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DefinitionBabesiosis is an infection of red blood cells caused by the single-celled parasite, Babesia microti, which is spread to humans by a tick bite.DescriptionBabesiosis is a rare, tick-transmitted disease that is caused most often by the single-celled... |
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BABY BATHING - a parent's guide
Editorial Team
Overview
Some newborns enjoy bath time, but many don't, and it can
sometimes be stressful.
... |
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THE BABY WHO CRIES EXCESSIVELY - a parent's guide
Dr Logan Mclennan - Family Doctor
Overview
All babies cry to communicate.
... |
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DefinitionA life-threatening but curable infection that causes an eruption of purple lesions on or under the skin that resemble Kaposi's sarcoma. The infection, which occurs almost exclusively in patients with AIDS, can be a complication of cat-scratch dis... |
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BACK INJURIES - a patient's guide
Dr Chris Milne - Sports Physician
Overview
Back injuries are very common.
Most acute back injuries resolve r... |
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DefinitionBacteremia is an invasion of the bloodstream by bacteria.DescriptionBacteremia occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream. This may occur through a wound or infection, or through a surgical procedure or injection. Bacteremia may cause no symptoms... |
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BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS (GARDNERELLA) - a patient's
guide
Editorial Team
Overview
Bacterial vaginosis is an imbalance of the normal organisms
... |
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Definition
Bacteria are the oldest and most abundant organisms on earth. Bacterial cells are smaller than the human red blood cell. Unlike human and animal cells, they lack a nucleus (the central living part of the cell). Like plant cells, bacteria are su... |
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BAD BREATH (HALITOSIS) - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
Overview
Bad breath is also known as halitosis
Some degree of bad breath is common in most people at various... |
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DefinitionBad breath, sometimes called halitosis, is an unpleasant odor of the breath.DescriptionBad breath is likely to be experienced by most adults at least occasionally. Bad breath, either real or imagined, can have a significant impact on a person's s... |
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DefinitionBalance is the ability to maintain a position. Coordination is the capacity to move through a complex set of movements. Balance and coordination depend on the interaction of multiple body organs and systems including the eyes, ears, brain and ner... |
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DefinitionBalanitis is an inflammation of the head and foreskin of the penis.DescriptionBalanitis generally affects uncircumcised males. These are men who have a foreskin, which is the "hood" of soft skin that partially covers the head of the penis. In bal... |
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DefinitionBalantidiasis is an infectious disease produced by a single-celled microorganism (protozoan) called Balantidium coli that infects the digestive tract. It is primarily a disease of the tropics, although it is also found in cooler, temperate climat... |
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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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DefinitionBalloon valvuloplasty is a procedure in which a narrowed heart valve is stretched open using a procedure that does not require open heart surgery.PurposeThere are four valves in the heart, which are located at the exit of each of the four chamber... |
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DefinitionA barbiturate-induced coma, or barb coma, is a temporary state of unconsciousness brought on by a controlled dose of a barbiturate drug, usually pentobarbital or thiopental.PurposeBarbiturate comas are used to protect the brain during major brain... |
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DefinitionBarbiturates are medicines that act on the central nervous system and cause drowsiness and can control seizures.PurposeBarbiturates are in the group of medicines known as central nervous system depressants (CNS). Also known as sedative-hypnotic d... |
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BARIUM ENEMA - a patient's guide
Dr David Hough - Radiologist
What is it and what is it used for?
The barium enema is an examination of the colon, or large
... |
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DefinitionA barium enema, also known as a lower GI (gastrointestinal) exam, is a test that uses x-ray examination to view the large intestine. There are two types of this test: the single-contrast technique where barium sulfate is injected into the rectum ... |
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DefinitionBartonellosis is an infectious bacterial disease with an acute form (which has a sudden onset and short course) and a chronic form (which has more gradual onset and longer duration). The disease is transmitted by sandflies and occurs in western S... |
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DefinitionBattered child syndrome refers to injuries sustained by a child as a result of physical abuse, usually inflicted by an adult caregiver. Alternative terms include: shaken baby; shaken baby syndrome; child abuse; and non-accidental trauma (NAT).Des... |
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DefinitionBed-wetting is the unintentional (involuntary) discharge of urine during the night. Although most children between the ages of three and five begin to stay dry at night, the age at which children are physically and emotionally ready to maintain c... |
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DefinitionBedsores are also called decubitus ulcers, pressure ulcers, or pressure sores. These tender or inflamed patches develop when skin covering a weight-bearing part of the body is squeezed between bone and another body part, or a bed, chair, splint, ... |
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ENURESIS - a patient's guide
Dr Max Morris - Paediatrician
What is it?
