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DefinitionUltrasound technology allows doctors to "see" inside a patient without resorting to surgery. A transmitter sends high frequency sound waves into the body, where they bounce off the different tissues and organs to produce a distinctive pattern of ... |
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DefinitionAbdominal wall defects are birth (congenital) defects that allow the stomach or intestines to protrude.DescriptionMany unexpected and fascinating events occur during the development of a fetus inside the womb. The stomach and intestines begin dev... |
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DefinitionSelective abortion, also known as selective reduction, refers to choosing to abort a fetus, typically in a multi-fetal pregnancy, to decrease the health risks to the mother in carrying and giving birth to more than one or two babies, and also to ... |
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DefinitionTherapeutic abortion is the intentional termination of a pregnancy before the fetus can live independently. Abortion has been a legal procedure in the United States since 1973.PurposeAn abortion may be performed whenever there is some compelling ... |
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DefinitionAn abscess is an enclosed collection of liquefied tissue, known as pus, somewhere in the body. It is the result of the body's defensive reaction to foreign material.DescriptionThere are two types of abscesses, septic and sterile. Most abscesses a... |
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DefinitionAn infected skin nodule that contains pus may need to be drained via a cut if it does not respond to antibiotics. This allows the pus to escape, and the infection to heal.PurposeAn abscess is a pus-filled sore, usually caused by a bacterial infec... |
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DefinitionAbuse is defined as any thing that is harmful, injurious, or offensive. Abuse also includes excessive and wrongful misuse of anything. There are several major types of abuse: physical and sexual abuse of a child or an adult, substance abuse, elde... |
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ACCIDENTAL POISONING - a patient's guide
The National Poisons Centre
POISONING PREVENTION
Safe use and storage of household chemicals:
Store all household and garden c... |
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ACE INHIBITORS - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
Brand names
Benazepril - Cibacen
Captopril - Capoten
Cilazapril - Inhibace
... |
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DefinitionAcetaminophen is a medicine used to relieve pain and reduce fever. PurposeAcetaminophen is used to relieve many kinds of minor aches and pains--headaches, muscle aches, backaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, arthritis, and the aches and pains... |
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DefinitionAchalasia is a disorder of the esophagus that prevents normal swallowing.DescriptionAchalasia affects the esophagus, the tube that carries swallowed food from the back of the throat down into the stomach. A ring of muscle called the lower esophag... |
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ACHILLES TENDON INJURIES - a patient's guide
Dr Ruth Highet - Sports Physician
You've just completed an excellent session of speed work
at the track, doing 10 x 400 repeats, then decide... |
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DefinitionAchondroplasia is the most common cause of dwarfism, or significantly abnormal short stature.DescriptionAchondroplasia is one of a number of chondodystrophies, in which the development of cartilage, and therefore, bone is disturbed. The disorder ... |
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ACNE - a patient's guide
Dr Stephen Helander - Dermatologist
Overview
Acne is a common skin complaint
It mainly affects teenagers but many a... |
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DefinitionAcne is a common skin disease characterized by pimples on the face, chest, and back. It occurs when the pores of the skin become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria.DescriptionAcne vulgaris, the medical term for common acne, is the mo... |
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DefinitionAn acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor involving cells of the myelin sheath that surrounds the vestibulocochlear nerve (eighth cranial nerve).DescriptionThe vestibulocochlear nerve extends from the inner ear to the brain and is made up of a vestib... |
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DefinitionAcrocyanosis is a decrease in the amount of oxygen delivered to the extremities. The hands and feet turn blue because of the lack of oxygen. Decreased blood supply to the affected areas is caused by constriction or spasm of small blood vessels.De... |
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DefinitionAcromegaly is a disorder in which the abnormal release of a particular chemical from the pituitary gland in the brain causes increased growth in bone and soft tissue, as well as a variety of other disturbances throughout the body. This chemical r... |
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DefinitionActinomycosis is an infection primarily caused by the bacterium Actinomyces israelii. Infection most often occurs in the face and neck region and is characterized by the presence of a slowly enlarging, hard, red lump.DescriptionActinomycosis is a... |
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ACUPUNCTURE - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
Overview
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine which involves
stimulation of special points on the body.
