Medical Glossary

This glossary contains:
19186
medical terms

Beta-agonist




Beta-agonist

"A bronchodilator medicine that opens the airways by relaxing the muscles around the airways that may tighten during an asthma attack or in COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Beta-agonists can be administered by inhalers or orally. They are called ""agonists"" because they activate the beta-2 receptor on the muscles surrounding the airways. Activation of beta-2 receptors relaxes the muscles surrounding the airways and opens the airways. Dilating airways helps to relieve the symptoms of dyspnea (shortness of breath). Beta-2 agonists have been shown to relieve dyspnea in many asthma and COPD patients. The action of beta-2 agonists starts within minutes after inhalation and lasts for about 4 hours. Because of their quick onset of action, beta-2 agonists are especially helpful for patients who are acutely short of breath but, because of their short duration of action, several doses of beta-agonists are often necessary each day. The side effects of beta-2 agonists include anxiety, tremor, palpitations or fast heart rate, and low blood potassium. "

RELATED TERMS
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Asthma
Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung disease characterized by recurrent breathing problems. People with asthma have acute episodes or when the air passages in their lungs get narrower, and breathing becomes more difficult. Sometimes episodes of asthma are triggered by allergens, although infection, exercise, cold air and other factors are also important triggers.

COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Any disorder that persistently obstructs bronchial airflow. COPD mainly involves two related diseases: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Both cause chronic obstruction of air flowing through the airways and in and out of the lungs. The obstruction is generally permanent and progresses (becomes worse) over time.

Pulmonary
Pertains to lungs and respiratory system.

Beta-2
Beta-2 is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): isoetharine hydrochloride.

Receptor
A molecule that recognizes a unique hormone. Once that hormone is bound to the receptor, the information carried by the hormone can now exert its biological action.

Receptors
Areas on the outer part of a cell that allow the cell to join or bind with insulin that is in the blood.

Dilating
The widening and opening of the cervix caused by uterine contractions.

Dyspnea
Shortness of breath.

Anxiety
A psychological and/or biological response to stress. Feelings of anxiety involve discomforting apprehension or concern, which may include symptoms such as cognitive difficulties, hypersensitivity, dizziness, muscular weakness, breathing difficulties, irregular heart beat, sweating, and sensations of fear. Typically, anxiety is a natural and healthy response to life experiences. However, exaggerated or chronic anxiety often indicates an anxiety disorder. Anxiety can be produced by external stress (exogenous anxiety) or internal stress (endogenous anxiety).

Tremor
Various rhythmic involuntary movements involving the arms, legs or head, occurring in numerous illnesses and conditions and greatly varying in type and severity.

Heart
The hollow, muscular organ responsible for pumping blood through the circulatory system.

Blood
The life-maintaining fluid which is made up of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets; blood circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries; it carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues.



SIMILAR TERMS
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Beta adrenergic blocking agents
"A class of drugs, also called beta blockers, that block beta-adrenergic substances such as adrenaline (epinephrine), a key agent in the ""sympathetic"" portion of the autonomic (involuntary) nervous system."

Beta agonist
See: Beta-agonist.

Beta blocker
An antihypertensive medication that limits the activity of epinephrine (a hormone that increases blood pressure).

Beta Blocker
A drug that slows heart rate, lowers blood pressure, controls angina and protects patients with prior heart attacks from future heart attacks.

Beta carotene
"A vitamin that acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells against oxidation damage. Beta carotene is converted by the body to vitamin A. Food sources of beta carotene include vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach and other leafy green vegetables; and fruit such as cantaloupes and apricots. Excessive carotene in the diet can color the skin yellow, a condition called carotenemia. Carotenemia is sometimes seen in infants fed too many mashed carrots and is a reversible condition. Beta carotene supplements have been found not to reduce the risks for cancer or heart disease."

Beta catenin
A protein that is associated with cells that are destined to become hair follicle cells.

Beta Cell
A type of cell in the pancreas in areas called the Islets of Langerhans. Beta cells make and release insulin, a hormone that controls the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.

Beta cell, pancreatic
A type of cell in the pancreas (the organ of the digestive system located behind the stomach). Within the pancreas, the beta cells are located in areas called the islets of Langerhans. They constitute the predominant type of cell in the islets. The beta cells are important because they make insulin. Degeneration of the beta cells is the main cause of type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus.

Beta error
"The statistical error (said to be ""of the second kind"" or type II) made in testing when it is concluded that something is negative when it really is positive. Beta error is often referred to as a false negative."

