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DefinitionDacryocystitis is an inflammation of the tear sac (lacrimal sac) at the inner corner of the eye.DescriptionTears drain into little openings (puncta) in the inner corners of the eyelids. From there, the tears travel through little tube-like struct...

DANDRUFF - a patient's guide Editorial Team Overview Dandruff is a mild skin condition, usually confined to the scalp, that can cause irrita...

DefinitionDeath is defined as the cessation of all vital functions of the body including the heartbeat, brain activity (including the brain stem), and breathing.DescriptionDeath comes in many forms, whether it be expected after a diagnosis of terminal illn...

DefinitionDebridement is the process of removing non-living tissue from pressure ulcers, burns, and other wounds.PurposeDebridement speeds the healing of pressure ulcers, burns, and other wounds. Wounds that contain non-living (necrotic) tissue take longer...

DECOMPRESSION ILLNESS - a patient's guide Dr Stephen Adams - Visiting Doctor to the Royal NZ Navy WHAT IS IT? The effect on the body of bubbles forming from sudden d...

DefinitionDecompression sickness (DCS) is a dangerous and occasionally lethal condition caused by nitrogen bubbles that form in the blood and other tissues of scuba divers who surface too quickly.DescriptionAccording to the Divers Alert Network (DAN), a wo...

DefinitionDecongestants are medicines used to relieve nasal congestion (stuffy nose).PurposeA congested or stuffy nose is a common symptom of colds and allergies. This congestion results when membranes lining the nose become swollen. Decongestants relieve ...

DefinitionDeep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in a major vein, usually in the legs and/or pelvis.DescriptionDeep vein thrombosis is a common but difficult to detect illness that can be fatal if not treated effectively. According to the American Hear...

DefinitionDefibrillation is a process in which an electronic device sends an electric shock to the heart to stop an extremely rapid, irregular heartbeat, and restore the normal heart rhythm.PurposeDefibrillation is performed to correct life-threatening fib...

DefinitionDehydration is the loss of water and salts essential for normal body function.DescriptionDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This condition can result from illness; a hot, dry climate; prolonged exposure to sun or ...

DefinitionA delayed hypersensitivity test (DHT) is an immune function test measuring the presence of activated T cells that recognize a certain substance.PurposeThe immune system protects against infection by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. After ...

DefinitionDelirium is a state of mental confusion that develops quickly and usually fluctuates in intensity.DescriptionDelirium is a syndrome, or group of symptoms, caused by a disturbance in the normal functioning of the brain. The delirious patient has a...

DefinitionA delusion is an unshakable belief in something untrue. These irrational beliefs defy normal reasoning, and remain firm even when overwhelming proof is presented to dispute them. Delusions are often accompanied by hallucinations and/or feelings o...

DEMENTIA - a patient's guide Dr Geoff Green - Physician What is it? Dementia is defined as an acquired, usually persistent impairment of intellectual function, inclu...

DefinitionDementia is a loss of mental ability severe enough to interfere with normal activities of daily living, lasting more than six months, not present since birth, and not associated with a loss or alteration of consciousness.DescriptionDementia is a ...

DENGUE FEVER - a patient's guide Dr Logan Mclennan - Family Doctor What is it? Dengue fever is a nasty painful condition which used to be call...

DefinitionDengue fever is a disease caused by one of a number of viruses that are carried by mosquitoes. These mosquitoes then transmit the virus to humans.DescriptionThe virus that causes dengue fever is called an arbovirus, which stands for arthropod-bor...

DENTAL IMPLANTS A dental implant is a titanium metal rod which is placed into the jawbone. It is used to support one or more false teeth. Dental implants are a well-established, tried-and-tested treatment. 90 ...

DefinitionDental trauma is injury to the mouth, including teeth, lips, gums, tongue, and jawbones. The most common dental trauma is a broken or lost tooth.DescriptionDental trauma may be inflicted in a number of ways: contact sports, motor vehicle accident...

DEPO PROVERA - a patient's guide Editorial Team Overview Depo Provera in an injection for contraception The injection...

DefinitionNorplant is a long-acting hormone that is inserted under the skin and prevents conception for up to five years. Depo-Provera is also a hormone, but is administered by intramuscular injection and provides protection against pregnancy for three mon...

DEPRESSION - a patient's guide Drs Dion Martley & Brandon Nemenzik Overview Depression is a common problem One in eight people will suffer fr...

Definition Depression is characterized by severe and prolonged feelings of sadness, dejection and hopelessness. It is a brain disorder that affects your whole body -- your behavior, mood, the way you think and the way your body feels. This is not a person...

Depression in Younger People- a patient's guide Dr Sally Merry -Child Psychiatrist What is depression? Doesn't everybody get depressed ...

BIPOLAR DISORDER (MANIC DEPRESSION) - a patient's guide Editorial Team Overview Manic depression is now known as bipolar disorder. ...