... |
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DefinitionAcute kidney failure occurs when illness, infection, or injury damages the kidneys. Temporarily, the kidneys cannot adequately remove fluids and wastes from the body or maintain the proper level of certain kidney-regulated chemicals in the bloods... |
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Definition
Your back is an intricate structure, giving you the power to stand, walk, run, sit and lift. The ligaments of the lower back connect the vertebral bones, supporting and stabilizing this area. An unconditioned back is prone to strain when muscle... |
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DefinitionAcute lymphangitis is a bacterial infection in the lymphatic vessels which is characterized by painful, red streaks below the skin surface. This is a potentially serious infection which can rapidly spread to the bloodstream and be fatal.Descripti... |
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DefinitionAcute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) is an inflammation of the kidney tubules (glomeruli) that filter waste products from the blood, following a streptococcal infection such as strep throat. APSGN is also called postinfectious glome... |
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DefinitionAcute stress disorder (ASD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by a cluster of dissociative and anxiety symptoms occurring within one month of a traumatic event. (Dissociation is a psychological reaction to trauma in which the mind tries to cop... |
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ADHD (Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder)
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that makes
it hard for affected children to control their behaviour and pay attention.
ADHD is an illness and ... |
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DefinitionAddiction is a dependence on a behavior or substance that a person is powerless to stop. The term has been partially replaced by the word dependence for substance abuse. Addiction has been extended, however, to include mood-altering behaviors or ... |
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DefinitionAdenoid hyperplasia is the overenlargement of the lymph glands located above the back of the mouth.DescriptionLocated at the back of the mouth above and below the soft palate are two pairs of lymph glands. The tonsils below are clearly visible be... |
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ADOPTION IN NEW ZEALAND - some questions answered
New Zealand Child, Youth and Family Service
This information is a brief summary of adoption in New
Zealand. It is... |
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ADULT ADOPTION INFORMATION ACT
New Zealand Child, Youth and Family Service
If you are an adopted adult, or the birth parent of an
adopted child, the Adult Information Act 1985 gives you... |
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PLACING A CHILD FOR ADOPTION
New Zealand Child, Youth and Family Service
This article deals with some of the issues faced by birth
parents who are considering pla... |
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DISORDERS OF THE ADRENAL GLANDS - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
What are the adrenal glands?
The adrenal glands are two small glands which are next
... |
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DefinitionAdrenal gland cancers are rare cancers occuring in the endocrine tissue of the adrenals. They are characterized by overproduction of adrenal gland hormones.DescriptionCancers of the adrenal gland are very rare. The adrenal gland is a hormone prod... |
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DefinitionThe adrenal gland scan is a nuclear medicine evaluation of the medulla (inner tissue) of the adrenal gland.PurposeThe adrenal glands are a pair of small organs located just above the kidney, which contain two types of tissue. The adrenal cortex p... |
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DefinitionAdrenal virilism is the development or premature development of male secondary sexual characteristics caused by male sex hormones (androgens) excessively produced by the adrenal gland. This disorder can occur before birth and can lead to sexual a... |
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DefinitionAdrenalectomy is the surgical removal of one or both of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are paired endocrine glands, one located above each kidney, that produce hormones such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, androgens, estrogens, aldosteron... |
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DefinitionAdrenocorticotropic hormone test (also known as an ACTH test or a corticotropin test) measures pituitary gland function.PurposeThe pituitary gland produces the hormone ACTH, which stimulates the outer layer of the adrenal gland (the adrenal corte... |
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DefinitionAdrenoleukodystrophy is a rare genetic disease characterized by a loss of myelin surrounding nerve cells in the brain and progressive adrenal gland dysfunction.DescriptionAdrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a member of a group of diseases, leukodystrop... |
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DefinitionAdult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), also called acute respiratory distress syndrome, is a type of lung (pulmonary) failure that may result from any disease that causes large amounts of fluid to collect in the lungs. ARDS is not itself a s... |
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AGE AND THE EYE
Dr William Taylor - Eye Specialist
Introduction
As we all grow older, changes occur in our organ systems
including our eyes. Mos... |
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DefinitionThe word agoraphobia is derived from Greek words literally meaning "fear of the marketplace." The term is used to describe an irrational and often disabling fear of being out in public.DescriptionAgoraphobia is just one type of phobia, or irratio... |
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DefinitionAcquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is an infectious disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It was first recognized in the United States in 1981. AIDS is the advanced form of infection with the HIV virus, which may not c... |
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DefinitionAIDS tests, short for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome tests, cover a number of different procedures used in the diagnosis and treatment of HIV patients. These tests sometimes are called AIDS serology tests. Serology is the branch of immunology... |
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ANTIRETROVIRAL
THERAPY FOR HIV AND AIDS
- a patient's guide
Dr Richard Meech - Infectious Disease Physician
... |
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HIV AND AIDS - a patient's guide
Dr Brian King - Family Doctor
What is HIV and AIDS?
