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DefinitionAn otoscope is a hand-held instrument with a tiny light and a cone-shaped attachment called an ear speculum, which is used to examine the ear canal. An ear examination is a normal part of most physical examinations by a doctor or nurse. It is als...

DefinitionEar surgery is the treatment of diseases, injuries, or deformations of the ear by operation with instruments.PurposeEar surgery is performed to correct certain types of hearing loss, and to treat diseases of, injuries to, or deformities of the ea...

GLUE EAR AND OTITIS MEDIA - a patient's guide Dr Colin Brown - ENT Surgeon, Starship Hospital What is it? "Otitis media" means there is fluid behind the eardrum ...

DefinitionEchinococcosis (Hydatid disease) refers to human infection by the immature (larval) form of tapeworm, Echinococcus. One of three forms of the Echinococcus spp., E. granulosus, lives on dogs and livestock, and infects humans through contact with t...

DefinitionEchocardiography is a diagnostic test that uses ultrasound waves to create an image of the heart muscle. Ultrasound waves that rebound or echo off the heart can show the size, shape, and movement of the heart's valves and chambers as well as the ...

ECTOPIC PREGNANCY - a patient's guide Editorial Team What is an ectopic pregnancy? An ectopic pregnancy is one that occurs in an abnormal pla...

DefinitionIn an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants in a location outside the uterus and tries to develop there. The word ectopic means "in an abnormal place or position." The most common site is the fallopian tube, the tube that normally carrie...

ECZEMA - a patient's guide Dr Stephen Helander - Dermatologist WHAT IS IT? Eczema is the most common inflammatory disorder of the skin. It a...

DefinitionEdema is a condition of abnormally large fluid volume in the circulatory system or in tissues between the body's cells (interstitial spaces).DescriptionNormally the body maintains a balance of fluid in tissues by ensuring that the same of amount ...

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) The European Health Insurance Card has replaced the E111 form. On 31 December 2005, the E111 ceased to be valid. From 1 January 2006, you need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive ...

DefinitionThe Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) refer to a group of inherited disorders that affect collagen structure and function. Genetic abnormalities in the manufacturing of collagen within the body affect connective tissues, causing them to be abnormally...

DefinitionEhrlichiosis is a bacterial infection that is spread by ticks. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness.DescriptionEhrlichiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by infection with Ehrlichia bacteria. Ticks are small, blo...

DefinitionElectric shock injuries are caused by lightning or electric current from a mechanical source passing through the body.DescriptionElectric shocks are responsible for about 1,000 deaths in the United States each year, or about 1% of all accidental ...

DefinitionElectrical nerve stimulation, also called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), is a noninvasive, drug-free pain management technique. By sending electrical signals to underlying nerves, the battery-powered TENS device can relieve a...

DefinitionElectrical stimulation of the brain (ESB) is a relatively new technique used to treat chronic pain and tremors associated with Parkinson disease. ESB is administered by passing an electrical current through an electrode implanted in the brain.Pur...

DefinitionElectrocardiography is a commonly used, non-invasive procedure for recording electrical changes in the heart. The record, which is called an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), shows the series of waves that relate to the electrical impulses which oc...

DefinitionElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment for severe mental illness in which a small, carefully controlled amount of electricity is introduced into the brain. This electrical stimulation, used in conjunction with anesthesia and muscl...

DefinitionElectroencephalography, or EEG, is a neurological test that uses an electronic monitoring device to measure and record electrical activity in the brain.PurposeThe EEG is a key tool in the diagnosis and management of epilepsy and other seizure dis...

DefinitionAn electrolyte disorder is an imbalance of certain ionized salts (i.e., bicarbonate, calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, and sodium) in the blood.DescriptionElectrolytes are ionized molecules found throughout the blood, tissues, a...

DefinitionElectrolytes are positively and negatively charged molecules, called ions, that are found within cells, between cells, in the bloodstream, and in other fluids throughout the body. Electrolytes with a positive charge include sodium, potassium, cal...

DefinitionElectromyography (EMG) is an electrical recording of muscle activity that aids in the diagnosis of neuromuscular disease.PurposeMuscles are stimulated by signals from nerve cells called motor neurons. This stimulation causes electrical activity i...

DefinitionElectronic fetal monitoring (EFM) is a method for examining the condition of a baby in the uterus by noting any unusual changes in its heart rate. Electronic fetal monitoring is performed late in pregnancy or continuously during labor to ensure n...

DefinitionAn electrophysiology (EP) study of the heart is a nonsurgical analysis of the electrical conduction system (normal or abnormal) of the heart. The test employs cardiac catheters and sophisticated computers to generate electrocardiogram (EKG) traci...

DefinitionThe word elephantiasis is a vivid and accurate term for the syndrome it describes: the gross (visible) enlargement of the arms, legs, or genitals to elephantoid size.DescriptionTrue elephantiasis is the result of a parasitic infection caused by t...

