Health Library

D and C is a procedure to scrape and collect the tissue (endometrium) from inside the uterus. Dilation (“D”) is a widening of the cervix to allow instruments into the uterus. Curettage (“C”) is the scraping of the walls of the uterus.

D-xylose absorption is a laboratory test to determine how well the intestines absorb a simple sugar (D-xylose). The test helps determine if nutrients are being properly absorbed.

A Dacron graft is a synthetic (manmade) material used to replace normal body tissues. It is usually made in tubular form to replace or repair blood vessels. The graft causes very few reactions because it is chemically harmless and easily tolerated by the body. When used in blood vessels, the body ...

Dacryoadenitis is an inflammation of the tear-producing gland (lacrimal gland).

Decerebrate posture is an abnormal body posture that involves the arms and legs being held straight out, the toes being pointed downward, and the head and neck being arched backwards. The muscles are tightened and held rigidly. This type of posturing usually means there has been severe damage to the ...

Decorticate posture is an that involves rigidity, flexion of the arms, clenched fists, and extended legs (held out straight). The arms are bent inward toward the body with the wrists and fingers bent and held on the chest. This type of posturing is a sign of severe damage to the brain. It ...

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical treatment in which a device called a neurostimulator delivers tiny electrical signals to the areas of the brain that control movement.

Deep venous thrombosis is the formation of a in a vein that is deep inside a part of the body, usually the legs.

Dehydration means your body does not have as much water and fluids as it should. Dehydration can be caused by losing too much fluid, not drinking enough water or fluids, or both. Vomiting and diarrhea are common causes. Infants and children are more susceptible to dehydration than adults because ...

Delayed ejaculation is a medical condition in which a male is unable to ejaculate, either during intercourse or with manual stimulation in the presence of a partner. Ejaculation is the action in which semen is release from the penis.

Delayed growth is poor or abnormally slow height or weight gains in a child younger than age 5. This may just be normal, and the child may outgrow it. See also:

Delirium is sudden severe and rapid changes in brain function that occur with physical or mental illness.

Delirium tremens is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that involves sudden and severe mental or neurological changes.

Delivery presentation describes the way the baby (fetus) is positioned to come down the birth canal for delivery.

Delta agent is a type of virus called hepatitis D that causes symptoms only in people who also have a infection.

Delta-ALA is a protein (amino acid) produced by the liver. A test can be done to measure the amount of this substance in your urine.

Dementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior. See also:

Dementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects memory, thinking, and behavior. See also:

Dementia is a loss of brain function over weeks, months, or years that occurs with certain diseases. It affects memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior. Similar changes that occur over hours or a day or two is called or encephalopathy. Metabolism refers to all the physical and chemical ...

Dengue fever is a virus-based disease spread by mosquitoes. See also:

Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a severe, potentially deadly infection spread by certain species of mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti). See also:

Proper care of your child’s teeth and gums includes brushing and rinsing, routine dental exams, and any necessary treatments such as fluoride, extractions, fillings, or braces and other orthodontics. See also:

Cavities are holes, or structural damage, in the teeth. See also:

The home dental plaque identification test identifies plaque, a sticky substance that collects around and between teeth. The test helps show how well you are brushing and flossing your teeth. Plaque is the major cause of and gum disease (). It is hard to see with the naked eye because it is ...

Dental x-rays are a type of picture of the teeth and mouth. X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. They are of higher energy, however, and can penetrate the body to form an image on film. Structures that are dense (such as silver fillings or metal restoration) ...

Deodorant poisoning occurs when someone swallows deodorant. This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at ...

Dependent personality disorder is a long-term (chronic) condition in which people depend too much on others to meet their emotional and physical needs.

Depilatory is a product used to remove unwanted hair. Depilatory poisoning occurs when someone swallows this substance. This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number ...

Depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods. Clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for an ...