POST NATAL DEPRESSION - a patient's guide Editorial Team Overview Postnatal depression affects about 10 percent of new mothers ...

DefinitionDepression or depressive disorders (unipolar depression) are mental illnesses characterized by a profound and persistent feeling of sadness or despair and/or a loss of interest in things that once were pleasurable. Disturbance in sleep, appetite,...

DefinitionDermatitis is a general term used to describe inflammation of the skin.DescriptionMost types of dermatitis are characterized by an itchy pink or red rash.Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction to something that irritates the skin and is manif...

DefinitionDES (diethylstilbestrol) is a hormone that was prescribed for pregnant women in the 1950s and early 1960s. Many years later, doctors discovered that the daughters of the women who received DES were at high risk for a variety of problems, includin...

DESMOPRESSIN (MINIRIN) - a patient's guide Natalie Gauld - Pharmacy Educator USE: Bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis), central diabetes insipidus (not sugar diabetes),...

DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES IN CHILDREN - a parent's guide Dr Warwick Smith - General and Development Paediatrician Introduction: ...

DefinitionThe nasal septum is a thin structure, separating the two sides of the nose. If it is not in the middle of the nose, then it is deviated.DescriptionThe nasal septum is composed of two parts. Toward the back of the head the nasal septum is rigid bo...

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...

DIABETES - a patient's guide Dr Rick Cutfield - Mercy Specialist Centre, Auckland Overview of diabetes Diabetes is a condition characterised by an elevated blood ...

DefinitionDiabetes insipidus (DI) is a disorder that causes the patient to produce tremendous quantities of urine. The massively increased urine output is usually accompanied by intense thirst.DescriptionThe balance of fluid within the body is maintained t...

Definition Your body needs carbohydrates to keep it going. Carbohydrates, a form of energy, are broken down into a simple sugar called glucose, which every cell in your body needs to survive. Glucose passes from the small intestine into the bloodstream. C...

EXERCISE AND DIABETES - a patient's guide Dr Michael Crooke - Biochemistry Pathologist EXERCISE AND TYPE 1 DIABETES The choice to exercise or to play sport can be di...

DIABETES-TESTING AND CONTROL - A Patient's Guide Editorial Team Overview Frequent blood glucose testing by people with diabetes is important...

DIABETIC RETINOPATHY Dr William Taylor - Eye Specialist, Auckland Eye What is it? Diabetic retinopathy is an abnormality of blood vessels whi...

DefinitionDiabetic foot infections are infections that can develop in the skin, muscles, or bones of the foot as a result of the nerve damage and poor circulation that is associated with diabetes.DescriptionPeople who have diabetes have a greater-than-aver...

DefinitionDiabetic ketoacidosis is a dangerous complication of diabetes mellitus in which the chemical balance of the body becomes far too acidic.DescriptionDiabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) always results from a severe insulin deficiency. Insulin is the hormone...

DefinitionDiabetic neuropathy is a nerve disorder caused by diabetes mellitus. Diabetic neuropathy may be diffuse, affecting several parts of the body, or focal, affecting a specific nerve and part of the body.DescriptionThe nervous system consists of two ...

DefinitionDialysis treatment replaces the function of the kidneys, which normally serve as the body's natural filtration system. Through the use of a blood filter and a chemical solution known as dialysate, the treatment removes waste products and excess f...

DefinitionDermatitis of the buttocks, genitals, lower abdomen, or thigh folds of an infant or toddler is commonly referred to as diaper rash.DescriptionThe outside layer of skin normally forms a protective barrier that prevents infection. One of the primar...

DefinitionDiaphragms are dome-shaped barrier methods of contraception that block sperm from entering the uterus. They are made of latex (rubber) and formed like a shallow cup. Since vaginas vary in size, each patient will need to be fitted by a doctor or n...

DefinitionTo most individuals, diarrhea means an increased frequency or decreased consistency of bowel movements; however, the medical definition is more exact than this. In many developed countries, the average number of bowel movements is three per day. ...

DIARRHOEA - a patient's guide Dr Ali Goldkorn - Medical Researcher What is it? Diarrhoea is a very common symptom with many possible causes. ...

DefinitionDiffuse esophageal spasm is a term used to define an uncoordinated or spastic esophagus.DescriptionThe esophagus is a muscular tube that actively transports food from the throat to the stomach by rhythmic contractions known as peristalsis. The ac...

DefinitionDiGeorge syndrome (also called congenital thymic hypoplasia, or third and fourth pharyngeal pouch syndrome) is a birth defect that is caused by an abnormal chromosome and affects the baby's immune system. The syndrome is marked by absence or unde...

DIGOXIN - a patient's guide Editorial Team Brand name: Lanoxin Use: heart failure (with atrial fibrillation) This medicine is called a cardiac...