DefinitionAn embolism is an obstruction in a blood vessel due to a blood clot or other foreign matter that gets stuck while traveling through the bloodstream. The plural of embolism is emboli.DescriptionEmboli have moved from the place where they were form...

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION - a patient's guide Editorial Team Overview Emergency contraception is used to prevent pregnancy AFTER unpro...

THE MORNING-AFTER PILL (POST-COITAL EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVE PILL) Overview The "morning-after pill" is a progesterone-only method of emergency contraception. It is designed to stop you from becoming ...

CHRONIC BRONCHITIS AND EMPHYSEMA - a patient's guide Dr Jeff Garrett - Chest Specialist Overview If your doctor has diagnosed either chronic bronchitis ...

DefinitionEmphysema is a chronic respiratory disease where there is over-inflation of the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, causing a decrease in lung function, and often, breathlessness.DescriptionEmphysema is the most common cause of death from respirator...

Definition Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD is a group of lung diseases that reduce the ability of the lungs to oxygenate the blood. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which usually occur together, are the main diseases that make up COPD. Alm...

DefinitionEmpyema is a condition in which pus and fluid from infected tissue collects in a body cavity. The name comes from the Greek word empyein meaning pus-producing (suppurate). Empyema is most often used to refer to collections of pus in the space aro...

DefinitionEncephalitis is an inflammation of the brain, usually caused by a direct viral infection or a hypersensitivity reaction to a virus or foreign protein. Brain inflammation caused by a bacterial infection is sometimes called cerebritis. When both th...

DefinitionEndarterectomy is an operation to remove or bypass the fatty deposits, or blockage, in an artery narrowed by the buildup of fatty tissue (atherosclerosis).PurposeRemoving the fatty deposits restores normal blood flow to the part of the body suppl...

CAROTID ENDARTERECTOMY - a patient's guide Dr Edic Stephanian - Vascular Surgeon What is it? Carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure performed ...

DefinitionThe endocardium is the inner lining of the heart muscle, which also covers the heart valves. When the endocardium becomes damaged, bacteria from the blood stream can become lodged on the heart valves or heart lining. The resulting infection is kn...

DefinitionEndometrial biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of the endometrium (tissue lining the inside of the uterus) is removed for microscopic examination.PurposeThe test is most often performed to find out the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. Abn...

ENDOMETRIOSIS - a patient's guide Dr Barry Lowe - Obstetrician & Gynaecologist Overview Endometriosis is when the lining of the uterus grows outside ...

DefinitionEndometriosis is a condition in which bits of the tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grow in other parts of the body. Like the uterine lining, this tissue builds up and sheds in response to monthly hormonal cycles. However, ...

DefinitionEndorectal ultrasound (ERUS) is a procedure where a probe is inserted into the rectum and high frequency sound waves (ultrasound waves) are generated. The pattern of echoes as they bounce off tissues is converted into a picture (sonogram) on a te...

DefinitionEndoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a technique in which a hollow tube called an endoscope is passed through the mouth and stomach to the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). This procedure was developed to exami...

DefinitionEndoscopic sphincterotomy or endoscopic retrograde sphincterotomy (ERS) is a relatively new endoscopic technique developed to examine and treat abnormalities of the bile ducts, pancreas and gallbladder. The procedure was developed as an extension...

DefinitionAn enema is the insertion of a solution into the rectum and lower intestine.PurposeEnemas may be given for the following purposes:to remove feces when an individual is constipated or impacted, to remove feces and cleanse the rectum in preparation...

DefinitionA non-cancerous condition that affects many men past 50 years of age, enlarged prostate makes urinating more difficult by narrowing the urethra, a tube running from the bladder through the prostate gland. It can be effectively treated by surgery ...

DefinitionEnterobacterial infections are disorders of the digestive tract and other organ systems produced by a group of gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria called Enterobacteriaceae. Gram-negative means that the organisms do not retain the violet color of ...

DefinitionEnterobiasis, or pinworm infection as it is commonly called, is an intestinal infection caused by the parasitic roundworm called Enterobius vermicularis. The most common symptom of this irritating, but not particularly dangerous, disease is itchi...

DefinitionAn enterostomy is an operation in which the surgeon makes a passage into the patient's small intestine through the abdomen with an opening to allow for drainage or to insert a tube for feeding. The opening is called a stoma, from the Greek word f...

ENURESIS - a patient's guide Dr Max Morris - Paediatrician What is it? Enuresis means bedwetting and is a common problem in childhood. The in...

DefinitionEosinophilic pneumonia is a group of diseases in which there is an above normal number of eosinophils in the lungs and blood.DescriptionEosinophilia is an increase in the number of eosinophils. Eosinophilic pneumonia is characterized by a large n...

DefinitionEpidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of rare inherited skin diseases that are characterized by the development of blisters following minimal pressure to the skin. Blistering often appears in infancy in response to simply being held or handled. I...