Depression is a medical illness in which a person has persistent feelings of ,often with and a lack of self-worth. Depression in the elderly is a widespread problem, but is often not recognized or treated.

Dermabrasion is the removal of the top layers of the skin. It is a type of skin smoothing surgery.

Dermatitis herpetiformis is an extremely itchy rash made of bumps and blisters. The rash is chronic, which means it continues over a long period of time.

Dermatomyositis is a muscle disease characterized by inflammation and a skin rash. It is a type of inflammatory myopathy.

Dermatoses is a general term used to describe any skin defect or lesion on the skin. means it affects the entire body, rather than a single part.

Desipramine hydrochloride is a type of medicine called a tricyclic antidepressant. Desipramine hydrochloride occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication. This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or ...

Detergents are powerful cleaning products that may contain strong acids, alkalis, or phosphates. Cationic detergents are often used as germ-killing cleansers (antiseptics) in hospitals. Anionic detergents are sometimes used to clean carpeting. Detergent poisoning occurs when someone swallows ...

Developmental coordination disorder is a childhood disorder that leads to poor coordination and clumsiness.

Developmental disorders of the female reproductive tract are problems in a baby girl’s reproductive organs that occur while she is growing in her mother’s body. Female reproductive organs include the , ovaries, uterus, and .

Developmental disorders of the vagina and vulva include many different structural problems that occur while the baby is developing in the mother’s womb.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a dislocation of the hip joint that is present at birth. The condition is found in babies or young children.

The typical 12-month-old child will demonstrate certain physical and mental skills. These skills are called developmental milestones.

Skills and growth milestones of 18-month-old children describes the physical and mental development that is expected for this age.

This article describes the skills and growth targets of 2-month-old infants.

This article describes the skills and growth markers relevant to 3-year-olds.

Typical 4-month-old infants are expected to develop certain physical and mental skills. These skills are called milestones.

There are skills and growth markers expected in a typical 4-year-old child. These milestones are physical and mental developments considered normal for this age group.

This article describes the skills and growth markers relevant to 5-year-old children.

This article describes the skills and growth targets for 6-month-old infants.

At 9 months, a typical infant will have certain skills and reach growth markers called milestones.

Developmental reading disorder, also called dyslexia, is a reading disability that occurs when the brain does not properly recognize and process certain symbols.

Dexamethasone suppression test measures the response of the to .

Dextrocardia is a condition in which the heart is pointed toward the right side of the chest instead of normally pointing to the left. It is present at birth (congenital).

Dextromethorphan is a medicine that helps stop coughing. It is considered a cough suppressant. Dextromethorphan occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication. This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or ...

DHEA-sulfate test measures the amount of DHEA-sulfate in the blood. DHEA-sulfate is a weak male hormone (androgen) produced by the adrenal gland in both men and women.

Diabetes is a chronic (lifelong) disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood. See also:

Diabetes is a (lifelong) disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood. Those with diabetes are at high risk for a number of complications. See also:

is high blood sugar (glucose) that starts or is first diagnosed during pregnancy. Pregnant women with gestational diabetes tend to have larger babies at birth. This can increase the chance of problems at the time of delivery. This article discusses the diet recommendations for women with gestational ...

The American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association have developed specific dietary guidelines for people with . This article focuses on diet guidelines for people with type 1 diabetes. See also:

The American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association have developed specific dietary guidelines for people with . This article focuses on diet recommendations for people with type 2 diabetes. See also:

Diabetes insipidus is a condition in which the kidneys are unable to conserve water.

Central diabetes insipidus is a rare condition that involves extreme thirst and excessive urination. See also:

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is a disorder in which a defect in the small tubes (tubules) in the kidneys causes a person to pass a large amount of urine. The tubules allow water to be removed from the body or reabsorbed. See also:

Diabetic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS) is a complication of that involves extremely high blood sugar (glucose) levels without the presence of ketones. Ketones are byproducts of fat breakdown.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a complication of that occurs when the body cannot use sugar (glucose) as a fuel source because the body has no insulin or not enough insulin, and fat is used instead. Byproducts of fat breakdown, called ketones, build up in the body.