HIV = Human Immunodeficiency Virus - the name of the vir... |
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DefinitionThe alanine aminotransferase test, also known as ALT, is one of a group of tests known as liver function tests (or LFTs) and is used to monitor damage to the liver.PurposeALT levels are used to detect liver abnormalities. Since the alanine aminot... |
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DefinitionAlbinism is an inherited condition present at birth, characterized by a lack of pigment that normally gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. Many types of albinism exist, all of which involve lack of pigment in varying degrees. The condition, w... |
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ALCOHOL ABUSE, ADDICTION & DEPENDENCY - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
Overview
Alcohol may be good for your heart if taken in moderation.
Tee... |
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DefinitionAlcohol, or ethanol, is a poison with direct toxic effects on nerve and muscle cells. Depending on which nerve and muscle pathways are involved, alcohol can have far-reaching effects on different parts of the brain, peripheral nerves, and muscles... |
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DefinitionThe essential feature of alcohol abuse is the maladaptive use of alcohol with recurrent and significant adverse consequences related to its repeated use. Alcoholism is the popular term for two disorders, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. The ... |
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DefinitionAldolase is an enzyme found throughout the body, particularly in muscles. Like all enzymes, it is needed to trigger specific chemical reactions. Aldolase helps muscle turn sugar into energy. Testing for aldolase is done to diagnose and monitor sk... |
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DefinitionThis test measures the levels of aldosterone, a hormone produced by the outer part (cortex) of the two adrenal glands, organs which sit one on top of each of the kidneys. Aldosterone regulates the amounts of sodium and potassium in the blood. Thi... |
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DefinitionAlemtuzumab is sold as Campath in the United States. Alemtuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to CD52, a protein found on the surface of normal and malignant B and T cells, that is used to reduce the numbers of circul... |
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DefinitionAlkaline phosphatase is an enzyme found throughout the body. Like all enzymes, it is needed, in small amounts, to trigger specific chemical reactions. When it is present in large amounts, it may signify bone or liver disease or a tumor.PurposeMed... |
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ALLERGIC RHINITIS - a patient's guide
Dr Vincent Crump - Allergy Specialist
Overview
Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal lining.
... |
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DefinitionAllergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, or ABPA, is one of four major types of infections in humans caused by Aspergillus fungi. ABPA is a hypersensitivity reaction that occurs in asthma patients who are allergic to this specific fungus.Descript... |
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DefinitionAllergic purpura (AP) is an allergic reaction of unknown origin causing red patches on the skin and other symptoms. AP is also called Henoch-Schonlein purpura, named after the two doctors who first described it.Description"Purpura" is a bleeding ... |
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DefinitionAllergic rhinitis, more commonly referred to as hay fever, is an inflammation of the nasal passages caused by allergic reaction to airborne substances.DescriptionAllergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common allergic condition and one of the most com... |
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Definition
Like clockwork, the sneezing and sniffling hits you every spring. Or maybe it's every fall. But chances are it's not a cold. You have allergies. So what are allergies? They are exaggerated reactions of the immune system to substances that in mo... |
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DefinitionAllergy tests indicate a person's allergic sensitivity to commonly encountered environmental substances.PurposeAllergy is a reaction of the immune system. Normally, the immune system responds to foreign microorganisms and particles, like pollen o... |
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PEANUT ALLERGY - a patient's guide
Dr Jan Sinclair -Paediatrician
What is it?
