Antidiuretic Hormone
Full Form of ADH
What is ADH?
Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, is a peptide hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary gland. Its primary function is to regulate the body's water balance by increasing the reabsorption of water in the kidneys, thereby reducing urine output and conserving fluid. In the Indian healthcare context, ADH plays a critical role in diagnosing and managing conditions such as diabetes insipidus (which causes excessive thirst and urination) and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), often seen in hospital settings. The hormone is also involved in blood pressure regulation and is used therapeutically in cases of septic shock or esophageal varices. Medical students and professionals in India frequently encounter ADH in physiology, pharmacology, and endocrinology curricula, and questions on its action and disorders are common in NEET PG, AIIMS, and other competitive exams. Understanding ADH is essential for clinicians dealing with fluid and electrolyte imbalances, making it a cornerstone topic in Indian medical education.
ADH का फुल फॉर्म
एंटीडाययूरेटिक हार्मोन
Example
In a patient with excessive urination and thirst, a water deprivation test is used to assess the kidneys' response to ADH and diagnose diabetes insipidus.