Enuresis means bedwetting and is a common problem in childhood.
The in... |
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BEE STINGS - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
Overview
Bee stings are serious for those who are allergic to them.
A... |
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DefinitionBejel, also known as endemic syphilis, is a chronic but curable disease, seen mostly in children in arid regions. Unlike the better-known venereal syphilis, endemic syphilis is not a sexually transmitted disease.DescriptionBejel has many other na... |
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DefinitionBence Jones proteins are small proteins (light chains of immunoblobulin) found in the urine. Testing for these proteins is done to diagnose and monitor multiple myeloma and other similar diseases.PurposeBence Jones proteins are considered the fir... |
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DefinitionThe Bender Visual Motor Gestalt test (or Bender-Gestalt test) is a psychological assessment used to evaluate visual-motor functioning, visual-perceptual skills, neurological impairment, and emotional disturbances in children and adults ages three... |
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BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA - a patient's guide
Dr Michael Mackey - Urologist
Overview
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a growth of the prostate... |
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DefinitionBenzodiazepines are medicines that help relieve nervousness, tension, and other symptoms by slowing the central nervous system.PurposeBenzodiazepines are a type of antianxiety drugs. While anxiety is a normal response to stressful situations, som... |
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DefinitionBeriberi is a disease caused by a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1) that affects many systems of the body, including the muscles, heart, nerves, and digestive system. Beriberi literally means "I can't, I can't" in Singhalese, which reflects the... |
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DefinitionBerylliosis is lung inflammation caused by inhaling dust or fumes that contain the metallic element beryllium. Found in rocks, coal, soil, and volcanic dust, beryllium is used in the aerospace industry and in many types of manufacturing. Beryllio... |
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BETA-BLOCKERS - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
Drug/Brand Name
Acebutolol: ACB, Sectral
Alprenolol: Aptin CR
Atenolol... |
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DefinitionBeta2-microglobulin is a protein found on the surface of many cells. Testing is done primarily when evaluating a person for certain kinds of cancer affecting white blood cells including chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and mu... |
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DefinitionBiliary atresia is the failure of a fetus to develop an adequate pathway for bile to drain from the liver to the intestine.DescriptionBiliary atresia is the most common lethal liver disease in children, occurring once every 10,000-15,000 live bir... |
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BIOPSY -A Patient's Guide
Editorial Team
What is a biopsy?
A biopsy is a procedure in which a small piece of body
tissue is removed for the purpose of microscopic e... |
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BIPOLAR DISORDER (MANIC DEPRESSION) - a patient's
guide
Editorial Team
Overview
Manic depression is now known as bipolar disorder.
... |
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Definition
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental illness that features extreme changes in mood. A person's mood alternates between manic highs and depression. These mood changes can last for days, weeks, months or even years.
More... |
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BIRD FLU VIRUS (AVIAN INFLUENZA)
- Editorial Team
What is bird flu?
Bird flu is a virus that is caught through close contact with live infected
birds.