Diabetic nephropathy is kidney disease or damage that results as a complication of . See also:

Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of , in which nerves are damaged as a result of high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).

Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the eye’s retina that occurs with long-term diabetes. See also:

Diagnostic laparoscopy is a procedure that allows a health care provider to look directly at the contents of a patient’s abdomen or pelvis, including the fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, small bowel, large bowel, appendix, liver, and gallbladder.

Dialysis is a method of removing toxic substances (impurities or wastes) from the blood when the kidneys are unable to remove these substances. There are different types of kidney dialysis. This article focuses on hemodialysis.

A diaper rash is a skin problem that develops in the area beneath an infant’s diaper.

A diaphragmatic hernia is a birth defect in which there is an abnormal opening in the diaphragm, the muscle that helps you breathe. The opening allows part of the organs from the belly (stomach, spleen, liver, and intestines) to go up into the chest cavity near the lungs.

The diaphragm is a large dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest cavity (where your heart and lungs are) from the belly area. The diaphragm is a very important muscle for breathing. A is an opening or tear in the diaphragm. Diaphragmatic hernias in babies are very rare and occur in one out of ...

Diarrhea is loose, watery, and frequent stool. Diarrhea is considered chronic (long-term) when you have had loose or frequent stools for more than 4 weeks.

Diarrhea in children and babies is the passage of loose stools.

Diastasis recti is a separation between the left and right side of the rectus abdominis muscle, which covers the front surface of the belly area.

Diazepam is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety disorders. Diazepam occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication. This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison ...

Diazinon is an insecticide, a product used to kill or control bugs. Poisoning can occur if you swallow this product. This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such ...

Diclofenac sodium is a prescription medicine used to relieve pain and swelling. It is an nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Diclofenac sodium occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication. This is for information ...

Dieffenbachia is a type of house plant with large, colorful leaves. Poisoning can occur if you eat the leaves of this plant. This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency ...

Diesel oil is a heavy oil used in diesel engines. Diesel oil poisoning occurs when someone swallows diesel oil. This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as ...

The energy stored in food is measured in terms of calories. Technically, 1 calorie is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water 1 degree centigrade. The calorie measure used commonly to discuss the energy content of food is actually a kilocalorie or 1000 real ...

People with need special nutritional planning and management. See also:

When you have chronic , you need to make changes in your diet, including: Limiting fluids Eating a low-protein diet (this may be recommended) Restricting salt, potassium, phosphorous, and other Getting enough calories if you are losing weight Your recommended diet may change over time if your kidney ...

The foods you eat may cause, worsen, or relieve .

A person with must eat a special diet. This diet protects the liver from working too hard and helps it to function as well as possible.

There are nutritional and dietary elements that have proven relationships to certain diseases or conditions. For additional information on FDA-approved health claims, refer to .

Diffuse interstitial lung disease refers to a group of lung disorders in which the deep lung tissues become inflamed.

Digestive diseases are disorders of the digestive tract, which is sometimes called the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In digestion, food and drink are broken down to small parts (called nutrients) that the body can absorb and use as energy and building blocks for cells. The digestive tract is made ...

A digital rectal exam is an examination of the lower rectum. The doctor uses a gloved, lubricated finger to check for abnormalities.

Digitalis is a medication prescribed to certain heart patients. Digitalis toxicity is a complication of digitalis therapy, or it may be occur when someone takes more than a large amount of the drug at one time. (This is called an acute ingestion.) The most common prescription form of this ...

The digoxin test checks to see how much of the medication digoxin you have in your blood. Digoxin is a type of medicine called a cardiac glycoside, which is used to treat certain heart problems. See also:

Dilantin is a medicine used to prevent seizures. occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication. This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an ...

