Our bodies need fluid to work properly. The kidneys, liver, and heart work to keep fluids in balance. Sometimes, fluid builds up in our bodies. With some medical conditions, you may need to limit your fluid intake. This pamphlet lists signs that fluid may be building up in your body and tips for managing your fluid intake.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, colourless fluid. It cushions the brain and spinal cord to protect them from injury. As new fluid is made, the old fluid is absorbed (taken in). A ventricular drain may be inserted (put in) to measure the pressure of CSF inside your head or to help blocked CSF flow. This pamphlet explains how the drain is inserted, what will happen when the drain is in place, the possible risks of a ventricular drain, and how the drain is taken out.
This pamphlet explains how to maintain an ideal balance of fluid in your body when managing chronic kidney disease.
Your eyes are filled with a fluid made by the ciliary body. This fluid flows through the pupil, in front of the lens, and then out through a drain called the trabecular meshwork. Glaucoma is a disease where increased pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve. It usually happens when the trabecular meshwork (drain) does not work and fluid cannot drain from the eye. Fluid buildup in the front part of the eye increases pressure in your eye, damaging the optic nerve. This damage may at first caus…
Your eyes are filled with a fluid made by the ciliary body. This fluid flows through the pupil, in front of the lens, and then out through a drain called the trabecular meshwork. Glaucoma is a disease where increased pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve. It usually happens when the trabecular meshwork (drain) does not work and fluid cannot drain from the eye. Fluid buildup in the front part of the eye increases pressure in your eye, damaging the optic nerve. This damage may at first caus…
This test is sometimes called a spinal tap. There is a space around your spinal cord that is filled with fluid. In a lumbar puncture, a small amount of fluid is taken from this space. The cells in the fluid are studied under a microscope in a lab to check for any problems. This pamphlet explains what a lumbar puncture is, how long it takes, how the test is done, and what will happen after the test. A list of symptoms that require medical attention is included.
This test is sometimes called a spinal tap. There is a space around your spinal cord that is filled with fluid. In a lumbar puncture, a small amount of fluid is taken from this space. This pamphlet explains how the test is done and what will happen after the test. A list of symptoms that need medical attention is included.
Vos yeux sont remplis d'un liquide fabriqué par le corps ciliaire. Ce liquide s'écoule à travers la pupille, devant le cristallin, puis sort par un drain appelé trabéculum. Le glaucome est une maladie dans laquelle une pression accrue dans l'Å“il endommage le nerf optique. Il survient généralement lorsque le trabéculum (drain) ne fonctionne pas et que le liquide ne peut pas s'écouler de l'Å“il. L'accumulation de liquide dans la partie avant de l'Å“il augmente la pression dans l'Å“il, ce qui endomma…
Vos yeux sont remplis d'un liquide fabriqué par le corps ciliaire. Ce liquide s'écoule à travers la pupille, devant le cristallin, puis sort par un drain appelé trabéculum. Le glaucome est une maladie dans laquelle une pression accrue dans l'Å“il endommage le nerf optique. Il survient généralement lorsque le trabéculum (drain) ne fonctionne pas et que le liquide ne peut pas s'écouler de l'Å“il. L'accumulation de liquide dans la partie avant de l'Å“il augmente la pression dans l'Å“il, ce qui endomma…
An epidural blood patch is a procedure to treat headaches caused by low pressure in the fluid around the spine and brain. Your own blood can seal a leak in the spine the same way a bicycle inner tube can be patched. This can happen because of a spinal fluid leak after a spinal procedure. In rare cases it may happen spontaneously (for no apparent reason). This pamphlet explains what is done during an epidural blood patch. Topics include: what to expect after the procedure, what to do after going…
Dehydration means that your body does not have enough fluid. This pamphlet explains the causes and signs of dehydration, and tips for staying hydrated. A list of symptoms that require medical care right away are listed.
Paracentesis, commonly called a tap, is a procedure to remove fluid from your belly (ascites). This pamphlet explains what paracentesis is, and what will happen before, during, and after the procedure. Symptoms that need medical attention right away are listed.
A thoracentesis is a procedure where a needle is carefully inserted (put in) to take out fluid or air from the pleural space. This procedure is also called a pleural tap. The pamphlet describes why it is done, how to get ready, where it is done, what happens before and during the thoracentesis, after care, and when to seek medical help.
Chyle is a fluid that flows through your lymph vessels. Lymph vessels run through your body beside your blood vessels. When chyle leaks from your lymph vessels, your body loses energy, protein, and vitamins. Eating fat-free foods can help close a chyle leak. This pamphlet explains fat-free nutrition guidelines and tips to follow if you have a chyle leak. Meal ideas are included.
Photodynamic therapy is a treatment that may help eye conditions like: Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR). Wet AMD affects your central vision when new, abnormal blood vessels grow under your retina. CSR is a buildup of fluid under your retina. Topics include: how PDT works, getting ready, how treatment is done, and care afterwards. The French version of this pamphlet 1717, "La thérapie photodynamique", is also available.
In dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), the heart muscle becomes weak. This makes it harder for the heart to pump blood out to the body. This causes the bottom chambers to dilate (stretch). A weak heart can also cause fluid to build up in your lungs (causing shortness of breath), ankles, or belly (causing swelling). DCM may also change your heart's electrical activity. This can cause fast heart rhythms. The pamphlet gives the causes of DCM, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Further resources also gi…
This pamphlet is for people with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). It gives information about protein, sodium (salt), potassium, and phosphorus, as well as reading food labels, adding calories and flavour, and controlling your fluid intake. A sample meal plan and guidelines for measuring portions are included.
Light is reflected from objects and enters the pupil. It passes through the lens and vitreous (clear jelly-like fluid) onto your retina. Your retina changes light into a message. The optic nerve carries the message to your brain. When the brain receives the message, you have vision. Your retina is as thin as tissue paper. Change or damage to the retina can cause vision loss. This pamphlet explains how you can tell if your retina is damaged, what kinds of damage can happen to the retina, and typ…
The prostate is a gland that makes seminal fluid. Prostate cancer is a disease where cancer cells start to grow in the prostate gland. These cancer cells grow into a tumor and can spread to other parts of the body such as the bones and lymph nodes. This pamphlet explains what causes prostate cancer, what hormones are, what testosterone does, how hormone therapy works for prostate cancer, how long you will be on hormone therapy, and side effects. A list of resources for further information is pr…
A hysterectomy is an operation to remove your uterus (womb) and cervix. Other tissue, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, lymph nodes and parts of the vagina, may also be removed at the same time. After surgery you will have an incision in your abdomen, an intravenous (IV), a catheter (tube) in your bladder to drain urine, if needed. You may also have packing (absorbent material) to absorb blood and fluid in your vagina. Topics in this pamphlet include breathing, managing pain, activity, food…