Infected birds excrete the virus in their droppings. When the dr... |
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DefinitionBirth defects are physical abnormalities that are present at birth; they also are called congenital abnormalities. More than 3,000 have been identified.DescriptionBirth defects are found in 2-3% of all newborn infants. This rate doubles in the fi... |
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DefinitionBirthmarks, including angiomas and vascular malformations, are benign (noncancerous) skin growths composed of rapidly growing or poorly formed blood vessels or lymph vessels. Found at birth (congenital) or developing later in life (acquired) anyw... |
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DefinitionHumans can be injured by the bites or stings of many kinds of animals, including mammals such as dogs, cats, and fellow humans; arthropods such as spiders, bees, and wasps; snakes; and marine animals such as jellyfish and stingrays.DescriptionMam... |
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DefinitionBlack lung disease is the common name for coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) or anthracosis, a lung disease of older workers in the coal industry, caused by inhalation, over many years, of small amounts of coal dust.DescriptionThe risk of having ... |
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DefinitionBladder cancer is a disease in which the cells lining the urinary bladder lose the ability to regulate their growth and start dividing uncontrollably. This abnormal growth results in a mass of cells that form a tumor.DescriptionBladder cancer is ... |
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Definition
The bladder is a hollow muscular organ in the pelvis that stores and releases urine. The lining of the bladder consists of three to four layers of "transitional" cells, which expand and contract as the bladder fills and empties urine. Most case... |
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DefinitionBladder stones are crystalline masses that form from the minerals and proteins, which naturally occur in urine. These types of stones are much less common than kidney stones.DescriptionBladder stones can form anywhere in the urinary tract before ... |
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DefinitionBladder training is a behavioral modification treatment technique for urinary incontinence that involves placing a patient on a toileting schedule. The time interval between urination is gradually increased in order to train the patient to remain... |
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DefinitionBlastomycosis is an infection caused by inhaling microscopic particles (spores) produced by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis. Blastomycosis may be limited to the lungs or also involve the skin and bones. In its most severe form, the infection ... |
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DefinitionBleeding time is a crude test of hemostasis (the arrest or stopping of bleeding). It indicates how well platelets interact with blood vessel walls to form blood clots.PurposeBleeding time is used most often to detect qualitative defects of platel... |
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DefinitionBleeding varices are bleeding, dilated (swollen) veins in the esophagus (gullet), or the upper part of the stomach, caused by liver disease.DescriptionEngorged veins are called varices (plural of varix). Varices may occur in the lining of the eso... |
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DefinitionBlepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes fat deposits, excess tissue, or muscle from the eyelids to improve the appearance of the eyes.PurposeThe primary use of blepharoplasty is for improving the cosmetic appearance of the ey... |
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BLOOD CLOTS AND THE PILL - a patient's guide
Dr Christine Roke - Family Planning Association
What are blood clots?
Venous thrombosis is when a blood clot forms in the veins
... |
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DefinitionOne of the most commonly ordered clinical laboratory tests, a blood count, also called a complete blood count (CBC), is a basic evaluation of the cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) suspended in the liquid part of the blood ... |
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DefinitionA blood culture is done when a person has symptoms of a blood infection, also called bacteremia. Blood is drawn from the person one or more times and is tested in a laboratory to find and identify any microorganism present and growing in the bloo... |
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DefinitionBlood donation refers to the process of collecting, testing, preparing, and storing blood and blood components. Donors are most commonly unpaid volunteers, but they may also be paid by commercial enterprises. Blood registry refers to the collecti... |
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DefinitionBlood gas analysis, also called arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, is a test which measures the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, as well as the acidity (pH) of the blood.PurposeAn ABG analysis evaluates how effectively the lungs... |
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DefinitionBlood sugar tests include several different tests that measure the amount of sugar (glucose) in a person's blood. These tests are done either on an empty stomach, or after consuming a meal or premeasured glucose drink. Blood sugar tests are done ... |
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DefinitionBlood typing is a laboratory test done to determine a person's blood type. If the person needs a blood transfusion, another test called crossmatching is done after the blood is typed to find blood from a donor that the person's body will accept.P... |
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DefinitionThe blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test measures the level of urea nitrogen in a sample of the patient's blood. Urea is a substance that is formed in the liver when the body breaks down protein. Urea then circulates in the blood in the form of urea ni... |
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DefinitionBlood-viscosity reducing drugs are medicines that improve blood flow by making the blood less viscous (sticky).PurposeThe main use of blood-viscosity reducing drugs is to relieve painful leg cramps caused by poor circulation, a condition called i... |
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HIRSUTISM (EXCESS BODY HAIR) - a patient's guide
Dr Colin Feek - Endocrinologist
What is hirsutism?