Peanut allergy occurs if a person develops allergic antibodies
... |
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HAIR LOSS & ALOPECIA (BALDING) - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
Hair Loss Overview
Hair loss is a common problem and primarily affects men, but can also
aff... |
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DefinitionAlopecia simply means hair loss (baldness).DescriptionHair loss occurs for a great many reasons--from pulling it out to having it killed off by cancer chemotherapy. Some causes are considered natural, while others signal serious health problems. ... |
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DefinitionThe alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test is a blood test that is performed during pregnancy. This screening test measures the level of AFP in the mother's blood and indicates the probability that the fetus has one of several serious birth defects. The le... |
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DefinitionA hereditary disease of the kidneys that primarily affects men, causing blood in the urine, hearing loss and eye problems. Eventually, kidney dialysis or transplant may be necessary.DescriptionAlport syndrome affects about one in 5,000 Americans,... |
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ALTITUDE SICKNESS - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
Overview
Altitude sickness mainly occurs at heights above 2500 metres
The condition occurs ... |
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DefinitionAltitude sickness is a general term encompassing a spectrum of disorders that occur at higher altitudes. Since the severity of symptoms varies with altitude, it is important to understand the range of the different altitudes that may be involved.... |
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AMBLYOPIA
Dr Justin Mora - Eye Surgeon
What is ambylopia?
Amblyopia is the commonest cause of poor vision in children.
It is sometimes refer... |
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DefinitionAmblyopia is an uncorrectable decrease in vision in one or both eyes with no apparent structural abnormality seen to explain it. It is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that when a decrease in vision is detected, other causes must be ruled out. O... |
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DefinitionAmebiasis is an infectious disease caused by a parasitic one-celled microorganism (protozoan) called Entamoeba histolytica. Persons with amebiasis may experience a wide range of symptoms, including diarrhea, fever, and cramps. The disease may als... |
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DefinitionThe absence of menstrual periods is called amenorrhea. Primary amenorrhea is the failure to start having a period by the age of 16. Secondary amenorrhea is more common and refers to either the temporary or permanent ending of periods in a woman w... |
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AMENORRHOEA - a patient's guide
Dr Catherine Cearns - Family Doctor
Overview
Periods usually start about age 12 and occur every 24-35
days. ... |
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DefinitionAmino acid disorder screening checks for inherited disorders in amino acid metabolism. Tests are most commonly done on newborns. Two tests are available, one using a blood sample and the other a urine sample.PurposeAmino acid disorder screening i... |
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DefinitionAminoglycosides are a group of antibiotics that are used to treat certain bacterial infections. This group of antibiotics includes at least eight drugs: amikacin, gentamicin, kanamycin, neomycin, netilmicin, paromomycin, streptomycin, and tobramy... |
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AMIODARONE - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
Brand names:
Cordarone-X
Aratac
Use: Anti-arrhythmia
This medicine is used... |
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DefinitionAmnesia refers to the loss of memory. Memory loss may result from two-sided (bilateral) damage to parts of the brain vital for memory storage, processing, or recall (the limbic system, including the hippocampus in the medial temporal lobe).Descri... |
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AMNIOCENTESIS - a patient's guide
Dr Richard Fisher - Fertility Associates
What is amniocentesis?
Amniocentesis is a procedure where a small quantity of
... |
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DefinitionAmniocentesis is a procedure used to diagnose fetal defects in the early second trimester of pregnancy. A sample of the amniotic fluid, which surrounds a fetus in the womb, is collected through a pregnant woman's abdomen using a needle and syring... |
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AMOXYCILLIN - a patient's guide
Natalie Gauld - Pharmacy Educator
Brands:
Amoxil, Penamox, Moxlin
Contains Amoxycillin. Available in capsu... |
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DEXAMPHETAMINE SULPHATE
What is it?
Dexamphetamine is a sterioisomer of amphetamine. Amphetamines, often
referred to as "speed", are stimulants.
What is dexamphetamine used for?