DefinitionDilatation and curettage (D & C) is a gynecological procedure in which the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is scraped away.PurposeD & C is commonly used to obtain tissue for microscopic evaluation to rule out cancer. D & C may also be used to ...

DefinitionDiphtheria is a potentially fatal, contagious disease that usually involves the nose, throat, and air passages, but may also infect the skin. Its most striking feature is the formation of a grayish membrane covering the tonsils and upper part of ...

DIPHTHERIA VACCINE - a patient's guide Editorial Team Overview Diphtheria vaccine protects children against diphtheria The vaccine is normall...

SCIATICA AND DISC PROLAPSE - a patient's guide Dr Peter Robertson - Orthopaedic and Spinal Surgeon DEFINITION OF SCIATICA Sciatica is pain within the pathway and dis...

DefinitionDiscoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a disease in which coin-shaped (discoid) red bumps appear on the skin.DescriptionThe disease called discoid lupus erythematosus only affects the skin, although similar discoid skin lesions can occur in the ser...

DefinitionOne of the most common types of back surgery is disk removal (diskectomy), the removal of an intervertebral disk, the flexible plate that connects any two adjacent vertebrae in the spine. Intervertebral disks act as shock absorbers, protecting th...

DefinitionIn medicine, the terms dislocation and subluxation refer to the displacement of bones that form a joint. These conditions affecting the joint most often result from trauma that causes adjoining bones to no longer align with each other. A partial ...

DefinitionThe dissociative disorders are a group of mental disorders that affect consciousness are defined as causing significant interference with the patient's general functioning, including social relationships and employment.DescriptionIn order to have...

DIVERTICULAR DISEASE - a patient's guide Dr Cliff Tasman-Jones - Gastroenterologist What is diverticular disease? Diverticular disease is the medical term encompassin...

DefinitionDiverticulosis refers to a condition in which the inner, lining layer of the large intestine (colon) bulges out (herniates) through the outer, muscular layer. These outpouchings are called diverticula. Diverticulitis refers to the development of ...

FITNESS TO DIVE - a patient's guide Dr Stephen Adams - Visiting Doctor to the Royal NZ Navy What level of fitness is required for diving? This a relative term. There...

DefinitionAs a disorder, dizziness is classified into three categories--vertigo, syncope, and nonsyncope nonvertigo. Each category has a characteristic set of symptoms, all related to the sense of balance. In general, syncope is defined by a brief loss of ...

DONOR INSEMINATION - a patient's guide Dr Richard Fisher - Fertility Associates What is donor insemination? Insemination with donor semen offers the only means of achieving pregnancy for some infertile couples...

DefinitionDoppler ultrasonography is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that changes sound waves into an image that can be viewed on a monitor.PurposeDoppler ultrasonography can detect the direction, velocity, and turbulence of blood flow. It is frequentl...

DefinitionDown syndrome is the most common cause of mental retardation and malformation in a newborn. It occurs because of the presence of an extra chromosome.DescriptionChromosomes are the units of genetic information that exist within every cell of the b...

DOWN'S SYNDROME - a patient's guide Dr Rodney Marks - Family Doctor What is Down's Syndrome? Human cells consist of 46 chromosomes which contain the ...

DefinitionDrug metabolism is the process by which the body breaks down and converts medication into active chemical substances.PrecautionsDrugs can interact with other drugs, foods, and beverages. Interactions can lessen or magnify the desired therapeutic ...

DefinitionA drug overdose is the accidental or intentional use of a drug or medicine in an amount that is higher than is normally used.DescriptionAll drugs have the potential to be misused, whether legally prescribed by a doctor, purchased over-the-counter...

DefinitionDrug therapy monitoring, also known as Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM), is a means of monitoring drug levels in the blood.PurposeTDM is employed to measure blood drug levels so that the most effective dosage can be determined, with toxicity pre...

DefinitionThese drugs are used to induce (start) or continue labor.PurposeThe drug decribed here, oxytocin, makes the uterus (womb) contract. Physicians use it to deliberately start labor. Because there are some risks with using oxytocin, this should be do...

RISKS OF RECREATIONAL DRUG USE Editorial Team What are the dangers of recreational drug use? There is evidence that recreational drug use in on the ...

DRY EYE PRODUCTS (ARTIFICIAL TEARS) - a patient's guide Natalie Gauld - Pharmacy Educator Brands: Eye drops with preservative: Liquifilm Tear...

DefinitionDry mouth, known medically as xerostomia, is the abnormal reduction of saliva due to medication, disease, or medical therapy.DescriptionDry mouth due to the lack of saliva can be a serious medical problem. Decreased salivation can make swallowing...

DefinitionDuodenal obstruction is a failure of food to pass out of the stomach either from a complete or partial obstruction.DescriptionThe duodenum is the first part of the intestine, into which the stomach, the gall bladder, and the pancreas empty their ...