Hirsutism in women is the growth of hair ... |
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BOILS
-Editorial Team
Overview
Boils can range in severity from a pimple to an abscess.
They occur when the skin becomes infected by bacteria(usually
... |
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DefinitionBoils and carbuncles are bacterial infections of hair follicles and surrounding skin that form pustules (small blister-like swellings containing pus) around the follicle. Boils are sometimes called furuncles. A carbuncle is formed when several fu... |
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BONE DENSITOMETRY - a patient's guide
Prof Ian Holdaway - Endocrinologist
What is bone density?
Bone mineral density (BMD) is a measure of the amount of
... |
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BONE HEALTH - an overview for patients
Dairy Advisory Bureau
Your bone health and the years ahead
The stooped back ... the falls that result in fractures
... |
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DefinitionBone biopsy is the removal of a piece of bone for laboratory examination and analysis.PurposeBone biopsy is used to distinguish between malignant tumors and benign bone disease such as osteoporosis and osteomyelitis. This test may be ordered to d... |
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DefinitionA bone density test, or scan, is designed to check for osteoporosis, a disease that occurs when the bones become thin and weak. Osteoporosis happens when the bones lose calcium and other minerals that keep them strong. Osteoporosis begins after m... |
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DefinitionBone disorder drugs are medicines used to treat diseases that weaken the bones.PurposeThe drugs described here are used to treat or prevent osteoporosis (brittle bone disease) in women past menopause as well as older men. They also are used presc... |
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DefinitionBone grafting is a surgical procedure by which new bone or a replacement material is placed into spaces between or around broken bone (fractures) or holes in bone (defects) to aid in healing.PurposeBone grafting is used to repair bone fractures t... |
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DefinitionBone growth stimulation is the technique of promoting bone growth in difficult to heal fractures by applying a low electrical current or ultrasound to the fracture.PurposeBone growth stimulation is done when satisfactory healing is not occurring ... |
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DefinitionBone marrow aspiration, also called bone marrow sampling, is the removal by suction of fluid from the soft, spongy material that lines the inside of most bones. Bone marrow biopsy, or needle biopsy, is the removal of a small piece of bone marrow.... |
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DefinitionThe bone marrow-the sponge-like tissue found in the center of certain bones-contains stem cells that are the precursors of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. These blood cells are vital for normal body functions, such as oxygen tr... |
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DefinitionA bone scan is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate abnormalities involving bones and joints. A radioactive substance is injected intravenously, and the image of its distribution in the skeletal system is analyzed to detect certain diseases or... |
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DefinitionBone x rays are a diagnostic test in which ionizing radiation passing through the bones being examined enables an image to be produced on film.PurposeBone x rays are ordered to detect disease or injury to the bone such as broken bones, tumors, an... |
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DefinitionBotulinum is a bacterium (Clostridium botulinum) that produces seven different toxins that can cause botulism and is also medically used to block muscle contractions.PurposeBotulinum toxin (Botox) injection is used in conditions of excessive and ... |
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DefinitionBotulism is caused by botulinum toxin, a natural poison produced by certain bacteria in the Clostridium genus. Exposure to the botulinum toxin occurs mostly from eating contaminated food, or in infants, from certain clostridia growing in the inte... |
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BOWEL ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
Drug/Brand Names
Mesalazine: Asacol, Pentasa
Olsalazine: Dipentum
... |
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BOWEL CANCER - a patient's guide
Dr Ross Roberts - Surgeon
Overview
Cancer of the colon (large bowel) or rectum usually begins as a small
non-cancerous growth called a polyp. This polyp may then undergo changes... |
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BOWEL POLYPS - a patient's guide
The Oxford Clinic
What does a polyp look like?