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart becomes weakened and enlarged, and it cannot pump blood efficiently. The decreased heart function can affect the lungs, liver, and other body systems. There are several different types of . Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common form. ...

Dimenhydrinate is a type of medicine called an antihistamine. Dimenhydrinate occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication. This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison ...

This article discusses the health effects from an overdose of diphenhydramine, a type of medicine called an antihistamine, which is found in various allergy and sleep medicines. occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of a drug or ...

Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

Diphyllobothriasis is an infection from a fish tapeworm.

This is poisoning from swallowing or eating dirt. This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Diskectomy is surgery to remove all or part of a cushion that helps protect your spinal column. These cushions, called disks, separate your spinal bones (vertebrae). When one of your disks (moves out of place), the soft gel inside pushes through the wall of the disk. The disk may then place ...

Diskitis is swelling (inflammation) and irritation of the space between the bones of the spine (intervertebral disk space).

A dislocation is a separation of two bones where they meet at a joint. (Joints are areas where two bones come together.) A dislocated bone is no longer in its normal position, which may result in damage to ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels.

Disorder of written expression is a childhood condition that involves poor writing skills.

Dissect means to cut or separate tissues. Surgeons dissect tissue during surgery.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a serious disorder in which the proteins that control blood clotting become abnormally active.

Disseminated tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that has spread from the lungs to other parts of the body through the blood or . See also:

Distal refers to sites located away from a reference point. When used in medicine, it refers to parts of the body further away from the center. For example, the hand is distal to the shoulder. The thumb is distal to the wrist. Usually, that reference point is the center or midline of the body. ...

Distal median nerve dysfunction is a form of that affects the movement of or sensation in the hands. A common type of distal median nerve dysfunction is .

Distal renal tubular acidosis is a disease that occurs when the kidneys don’t remove acid properly into the urine, leaving the blood too acidic (called acidosis).

Diverticulitis is small, bulging sacs or pouches of the inner lining of the intestine (diverticulosis) that become inflamed or infected. Most often, these pouches are in the large intestine (colon).

Dizziness is light-headedness, feeling like you might faint, being unsteady, loss of balance, or vertigo (a feeling that you or the room is spinning or moving). Most causes of dizziness are not serious and either quickly get better on their own or are easily treated.

A doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) is a physician licensed to practice medicine, perform surgery, and prescribe medication.

The Donath-Landsteiner test is a blood test to detect harmful related to a rare disorder called . The antibodies form and destroy red blood cells when the body is exposed to cold temperatures.

This test uses to examine the blood flow in the major arteries and veins in the arms and legs.

Double aortic arch is an abnormal formation of the aorta, the large artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. It is a congenital problem, which means that it is present at birth. See also:

Double inlet left ventricle (DILV) is a congenital heart defect that affects the valves and chambers of the heart. Congenital means it is present from birth. Babies born with this condition have only one working lower chamber (ventricle) in their heart.

Double outlet right ventricle (DORV) is a in which the aorta rises from the right ventricle (the chamber of the heart that pumps blood to the lungs), instead of from the left ventricle (the normal pumpng chamber to the body). Both the pulmonary artery (which carries oxygen-poor blood to the ...

Down syndrome is a genetic condition in which a person has 47 instead of the usual 46.

Doxepin is a type of medication called a tricyclic antidepressant. The drug is prescribed to treat depression and anxiety. Doxepin occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication. This is for information only and not for use in ...

Drain cleaners contain very dangerous chemicals that can be harmful to your health if swallowed or breathed in (inhaled). This article discusses poisoning from swallowing or breathing in drain cleaner. This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison ...

Drain opening agents are chemicals used to open clogged drains, often in homes. Drain opening agent poisoning can occur if a child accidentally drinks these chemicals, or if someone splashes the poison into the eyes when pouring it or breathes in the fumes of “foaming” drain openers. ...

