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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis
​ Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, sometimes called toxic pustuloderma, is a skin reaction most often caused by medications. It is characterized by the rapid appearance of numerous small sterile pustules on inflamed areas of the skin. These pustules may be subtle and easily overlooked during examination.



The condition is frequently associated with certain drugs, particularly penicillin antibiotics. When diagnosing this disorder, doctors must distinguish it from other skin conditions such as pustular psoriasis. Although it can appear dramatic, the reaction usually resolves after the responsible medication is discontinued and appropriate medical care is provided.

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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - acute coronary syndrome Acute coronary syndrome is a medical term used to describe a group of conditions resulting from reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It includes unstable angina, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). These conditions represent different degrees of severity within the same disease process.


The underlying cause is usually coronary artery disease, in which plaques within the coronary arteries reduce or block blood flow to the heart. Acute coronary syndrome requires urgent medical evaluation because the reduced oxygen supply can damage the heart muscle. Early treatment is essential to restore blood flow and minimize complications.

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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - acute respiratory failure (ARF) Acute respiratory failure (ARF) is a serious condition in which the body is unable to properly exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. This failure primarily involves a breakdown in the process of gaseous exchange rather than a mechanical problem with breathing movements. As a result, oxygen levels in the blood may fall dangerously low, or carbon dioxide levels may rise, leading to life-threatening complications.


A classic example of ARF is adult respiratory distress syndrome, but the condition may also arise from dysfunction in other parts of the respiratory system, including the brain’s respiratory control centre and its neural pathways. ARF requires urgent medical attention and often involves supportive care such as oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation to restore adequate gas exchange and maintain life.

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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - acute rheumatism
​ Acute rheumatism is another term for rheumatic fever, an inflammatory condition that can develop following certain bacterial infections, particularly those caused by streptococci. It primarily affects the heart, joints, skin, and nervous system.



The condition is characterized by symptoms such as joint pain, fever, and inflammation, and it may lead to long-term complications involving the heart valves. Early recognition and treatment of the initial infection are important in preventing the development of rheumatic fever and its complications.

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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - ADA deficiency
​ADA deficiency refers to a condition involving a lack of the enzyme adenosine deaminase. This enzyme is important for the normal functioning of the immune system, particularly in the development and maintenance of lymphocytes.



A deficiency of this enzyme can lead to severe immunodeficiency, making affected individuals highly susceptible to infections. It is often associated with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), a life-threatening condition that requires early diagnosis and treatment, sometimes including enzyme replacement or gene therapy.

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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - ad-
​The prefix ad- is used in medical terminology to indicate direction towards or proximity to something. It is commonly used to describe anatomical position or movement. For example, adaxial means towards the main axis of the body or structure, while adoral refers to a position near or towards the mouth.



This prefix helps provide precise descriptions in anatomical and clinical contexts. By indicating direction or location, it contributes to clear communication in medical language, particularly when describing structures, movements, or relationships between body parts.

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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - acute retinal necrosis (ARN) Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) is a severe eye condition characterized by inflammation and destruction of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It is associated with inflammation and blockage of retinal blood vessels, bleeding within the eye, and eventual death of retinal tissue.


The condition may affect one or both eyes, and when both eyes are involved it is referred to as bilateral acute retinal necrosis (BARN). ARN is most commonly linked to viral infections and often leads to poor visual outcomes due to complications such as retinal detachment. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preserve as much vision as possible.

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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - Adam’s apple
The Adam’s apple, also known as the laryngeal prominence, is a visible projection at the front of the neck formed by the thyroid cartilage of the larynx. It is typically more prominent in males due to hormonal influences during puberty.


This structure plays a role in protecting the vocal cords and contributes to voice production. Its enlargement during adolescence is associated with the deepening of the voice in males, as the larynx grows and the vocal cords lengthen.
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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - acute tubular necrosis (ATN)
Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) is a condition involving damage to the kidney tubules, usually caused by reduced blood supply (ischaemia) or exposure to toxic substances. This damage disrupts normal kidney function, particularly the ability to filter waste and regulate fluid balance.


Early in the condition, the kidneys may produce urine that is neither concentrated nor diluted (isosthenuria), even when urine output is still relatively high. As the condition progresses, the glomerular filtration rate decreases, often leading to oliguria, or reduced urine output. Dialysis may be required to support the patient during recovery. If the underlying cause is treated, kidney function often recovers within several weeks.
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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - acquired immune deficiency syndrome
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome, commonly known as AIDS, is a serious condition in which the immune system becomes severely weakened. It develops as the most advanced stage of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The virus attacks and destroys key immune cells, particularly CD4 T-lymphocytes, which are essential for defending the body against infections.


As the immune system becomes progressively damaged, individuals become vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers that rarely occur in people with healthy immune systems. AIDS is therefore not a single disease but a syndrome, meaning a group of related conditions resulting from immune failure. Modern antiretroviral therapy can control HIV infection and significantly delay or prevent the progression to AIDS.
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