DefinitionEpididymitis is inflammation or infection of the epididymis. In this long coiled tube attached to the upper part of each testicle, sperm mature and are stored before ejaculation.DescriptionEpididymitis is the most common cause of pain in the scro...

DefinitionEpiglottitis is an infection of the epiglottis, which can lead to severe airway obstruction.DescriptionWhen air is inhaled (inspired), it passes through the nose and the nasopharynx or through the mouth and the oropharynx. These are both connecte...

EPILEPSY - a patient's guide Dr Logan Mclennan - Family Doctor Overview Epilepsy is a disorder where electrical impulses in the brain discharge in an uncoordinated ...

Definition Normal brain functioning is the result of millions of tiny electrical signals working together to enable movement, sensation, memory, emotion, behavior and consciousness. A seizure is the result of a sudden, irregular discharge of electrical si...

EPILIM (SODIUM VALPROATE) - a patient's guide Natalie Gauld - Pharmacy Educator USE: Epilepsy, mania Sodium valproate (val-pro-ate) is used for epilepsy, including ...

DefinitionAn episiotomy is a surgical incision made in the area between the vagina and anus (perineum). This is done during the last stages of labor and delivery to expand the opening of the vagina to prevent tearing during the delivery of the baby.Purpose...

DefinitionThe Epstein-Barr virus test is a blood test, or group of tests, to determine the presence or absence of antibodies in the blood stream directed against proteins of the Epstein-Barr virus, the cause of infectious mononucleosis.PurposeThe test is p...

ERECTION DIFFICULTIES - a patient's guide Editorial Team Overview Erection difficulties is an inability to achieve satisfactory erections. It is a ...

ERECTION DIFFICULTIES - a patient's guide Editorial Team Overview Erection difficulties is an inability to achieve satisfactory erections. It is a ...

DefinitionErysipelas is a skin infection that often follows strep throat.DescriptionErysipelas, also called St. Anthony's fire, is caused by infection by Group A Streptococci. This same type of bacteria is responsible for such infections as strep throat, a...

DefinitionErythema multiforme is a skin disease that causes lesions and redness around the lesions.DescriptionErythema multiforme appears on the skin and the mucous membranes (the lining of the mouth, digestive tract, vagina, and other organs). Large, symm...

DefinitionErythema nodosum is a skin disorder characterized by painful red nodules appearing mostly on the shins.DescriptionErythema nodosum is an eruption of tender red lumps on both shins and occasionally the arms and face. Bruising often accompanies the...

DefinitionErythroblastosis fetalis refers to two potentially disabling or fatal blood disorders in infants: Rh incompatibility disease and ABO incompatibility disease. Either disease may be apparent before birth and can cause fetal death in some cases. The...

DefinitionThe erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), or sedimentation rate (sed rate), is a measure of the settling of red blood cells in a tube of blood during one hour. The rate is an indication of inflammation and increases in many diseases.PurposeESR is...

ERYTHROMYCIN - a patient's guide Editorial Team Brand Names: ERYC (Erythromycin) EES (Ery. Ethyl Succinate) ERA (Ery. ...

DefinitionErythromycins are medicines that kill bacteria or prevent their growth.PurposeErythromycins are antibiotics, medicines used to treat infections caused by microorganisms. Physicians prescribe these drugs for many types of infections caused by bact...

DefinitionErythropoietin, also called EPO, is a type of protein called a glycoprotein that is formed mainly in the kidneys to stimulate the production of red blood cells.PurposeThe erythropoietin (EPO) test is used to determine if hormonal secretion is cau...

DefinitionE. coli (Escherichia coli) is one of several types of bacteria that normally inhabit the intestine of humans and animals (commensal organism). Some strains of E. coli are capable of causing disease under certain conditions when the immune system...

DefinitionEsophageal atresia is a serious birth defect in which the esophagus, the long tube that connects the mouth to the stomach, is segmented and closed off at any point. This condition usually occurs with tracheoesophageal fistula, a condition in whic...

DefinitionEsophageal cancer is a malignancy that develops in tissues of the hollow, muscular canal (esophagus) along which food and liquid travel from the throat to the stomach.DescriptionEsophageal cancer usually originates in the inner layers of the lini...

DefinitionThe esophagus is the swallowing tube through which food passes on its way from the mouth to the stomach. The main function of this organ is to propel food down into the stomach. There is also a mechanism to prevent food from coming back up or "re...

DefinitionEsophageal pouches, also known as esophageal diverticula, are pocket-like structures formed when the interior space of the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach, protrudes into the walls that surround it.DescriptionThe esopha...

DefinitionAn endoscope as used in the field of gastroenterology (the medical study of the stomach and intestines) is a thin, flexible tube that uses a lens or miniature camera to view various areas of the gastrointestinal tract. When the procedure is limit...

DefinitionEvoked potential studies are a group of tests of the nervous system that measure electrical signals along the nerve pathways.PurposeNerves convey information to the body by sending electrical signals down the length of the nerve. These signals ca...

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...