- treatment of narcolepsy (the... |
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DefinitionAmputation is the intentional surgical removal of a limb or body part. It is performed to remove diseased tissue or relieve pain.PurposeArms, legs, hands, feet, fingers, and toes can all be amputated. Most amputations involve small body parts suc... |
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DefinitionAmylase is a digestive enzyme made primarily by the pancreas and salivary glands. Enzymes are substances made and used by the body to trigger specific chemical reactions. The primary function of the enzyme amylase is to break down starches in foo... |
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DefinitionAmyloidosis is a progressive, incurable, metabolic disease characterized by abnormal deposits of protein in one or more organs or body systems.DescriptionAmyloid proteins are manufactured by malfunctioning bone marrow. Amyloidosis, which occurs w... |
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DefinitionAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that breaks down tissues in the nervous system (a neurodegenerative disease) of unknown cause that affects the nerves responsible for movement. It is also known as motor neuron disease and Lou Gehr... |
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ANAEMIA - a patient's guide
Dr Hilary Blacklock - Haematologist
Overview:
Anaemia is a reduction in red blood cells (haemoglobin)
... |
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IRON DEFICIENCY AND IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA - a patient's
guide
Editorial Team
Overview
Iron deficiency is the most common dietary deficienc... |
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PERNICIOUS ANAEMIA - a patient's guide
Dr Hilary Blacklock - Haematologist, Mercy Specialist Centre
What is it?
Pernicious Anaemia (PA) is one of the causes of vitam... |
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DefinitionAn anaerobic infection is an infection caused by bacteria (called anaerobes) which cannot grow in the presence of oxygen. Anaerobic bacteria can infect deep wounds, deep tissues, and internal organs where there is little oxygen. These infections ... |
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ANAL FISSURE - a patient's guide
The Oxford Clinic
What is an anal fissure?
An anal fissure is a common disorder which affects any
age grou... |
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DefinitionThe anus is either not present or it is in the wrong place.DescriptionThere are basically two kinds of anal atresia. In boys with high anal atresia, there may be a channel (fistula) connecting the large intestine to either the urethra (which deli... |
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DefinitionAnal warts, also known as condyloma acuminata, are small warts that can occur in the rectum.DescriptionInitially appear as tiny blemishes that can be as small as the head of a pin or grow into larger cauliflower-like protuberances. They can be ye... |
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ANALGESICS (PAIN KILLERS)
Pain is, by definition, unpleasant. Listed below are some common preparations
used to treat the varying degrees of pain severity.
NSAIDs
- aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac
NSAIDs (non-steroidal ... |
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DefinitionAnalgesics are medicines that relieve pain.PurposeAnalgesics are those drugs whose primary purpose is pain relief. The primary classes of analgesics are the narcotics, including additional agents that are chemically based on the morphine molecule... |
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DefinitionAnaphylaxis is a rapidly progressing, life-threatening allergic reaction.DescriptionAnaphylaxis is a type of allergic reaction, in which the immune system responds to otherwise harmless substances from the environment. Unlike other allergic react... |
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DefinitionAnemia is a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin (the component of red blood cells that delivers oxygen to tissues throughout the body).DescriptionThe tissues of the human body need a regular s... |
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DefinitionGeneral anesthesia is the induction of a state of unconsciousness with the absence of pain sensation over the entire body, through the administration of anesthetic drugs. It is used during certain medical and surgical procedures.PurposeGeneral an... |
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DefinitionLocal or regional anesthesia involves the injection or application of an anesthetic drug to a specific area of the body, as opposed to the entire body and brain as occurs during general anesthesia.PurposeLocal anesthetics are used to prevent pati... |
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ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM - a patient's guide
Dr Murray MacCormick - General Surgeon
What is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
An aneurysm is a blowout (distortion) of the ... |
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DefinitionAneurysmectomy is a surgical procedure performed to repair a weak area in the aorta. The aorta is the largest artery in the body and the main blood vessel leading away from the heart.PurposeThe purpose of aneurysmectomy is to repair an aortic ane... |
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ANGINA - a patient's guide
Dr Guy Armstrong - Cardiologist
What is angina? (other names, angina pectoris,
effort angina)
The heart, like other organs, requires bloo... |
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DefinitionAngina is pain, "discomfort," or pressure localized in the chest that is caused by an insufficient supply of blood (ischemia) to the heart muscle. It is also sometimes characterized by a feeling of choking, suffocation, or crushing heaviness. Thi... |
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DefinitionAngiography is the x-ray study of the blood vessels. An angiogram uses a radiopaque substance, or dye, to make the blood vessels visible under x ray. Arteriography is a type of angiography that involves the study of the arteries.PurposeAngiograph... |
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DefinitionAngioplasty is a term describing a procedure used to widen vessels narrowed by stenoses or occlusions. There are various types of these procedures and their names are associated with the type of vessel entry and equipment used. For example, percu... |
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DefinitionAngiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (also called ACE inhibitors) are medicines that block the conversion of the chemical angiotensin I to a substance that increases salt and water retention in the body.PurposeACE inhibitors are used in the t... |
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DefinitionThis test measures blood levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), also known as Serum Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (SASE). The primary function of ACE is to help regulate arterial pressure by converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II.Purp... |
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ANKLE INJURIES - a patient's guide
Dr Ruth Highet - Sports Physician
What is it?
