Environmental and Nutritional Diseases

These flashcards cover key concepts, effects of drugs, and conditions related to environmental and nutritional diseases.

Adverse drug reactions

Unwanted effects of drugs; common and may affect almost 10% of hospitalized patients.

Idiosyncratic effects

Unpredictable drug reactions that occur in a minority of individuals.

Dose-dependent effects

Drug reactions that occur with a predictable relationship to the dose.

Therapeutic drugs

Medications that are used to treat diseases but can also produce toxic effects.

Acetaminophen toxicity

Common cause of acute liver failure; can result from overdose of acetaminophen.

Cocaine effects

Produces euphoria and stimulation; leads to cardiovascular side effects.

Methamphetamine

A potent amphetamine that induces dopamine release, leading to euphoria and addiction.

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT)

Risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease; contraindicated for chronic disease prevention.

Oral contraceptives (OCP)

Can increase the risk of thromboembolism and may have different effects on various cancers.

Radiation effects

Includes damage to DNA, which may lead to carcinogenesis and various diseases.

Heat exhaustion vs heat stroke

Heat exhaustion is due to dehydration; heat stroke involves severe hyperthermia and can be fatal.

Hypothermia

Condition caused by prolonged exposure to low temperatures leading to potential kidney and vascular injuries.

Anabolic steroids

Synthetic testosterone that can lead to serious side effects including liver damage and psychological issues.

Opiates

Bind to mu opioid receptors; can cause profound respiratory depression and addiction.

Pulmonary complications from drug abuse

Can lead to infections and abscesses, particularly with intravenous drug use.

Ionizing radiation

Radiation that causes electron cascades leading to cellular damage and potential cancer.