|
 |
||
 |
| This glossary contains: 19186 medical terms |
 |
Bextra
|
|
BextraBrand 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.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Valdecoxib
Valdecoxib is a prescription drug used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and painful menstruation and menstrual symptoms. It is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, and should not be taken by anyone allergic to these types of medications.
Cox-2
Cyclooxygenase-2, a protein acts as an enzyme and specifically catalyzes (speeds) the production of certain chemical messengers called prostaglandins. Some of these messengers are responsible for promoting inflammation. When Cox-2 activity is blocked, inflammation is reduced. Unlike cox-1, cox-2 is active only at the site of inflammation, not in the stomach.
Enzyme
A cellular protein whose shape allows it to hold together several other molecules in close proximity to each other. In this way, enzymes are able to induce chemical reactions in other substances with little expenditure of energy and without being changed themselves. Basically, an enzyme acts as a catalyst.
Prostaglandins
Molecules produced by the breakdown of arachidonic acid (from cell membranes) by cyclo-oxygenase. Most are inflammatory but some suppress inflammation.
Inflammation
A reaction to an injury to the body - by infection, chemicals or physical agents. The symptoms can be - depending on the location of the injury- redness, swelling, heat and pain. The purpose of the inflammation is to dilute and destroy the agent causing the inflammation. To do this, the immune system starts a cascade of actions that causes active cells to gather at the affected location. It is these cells and fluids that cause the redness, swelling, heat and pain.
Pain
An unpleasant sensory or emotional experience primarily associated with tissue damage, or described in terms of tissue damage, or both.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Beta-2 agonist
See: 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. "
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
BF
"Abbreviation for ""black female"" used by doctors as shorthand when jotting down the results of their physical examination. "
Bi-
Prefix meaning two, as in biceps or bicuspid.
BIA
Bioelectric impedance analysis.
Biallelic
Pertaining to both alleles (both alternative forms of a gene). For example, biallelic mutations in the gene MYH predispose to colon cancer.
Bias
1. When a point of view prevents impartial judgment on issues relating to the subject of that point of view. In a clinical trial, bias refers to effects that a conclusion that may be incorrect as, for example, when a researcher or patient knows what treatment is being given. To avoid bias, a blinded study may be done. 2. Deviation of results or inferences from the truth, or processes leading to such systematic deviation. Any trend in the collection, analysis, interpretation, publication, or review of data that can lead to conclusions that are systematically different from the truth.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Valdecoxib
Valdecoxib is a prescription drug used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and painful menstruation and menstrual symptoms. It is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, and should not be taken by anyone allergic to these types of medications.
Cox-2
Cyclooxygenase-2, a protein acts as an enzyme and specifically catalyzes (speeds) the production of certain chemical messengers called prostaglandins. Some of these messengers are responsible for promoting inflammation. When Cox-2 activity is blocked, inflammation is reduced. Unlike cox-1, cox-2 is active only at the site of inflammation, not in the stomach.
Enzyme
A cellular protein whose shape allows it to hold together several other molecules in close proximity to each other. In this way, enzymes are able to induce chemical reactions in other substances with little expenditure of energy and without being changed themselves. Basically, an enzyme acts as a catalyst.
Prostaglandins
Molecules produced by the breakdown of arachidonic acid (from cell membranes) by cyclo-oxygenase. Most are inflammatory but some suppress inflammation.
Inflammation
A reaction to an injury to the body - by infection, chemicals or physical agents. The symptoms can be - depending on the location of the injury- redness, swelling, heat and pain. The purpose of the inflammation is to dilute and destroy the agent causing the inflammation. To do this, the immune system starts a cascade of actions that causes active cells to gather at the affected location. It is these cells and fluids that cause the redness, swelling, heat and pain.
Pain
An unpleasant sensory or emotional experience primarily associated with tissue damage, or described in terms of tissue damage, or both.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Beta-2 agonist
See: 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. "
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
BF
"Abbreviation for ""black female"" used by doctors as shorthand when jotting down the results of their physical examination. "
Bi-
Prefix meaning two, as in biceps or bicuspid.
BIA
Bioelectric impedance analysis.
Biallelic
Pertaining to both alleles (both alternative forms of a gene). For example, biallelic mutations in the gene MYH predispose to colon cancer.
Bias
1. When a point of view prevents impartial judgment on issues relating to the subject of that point of view. In a clinical trial, bias refers to effects that a conclusion that may be incorrect as, for example, when a researcher or patient knows what treatment is being given. To avoid bias, a blinded study may be done. 2. Deviation of results or inferences from the truth, or processes leading to such systematic deviation. Any trend in the collection, analysis, interpretation, publication, or review of data that can lead to conclusions that are systematically different from the truth.
We thank you for using the Medical Glossary to search for Bextra. If you have a better definition for Bextra than the one presented here, please let us know by making use of the suggest a term option. This definition of Bextra may be disputed by other professionals. Our attempt is to provide easy definitions on Bextra and any other medical topic for the public at large.
This dictionary contains 19186 terms.
|
|