Word: Alpha-blocker
Definition: An alpha-blocker is a type of medicine (drug) that helps relax certain muscles in the body. It mainly works by blocking special sites in the body called "alpha-adrenergic receptors." These receptors are found in various places, including the prostate and bladder. Alpha-blockers are often used to treat conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is when the prostate gland becomes enlarged and causes difficulty in urination.
How to Use: - In a sentence: "The doctor prescribed an alpha-blocker to help with my urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate."
Example: - "After taking the alpha-blocker for a few weeks, I noticed it was easier to urinate."
Advanced Usage: - In medical discussions, you might hear phrases like "alpha-adrenergic blockade," which refers to the action of alpha-blockers in the body.
Word Variants: - The term can be broken down as "alpha" (referring to the type of receptor) and "blocker" (indicating that it blocks something). There aren’t many direct variants of the word itself.
Different Meanings: - Outside of medicine, "alpha" can refer to something being the first or most important (like "alpha male" in social contexts), but in this context, it specifically relates to the type of receptors in the body.
Synonyms: - Alpha-adrenergic antagonist - Adrenergic blocker
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs related to "alpha-blocker," as it is a technical term used mainly in medical contexts.
Summary: An alpha-blocker is a medication that helps with urinary problems by relaxing muscles in the prostate and bladder. It is important for those with conditions like BPH.