Organskador

Organskador is a medical term used in Scandinavian languages to denote damage to one or more body organs. It describes conditions in which organ structure or function is impaired due to injury, disease, infection, toxins, or metabolic disturbances. The concept covers both acute events, such as a heart attack, and chronic processes, such as progressive liver fibrosis.

Causes and mechanisms: Ischemia, hypoxia, trauma, inflammatory or autoimmune processes, infectious diseases, toxins (such as alcohol, drugs), and genetic disorders can cause organ damage. Cellular injury may progress to necrosis or apoptosis, with inflammation and, over time, fibrosis or loss of function. The specific pathophysiology depends on the organ and underlying cause.

Commonly affected organs: The heart, liver, kidneys, brain, lungs, and pancreas are frequently involved, but organ damage can affect any system. Examples include myocardial infarction causing heart damage, acute kidney injury from dehydration or sepsis, hepatic cirrhosis from chronic alcohol use, and ischemic stroke.

Diagnosis and management: Diagnosis relies on clinical assessment, laboratory tests, imaging, and sometimes tissue biopsy. Management focuses on treating the underlying cause, stabilizing organ function, and preventing progression, with supportive care and, when possible, rehabilitation. Prognosis varies widely with etiology, extent of damage, and response to treatment. Prevention emphasizes risk factor control, early detection, and avoidance of known toxins.