Orthostatic Health Dictionary

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Orthostatic: From 1 Different Sources

adj. relating to the upright position of the body: used when describing this posture or a condition caused by it. See hypotension.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Proteinuria

A condition in which proteins, principally ALBUMINS, are present in the URINE. It is often a symptom of serious heart or kidney disease, although some normal people have mild and transient proteinuria after exercise.

Causes

KIDNEY DISEASE is the most important cause of proteinuria, and in some cases the discovery of proteinuria may be the ?rst evidence of such disease. This is why an examination of the urine for the presence of albumin constitutes an essential part of every medical examination. Almost any form of kidney disease will cause proteinuria, but the most frequent form to do this is glomerulonephritis (see under KIDNEYS, DISEASES OF). In the subacute (or nephrotic) stage of glomerulonephritis, the most marked proteinuria of all may be found. Proteinuria is also found in infections of the kidney (pyelitis) as well as in infections of the bladder (cystitis) and of the urethra (urethritis). PREGNANCY The development of proteinuria in pregnancy requires investigation, as it may be the ?rst sign of one of the most dangerous complications of pregnancy: toxaemia of pregnancy (PRE-ECLAMPSIA and ECLAMPSIA) and glomerulonephritis. Proteinuria may also result from the contamination of urine with vaginal secretions. (See also PREGNANCY AND LABOUR.) CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS are commonly accompanied by proteinuria, particularly when the right side of the heart is failing. In severe cases of failure, accompanied by OEDEMA, the proteinuria may be marked. (See also HEART, DISEASES OF.) FEVER often causes proteinuria, even though there is no actual kidney disease. The proteinuria disappears soon after the temperature becomes normal. (See also PYREXIA.) DRUGS AND POISONS These include arsenic, lead, mercury, gold, copaiba, salicylic acid and quinine. ANAEMIA A trace of albumin may be found in the urine in severe anaemia.

POSTURAL OR ORTHOSTATIC ALBUMINURIA

This type is important because, if its true cause is unrecognised, it may be taken as a sign of kidney disease. The signi?cance of postural proteinuria is unclear: it is more common among young people and is absent when the person is recumbent – hence the importance of testing a urine sample that is taken before rising in the morning.

Treatment The treatment is that of the underlying disease. (See KIDNEYS, DISEASES OF.)... proteinuria

Albuminuria

(proteinuria) n. the presence of serum albumin, serum globulin, or other serum proteins in the urine. This may be associated with kidney or heart disease. Albuminuria is not always associated with disease: it may occur after strenuous exercise or after a long period of standing (orthostatic albuminuria).... albuminuria

Hypotension

n. a condition in which the arterial *blood pressure is abnormally low, which is most commonly experienced when rising from a sitting or lying position (postural or orthostatic hypotension). Severe cases may manifest as *shock.... hypotension

Tremor

n. a rhythmical and alternating movement that may affect any part of the body. The physiological tremor is a feature of the normal mechanism for maintaining posture. It may be more apparent in states of fatigue or anxiety or when the thyroid gland is overactive. Essential tremor is slower and particularly affects the hands and arms when held out or holding a teacup. It can be embarrassing and inconvenient but it is not accompanied by any other symptoms. A similar tremor may also occur in several members of one family and also in elderly people. Alcohol reduces the intensity of essential tremor. Treatment is with beta blockers, such as propanolol. Primary orthostatic tremor affects the legs when standing still, causing unsteadiness if the position is maintained. Resting tremor is a prominent symptom of *parkinsonism. An intention tremor occurs when a patient with disease of the cerebellum tries to touch an object. The closer the object is approached the wilder become the movements.... tremor

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