Polyps are abnormal growths growing in from the lining
of the large intestine (colon... |
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DefinitionBowel preparation is a procedure usually undertaken before a diagnosis and /or treatment can be initiated for certain colon and rectum diseases. Bowel preparation is a cleansing of the intestines from fecal matter and secretions.PurposeThe ultima... |
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DefinitionA bowel resection is a surgical procedure in which a part of the large or small intestine is removed.PurposeBowel resection may be performed to treat various disorders of the intestine, including cancer, obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, r... |
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DefinitionBowel training helps to reestablish normal bowel movements in persons who suffer from constipation, diarrhea, incontinence, or irregularity. Healthy bowel activity is considered one or two movements of moderate size every day.PurposeMany people f... |
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BRACHYTHERAPY FOR PROSTATE CANCER - a patient's
guide
Dr John H L Matthews -Cancer Specialist
Overview
This is one of the three methods u... |
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BRAIN TUMOURS - A patient's guide
Dr Deon Louw Neurosurgeon
Overview
Brain tumours are usually classified as primary or secondary
tumours. Prim... |
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CHILDHOOD BRAIN TUMOURS- A patient's guide
Dr Abhaya Kulkarni Neorosurgeon
Brain tumours are among the most common childhood malignancies
and they vary widely in th... |
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DefinitionBrain abscess is a bacterial infection within the brain.DescriptionThe brain is usually well insulated from infection by bacteria, protected by the skull, the meninges (tissue layers surrounding the brain), the immune system, and the highly regul... |
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DefinitionA brain biopsy is the removal of a small piece of brain tissue for the diagnosis of abnormalities of the brain, such as Alzheimer's disease, tumors, infection, or inflammation.PurposeBy examining the tissue sample under a microscope, the biopsy s... |
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BREAST CANCER - a patient's guide
Dr Paula Weadon - Family Doctor
Overview
Women have a one in 12 chance of getting breast cancer.
Major risk factors include being over 40, a previous breast cancer, and
a ... |
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BREAST CANCER - Family History
Dr Sonja Freese - Breast Physician
Do you have a family history of breast cancer?
All patients with a breast health problem are asked about
... |
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BREAST
ENLARGEMENT SURGERY
Breast enlargement
surgery may be indicated in women who are not happy with the size or shape
of their breasts.
Breast enlargement is usually achieved by placing an artificial implan... |
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BREAST
LIFT SURGERY
Most women
find that their breasts begin to sag and droop as they get older. A breast
lift (mastopexy) is an operation to raise and re-shape your breasts.
Breast lift surgery
... |
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BREAST PAIN
Breast pain (mastalgia) will affect most women at some point in their
lives.
Although breast pain can cause a lot of anxiety in women who fear that
their pain may be due to breast cancer, breast pain is NOT us... |
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BREAST REDUCTION - a patient's guide
Dr Julian Lofts - Plastic Surgeon
What is breast reduction surgery?
Excessive breast enlargement (mammary hypertrophy) causes
a... |
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DefinitionA breast biopsy is removal of breast tissue for examination by a pathologist. This can be accomplished surgically, or by withdrawing tissue through a needle.PurposeA biopsy is recommended when a significant abnormality is found, either on physica... |
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DefinitionBreast implantation is a surgical procedure for enlarging the breast. Breast-shaped sacks made of a silicone outer shell and filled with silicone gel or saline (salt water), called implants, are used.PurposeBreast implantation is usually performe... |
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DefinitionBreast reconstruction is a series of surgical procedures performed to recreate a breast. Reconstructions are commonly done after one or both breasts are removed as a treatment for breast cancer. Also, a breast may need to be refashioned for other... |
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DefinitionBreast reduction is a surgical procedure performed in order to decrease the size of the breasts.PurposeWomen with very large breasts (macromastia or mammary hyperplasia) seek breast reduction for relief of pain in the back, shoulder, and neck. Th... |
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DefinitionA breast self-examination (BSE) is an inspection by a woman of her breasts to detect breast cancer.PurposeA BSE is one of three tests the American Cancer Society recommends to help detect breast cancer in its earliest stages. By regularly examini... |
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BREASTFEEDING - a parent's guide
Dr Clare Woodward - Family Doctor
Breast milk is the natural food for newborns. However,
this does not mean a mother naturally know... |
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DefinitionBreech birth is the delivery of a fetus (unborn baby) hind end first. Between 3-4% of fetuses will start labor in the breech position, which is a potentially dangerous situation.DescriptionThroughout most of pregnancy, the developing fetus is com... |
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BRONCHIECTASIS - a patient's guide
Dr John Kolbe - Respiratory Physician
What is Bronchiectasis?