Beta error (statistics)
See Type 2 error.

Beta lipotropin
The biochemical precursor substance from which the body synthesizes endomorphins.

Beta particle
An electron ejected from the nucleus of a decaying atom. Although beta particles can be stopped by a thin sheet of aluminum, they can penetrate the dead skin layer, potentially causing burns. They can pose a serious direct or external radiation threat and can be lethal depending on the amount received. They also pose a serious internal radiation threat if beta-emitting atoms are ingested or inhaled.

Beta protein 1
Abbreviated and better known as BP1. See: BP1.

Beta-2
Beta-2 is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): isoetharine hydrochloride.

Beta-2 agonist
See: Beta-agonist.

Beta-blocker
An agent that inhibits the action of beta-adrenergic receptors, which modulate cardiac functions, respiratory functions, and the dilation of blood vessels. Beta-blockers are of value in the treatment of hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, and migraine. In psychiatry, they have been used in the treatment of aggression and violence, anxiety-related tremors and lithium-induced tremors, neuroleptic-induced akathisia, social phobias, panic states, and alcohol withdrawal.

Beta-defensin
See: Defensin.

Beta-hc
Beta-hc is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): hydrocortisone.

Beta-val
Beta-val is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): betamethasone valerate.

Beta2-agonist
ß2-agonists are used in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and are used to relax the smooth muscles in the bronchi, which contract during an asthma attack. ß2-agonists are available in short-acting and long-acting formulations for inhalation and as tablets.

Betaderm
Betaderm is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): betamethasone valerate.

Betadine
Betadine is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): povidone-iodine.

Betagan
Betagan is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): levobunolol hydrochloride.

Betalin 12
Betalin 12 is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): cyanocobalamin.

Betalin s
Betalin s is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): thiamine hydrochloride.

Betamethasone dipropionate
Betamethasone dipropionate is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): betamethasone dipropionate.

Betamethasone sodium phosphate
Betamethasone sodium phosphate is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): betamethasone sodium phosphate.

Betamethasone valerate
Betamethasone valerate is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): betamethasone valerate.

Betapace
Betapace is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): sotalol hydrochloride.

Betapace af
Betapace af is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): sotalol hydrochloride.

Betapar
Betapar is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): meprednisone.

Betapen-vk
Betapen-vk is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): penicillin v potassium.

Betaprone
Betaprone is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): propiolactone.

Betaseron
Betaseron is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): interferon beta-1b.

Betatrex
Betatrex is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): betamethasone valerate.

Betaxolol
Betaxolol is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): betaxolol hydrochloride.

Betaxolol hcl
Betaxolol hcl is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): betaxolol hydrochloride.

Betaxon
Betaxon is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): levobetaxolol hydrochloride.



PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS
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Beta cell, pancreatic
A type of cell in the pancreas (the organ of the digestive system located behind the stomach). Within the pancreas, the beta cells are located in areas called the islets of Langerhans. They constitute the predominant type of cell in the islets. The beta cells are important because they make insulin. Degeneration of the beta cells is the main cause of type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus.

Beta error
"The statistical error (said to be ""of the second kind"" or type II) made in testing when it is concluded that something is negative when it really is positive. Beta error is often referred to as a false negative."

Beta particle
An electron ejected from the nucleus of a decaying atom. Although beta particles can be stopped by a thin sheet of aluminum, they can penetrate the dead skin layer, potentially causing burns. They can pose a serious direct or external radiation threat and can be lethal depending on the amount received. They also pose a serious internal radiation threat if beta-emitting atoms are ingested or inhaled.

Beta protein 1
Abbreviated and better known as BP1. See: BP1.

Beta-2 agonist
See: Beta-agonist.

Beta-agonist

Beta-defensin
See: Defensin.

Betel nut
The nut of the Areca palm tree and an ingredient of betel nut quid, an addictive mix chewed in some Pacific and Asian cultures. Its use is associated with aggressive oral cancers affecting especially the inner lining of the cheeks and lips are the primary tumor sites. Other sites include the tongue, lower lip, tonsil and floor of the mouth.

Bevacizumab
Generic name for a monoclonal antibody anticancer drug. See: Avastin.

Bextra
Brand name for valdecoxib, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) that inhibits cox-2, an enzyme that makes prostaglandins which promote the inflammation and cause the pain, swelling and tenderness of arthritic joints.

BF
"Abbreviation for ""black female"" used by doctors as shorthand when jotting down the results of their physical examination. "

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This dictionary contains 19186 terms.







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