Drainpipe cleaners are chemicals used to clean drainpipes. Drainpipe cleaner poisoning occurs when someone swallows or breathes in (inhales) a drainpipe cleaner. This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you ...

Drooling is saliva flowing outside the mouth.

Drowsiness refers to feeling abnormally sleepy during the day. People who are drowsy may fall asleep in inappropriate situations or at inappropriate times. See also:

Drug abuse is the use of illegal drugs, or the misuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs for at least a year with negative consequences. See also:

is the misuse or overuse of any medication or drug, including alcohol. This article discusses first aid for drug and withdrawal.

Drug allergies are a group of symptoms caused by an allergic reaction to a drug (medication).

Drug dependence means that a person needs a drug to function normally. Abruptly stopping the drug leads to withdrawal symptoms. Drug addiction is the compulsive use of a substance, despite its negative or dangerous effects. A person may have a physical dependence on a substance without having an ...

Drug-induced cholestasis is a slowing of the flow of from the liver that results from medication use.

Drug-induced diarrhea is loose, watery stools caused by certain medications. See also:

Drug-induced hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that may occur when you take certain medications. See also:

Drug-induced hypertension is high blood pressure caused by using a chemical substance, drug, or medication. See also:

Drug-induced is low blood sugar that results from medication.

Drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia is a blood disorder that occurs when a medicine triggers the body’s defense (immune) system to attack its own red blood cells. This causes red blood cells to break down earlier than normal. See also:

Drug-induced lupus erythematosus is an that is brought on by a reaction to medication. See also:

Drug-induced pulmonary disease is lung disease brought on by a bad reaction to a medication.

Drug-induced tremor is involuntary shaking due to the use of medication. Involuntary means you shake without trying to do so. The shaking occurs when you move or try to hold your arms, hands, or head in a certain position. It is not associated with other symptoms. See also: Familial tremor Tremor

Dry cell batteries are a common type of power source. Tiny dry cell batteries are sometimes called button batteries. This article discusses the harmful effects from swallowing a dry cell battery (including button batteries) or breathing in large amounts of dust or smoke from burning batteries. ...

Dry eye syndrome is when the eye is unable to maintain a healthy layer of tears to coat it. See also:

Dry eyes are caused by a lack of tears. Tears are necessary for the normal lubrication of your eyes and to wash away particles and foreign bodies.

Dry skin is most common in your lower legs, arms, flanks (sides of the abdomen), and thighs. The symptoms most often associated with dry skin include: Itching Cracks in the skin

DTaP immunization is a combination vaccine that protects against three bacterial illnesses: , , and (whooping cough). See also:

Dubin-Johnson syndrome is a disorder passed down through families (inherited) in which a person has mild throughout life.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an inherited disorder that involves rapidly worsening .

Duodenal atresia is a condition in which the first part of the small bowel (the ) has not developed properly. It is not open and cannot allow the passage of stomach contents.

The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine. It is located between the stomach and the middle part of the small intestine, or jejunum. After foods mix with , they move into the duodenum, where they mix with from the gallbladder and digestive juices from the pancreas. Absorption of ...

A duplex ultrasound is a test to see how blood moves through your arteries and veins. See also:

Dupuytren’s contracture is a painless thickening and of tissue beneath the skin on the palm of the hand and fingers.

Dye remover is a chemical used to remove dye stains. Dye remover poisoning occurs when someone swallows this substance. This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number ...

Dysarthria is a condition that occurs when problems with the muscles that help you talk make it difficult to pronounce words.

Dyscrasias is a nonspecific term that refers to any disease or disorder. However, it usually refers to blood diseases. Before modern medicine, dyscrasias meant an imbalance of four body fluids: blood, bile, lymph, and phlegm.

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) is abnormal bleeding from the vagina that is due to changes in hormone levels.

Dyshidrotic eczema is a condition in which small, itchy blisters develop on the hands and feet.

Dysthymia is a type of depression in which a person’s moods are regularly low. However, symptoms are not as severe as with major depression.