The most common injury to present in a sports medicine
practice is the "ankle sprain... |
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ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
Overview
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an arthritic condition affecting
the spin... |
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DefinitionAnkylosing spondylitis (AS) refers to inflammation of the joints in the spine. AS is also known as rheumatoid spondylitis or Marie-Strümpell disease (among other names).DescriptionA form of arthritis, AS is characterized by chronic inflammat... |
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DefinitionAnorectal disorders are a group of medical disorders that occur at the junction of the anal canal and the rectum.DescriptionThe anal canal, also called the anus, is the opening at the bottom end of the digestive tract and is a combination of exte... |
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ANOREXIA AND BULIMIA - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
Overview
The most common eating disorders are bulimia and anorexia
... |
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DefinitionAnorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by unrealistic fear of weight gain, self-starvation, and conspicuous distortion of body image. The name comes from two Latin words that mean nervous inability to eat. In females who have begun ... |
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DefinitionAn anoscopy is an examination of the rectum in which a small tube is inserted into the anus to screen, diagnose, and evaluate problems of the anus and anal canal.PurposeThis test may be ordered for the evaluation of perianal or anal pain, hemorrh... |
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DefinitionThe term anosmia means lack of the sense of smell. It may also refer to a decreased sense of smell. Ageusia, a companion word, refers to a lack of taste sensation. Patients who actually have anosmia may complain wrongly of ageusia, although they ... |
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DefinitionAntacids are medicines that neutralize stomach acid.PurposeAntacids are used to relieve acid indigestion, upset stomach, sour stomach, and heartburn. Additional components of some formulations include dimethicone, to reduce gas pains (flatulence)... |
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DefinitionAntenatal testing includes any diagnostic procedures performed before the birth of a baby.PurposeThese tests and exams are essential for protecting the health of a pregnant woman and her developing child.PrecautionsSome tests, such as amniocentis... |
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DefinitionAntepartum testing consists of a variety of tests performed late in pregnancy to verify fetal well-being, as judged by the baby's heart rate and other characteristics. Antepartum tests include the nonstress test (NST), biophysical profile, and co... |
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DefinitionAnthrax is an infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis that primarily affects livestock but that can occasionally spread to humans, affecting either the skin, intestines, or lungs. In humans, the infection can often be treated, but it... |
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DefinitionAnti-hyperuricemic drugs are used to treat hyperuricemia, the state of having too much uric acid in the blood.PurposeAnti-hyperuricemic drugs decrease the levels of uric acid in the blood, either by increasing the rate at which uric acid is excre... |
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DefinitionAnti-insomnia drugs are medicines that help people fall asleep or stay asleep.PurposePhysicians prescribe anti-insomnia drugs for short-term treatment of insomnia-a sleep problem in which people have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep or wa... |
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DefinitionAnti-itch drugs are medicines taken by mouth or by injection to relieve itching.PurposeThe medicine described here, hydroxyzine, is a type of antihistamine used to relieve itching caused by allergic reactions. An allergic reaction occurs when the... |
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