suffocationA condition in which there
is a lack of oxygen due to obstruction to
the passage of air into the lungs. (See
also asphyxia; choking; strangulation.)
sugarSee carbohydrates.
suicideThe act of intentionally killing
oneself. Suicide results from a person’s
reaction to a perceivedly overwhelming
problem, such as social isolation, death
of a loved one, serious physical illness,
or financial problems. It is often the re-
sult of a psychiatric illness, such as severe
depressionor schizophrenia.
Suicide is most common among the
elderly. More men than women commit
suicide, although women attempt the
act more often (see suicide, attempted).
The most common method is poisoning,
usually by taking a drug overdose or by
inhaling car exhaust fumes.
suicide, attemptedAny deliberate act
of self-harm that is or is believed to be
life-threatening but that in effect proves
nonfatal. Attempted suicide is more
common in women and most common
in the 15–30 age group. The rate is high-
est in people with personality disorders
and in those who live in deprived urban
areas or have alcohol or drug problems.
Common precipitating factors include
the death of a loved one, financial wor-
ries, or severe loss of any kind that
results in depression. The most common
method is drug overdose.
Urgent treatment is needed for drug
poisoning. Longer-term therapy aims to
provide support and treat depression.
sulfasalazineA drug used to relieve
inflammation in Crohn’s disease and
ulcerative colitis. It may cause nausea,
headache, fever, and loss of appetite.
sulfinpyrazoneA drug that reduces the
frequency of attacks of gout. Side effects
include nausea and abdominal pain.
sulindacA nonsteroidal anti-inflamma-
tory drug(NSAID) used to relieve joint
pain and stiffness in various types of arth-
ritisand acute gout. Side effects are as
for other NSAIDs.
sulphasalazineSee sulfasalazine.
sulphinpyrazoneSee sulfinpyrazone.
sulphonamide drugsA group of anti-
bacterial drugsthat has largely been
superseded by more effective and less
toxic alternatives.sulphurA mineral that is a constituent of
vitamin B 1 (see vitamin B complex) and
several essential amino acids. In the body,
it is needed for the manufacture of col-
lagenand is a constituent of keratin. It is
used in the form of a cream to treat acne.
sulpirideAn antipsychotic drugused in
the treatment of schizophrenia and
Gilles de la Tourette’s syndrome.
sumatriptanA serotonin agonistdrug
that relieves acute attacks of migraine,
especially those that have not responded
to analgesics; it is particularly effective
in treating cluster headaches. Sumatrip-
tan may cause chest pain and tightness,
flushing, dizziness, and weakness.
sunburnInflammation of the skincaused
by overexposure to the sun. The ultra-
violet lightin sunlight may destroy cells
in the outer layer of the skin and dam-
age tiny blood vessels beneath.
Fair-skinned people are most suscep-
tible. The affected skin turns red and
tender and may become blistered. The
dead skin cells are later shed by peeling.
Calamine lotion soothes the burned
skin. Analgesic drugsmay be taken to
relieve discomfort. A high protection fac-
tor sunscreenhelps to prevent sunburn.
Severe sunburn in childhood increases
the risk ofskin cancerin later life.
sunlight, adverse effects ofProblems
resulting from overexposure to sunlight.
Fair-skinned people are more suscepti-
ble. Short-term overexposure causes
sunburnand, in intense heat, can result
in heat exhaustionor heatstroke. Repeat-
ed overexposure over a long period can
cause premature aging of the skin and
solar keratoses. It increases the risk of
skin cancer. Protection of the skin with
sunscreenshelps to prevent sun damage.
Photosensitivityis an abnormal sensitiv-
ity to sunlight, resulting in a rash.
Exposure to sunlight can affect the
eyes, causing irritation of the conjunctiva,
actinic keratopathy, or pterygium. Good
sunglasses help to prevent eye problems.
sunscreensPreparations that help to
protect the skin from the harmful effects
of sunlight.
sunstrokeA common form of heatstroke.
suntanDarkening of the skinafter expo-
sure to sunlight. Specialized cells in the
epidermis respond to ultraviolet lightbySUFFOCATION SUNTANS