otherwise decrease in blood plasma volume occurs. Thus, it is the volume contraction’s intravascular component, or blood volume loss due to hemorrhage and dehydration. Hence, sometimes, volume contraction and hypovolemia are used synonymously. Hypovolemia is represented by depletion of sodium (salt), thereby differing from dehydration, and meaning excessive water loss from the body. Historically, hypovolemia was termed desanguination meaning extensive loss of blood (derived from the Latin word sanguis, meaning blood). Hippocrates widely used this term. Actually, this word was used for describing the personality lack, either due to weakness or health, as a result of massive blood loss [...]

Hypokalemia Definition Hypokalemia is an imbalance in metabolism, where the serum potassium (K+) concentration is low (hypo means- low, kalium- potassium, emia- in blood). Potassium amount < 2.5 mmol/L may be life-threatening, and will require urgent medical attention. Nearly 95% of the total potassium in the body is found intracellular, whereas, the remaining amount is found in the blood. Na+/K+ pump maintains this concentration gradient. Hypokalemia can either be a disease symptom, or diuretic drug side effect. Normally, hormone insulin secretion stimulated by food is capable of preventing diet-induced hypokalemia that occurs temporarily, thereby increasing the absorption of potassium by the cells. Thus, in hypokalemia, there occurs an imbalance, as [...]

Hyperkalemia Definition Hyperkalemia is referred to as the condition, where the electrolyte “potassium” concentration gets elevated in the blood (hyper means- high, kalium- potassium, emia- in blood). Benefits of potassium Potassium is the most abundant cation inside the cell that is essential for several physiological processes. Potassium is very essential for the normal functioning of the heart, muscles and nerves. It controls the activity of smooth muscles, including muscles of the heart, digestive tract and extremities. It helps in the normal transmission of electrical signals in the nervous system of the body. It maintains the normal electrical rhythm of heart The intracellular is to extracellular potassium ratio is essential in [...]

Having a bad taste in mouth is an irritating and disagreeable one can experience. This can lead an individual to lose appetite. Alteration in the ability to taste indicates problem in taste perception and the olfactory sense. It can be a temporary nuisance but bad taste can also be long term. Bad Taste in Mouth Causes A lot of reason can be attributed to cause a bad taste in the mouth. Some of the causes may be common while the rest of the cause may be due to certain health condition which may be serious and often bad taste in mouth is a symptom. Halitosis Halitosis is characterized as odorous [...]

Hypervolemia Definition Hypervolemia, otherwise known as fluid overload, is a condition where there is excess fluid in the blood. Here, excess fluid plasma leads to the increased volume. Hypervolemia is associated with diseases of lung, liver, kidney, heart and few other conditions. The opposite of this condition is known as hypovolemia, where there is insufficient fluid volume in the blood, having decreased plasma amount. Hypervolemia Facts Average water intake is 2000 ml/day Average output = 2000 ml In hypervolemia, fluid intake is more. Hence, edema occurs. ADH and Aldosterone maintain water/fluid balance. Hypervolemia pathophysiology The recommended sodium and water intake for normal adults is: Sodium – 70 mmol per 24 [...]

Most of us experience sour taste in mouth every time we wake up from our sleep. This normally fades although for some it does not fade and often persists. Sour taste in mouth that persists is one type of dysguesia where a taste alteration exists. It is often caused by anaerobic bacteria that thrive at the back of the tongue. Taste for sourness depicts acidity and the taste is detected by small subset of cells spread on the taste buds expressed by protein PKD2L1. It is sensed by using ion channels where hydrogen ion channels perceive concentration of hydronium ions formed from acid and water. Fruit is the common food [...]