Air is carried in and out of the lungs by branching air
passages. N... |
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DefinitionBronchiectasis is a condition in which an area of the bronchial tubes is permanently and abnormally widened (dilated), with accompanying infection.DescriptionThe bronchial tubes are the networks of branching tubes which deliver air to the tiny sa... |
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BRONCHIOLITIS - a patient's guide
Dr Logan Mclennan - Family Doctor
What is it?
Bronchiolitis is a name that sounds like bronchitis but
it is a ... |
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DefinitionBronchitis is an inflammation of the air passages between the nose and the lungs, including the windpipe or trachea and the larger air tubes of the lung that bring air in from the trachea (bronchi). Bronchitis can either be of brief duration (acu... |
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CHRONIC BRONCHITIS AND EMPHYSEMA - a patient's guide
Dr Jeff Garrett - Chest Specialist
Overview
If your doctor has diagnosed either chronic bronchitis
... |
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INHALED BRONCHODILATORS - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
TYPE:
Short-acting: Salbutamol, Airomir‚ Ventolin‚ Respolin‚
Terbutaline, Bricany... |
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DefinitionBronchoscopy is a procedure in which a cylindrical fiberoptic scope is inserted into the airways. This scope contains a viewing device that allows the visual examination of the lower airways.PurposeDuring a bronchoscopy, a physician can visually ... |
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DefinitionBrucellosis is a bacterial disease caused by members of the Brucella genus that can infect humans but primarily infects livestock. Symptoms of the disease include intermittent fever, sweating, chills, aches, and mental depression. The disease can... |
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DefinitionBruises, or ecchymoses, are a discoloration and tenderness of the skin or mucous membranes due to the leakage of blood from an injured blood vessel into the tissues. Pupura refers to bruising as the result of a disease condition. A very small bru... |
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DefinitionBruxism is the habit of clenching and grinding the teeth. It most often occurs at night during sleep, but it may also occur during the day. It is an unconscious behavior, perhaps performed to release anxiety, aggression, or anger.DescriptionBruxi... |
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DefinitionBudd-Chiari syndrome is a rare problem that results from blood clotting in the veins flowing out of the liver (hepatic veins). The high pressure of blood in these veins leads to an enlarged liver, and to an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, c... |
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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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DefinitionBulimia nervosa is a serious and sometimes life-threatening eating disorder affecting mainly young women. People with bulimia, known as bulimics, consume large amounts of food (binge) and then try to rid themselves of the food and calories (purge... |
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DefinitionBundle branch block (BBB) is a disruption in the normal flow of electrical pulses that drive the heart beat.DescriptionBundle branch block belongs to a group of heart problems called intraventricular conduction defects (IVCD). There are two bundl... |
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DefinitionA bunion is an abnormal enlargement of the joint (the first metatarsophalangeal joint, or MTPJ) at the base of the great or big toe (hallux). It is caused by inflammation and usually results from chronic irritation and pressure from poorly fittin... |
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DYSURIA (Burning Urine) - A guide for women
Editorial Team
Overview
Dysuria - a painful, burning sensation during urination
- is a common co... |
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DefinitionBurns are injuries to tissues caused by heat, friction, electricity, radiation, or chemicals.DescriptionBurns are characterized by degree, based on the severity of the tissue damage. A first-degree burn causes redness and swelling in the outermos... |
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DefinitionBursitis is the painful inflammation of the bursa, a padlike sac found in areas subject to friction. Bursae cushion the movement between the bones, tendons and muscles near the joints. Bursitis is most often caused by repetitive movement and is k... |
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BUSCOPAN - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
TYPE: Hyoscine N-butylbromide
Use: Muscle spasm of stomach.
This medicine is indicated for the sym... |
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BUTTOCK PAIN IN ATHLETES - a patient's guide
Dr Ruth Highet - Sports Physician
What is buttock pain?
At least half a dozen times a week, an athlete will walk
... |
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