Health Library

Ibuprofen is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication. See also: This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an ...

Ichthyosis vulgaris is a common skin disorder passed down through families that leads to dry, scaly skin.

Idiopathic aplastic anemia is a condition in which the bone marrow fails to properly make blood cells. Bone marrow is the soft, fatty tissue in the center of bones. See also:

Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia is a drop in the number of red blood cells due to increased destruction by the body’s defense (immune) system.

Idiopathic hypercalciuria is the presence of excess calcium in the urine without obvious cause. This condition can lead to or .

Idiopathic hypersomnia is excessive sleeping () without an obvious cause. It is different from narcolepsy in that idiopathic hypersomnia does not involve suddenly falling asleep or losing muscle control associated with strong emotions (cataplexy).

Idiopathic or primary livedo reticularis refers to a netlike pattern of reddish-blue skin discoloration, usually on the legs. The condition is linked to swollen blood vessels. It may get worse when the temperature is cold. Idiopathic means the cause is unknown.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is scarring or thickening of the lungs without a known cause.

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is a in which the immune system destroys platelets, which are necessary for normal blood clotting. Persons with the disease have too few platelets in the blood. ITP is sometimes called immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

Nephropathy refers to damage, disease , or other abnormalities of the kidney. IgA nephropathy is a kidney disorder in which to a protein called IgA build up in kidney tissue. It is also called Berger’s disease.

An ileostomy is an opening in your belly wall that is made during surgery. Ileostomies are used to deliver waste out of the body when the colon or rectum is not working properly. The word “ileostomy” comes from the words “ileum” and “stoma.” Your ileum is the ...

Radiology is a branch of medicine that uses imaging technology to diagnose and treat disease. Radiology may be divided into two different areas, diagnostic radiology and interventional radiology. The field of therapeutic radiology, which uses x-rays to treat cancer, is now called radiation ...

Imipramine is a medicine used to treat depression. Imipramine 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 ...

Immune hemolytic anemia is a condition in which there is a reduced blood cell count due to the premature destruction of red blood cells by the immune system.

The immune response is how your body recognizes and defends itself against bacteria, viruses, and substances that appear foreign and harmful.

Immunization (vaccination) is a way to trigger your immune system and prevent serious, life-threatening diseases. See also:

Immunodeficiency disorders occur when the body’s immune response is reduced or absent. See also:

Serum immunoelectrophoresis is a test that measures immunoglobulins in the blood. Immunoglobulins are proteins that function as antibodies. There are various types of immunoglobulins. Some can be abnormal.

Urine immunoelectrophoresis is a test that measures immunoglobulins in a urine sample. Immunoglobulins are that function as . There are various types of these proteins. Some can be abnormal. See also:

Serum immunofixation is a laboratory technique used to identify proteins, or antibodies, in blood.

Urine immunofixation is a laboratory technique used to identify proteins in urine. See also:

An impacted tooth is a tooth that fails to fully pass through the gums.

Imperforate anus is congenital (present from birth) defect in which the opening to the anus is missing or blocked. The anus is the opening to the rectum through which stools leave the body.

Imperforate anus repair is surgery to correct a birth defect involving the rectum and anus. An imperforate anus defect prevents most or all stool from passing out of the rectum. See also:

Impetigo is a common skin infection.

An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a device that detects any life-threatening, rapid heartbeat. If such a heartbeat, called an , occurs, the ICD quickly sends an electrical shock to the heart to change the rhythm back to normal. This is called defibrillation.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the joining of a woman’s egg and a man’s sperm in a laboratory dish. In vitro means “outside the body.” Fertilization means the sperm has attached to and entered the egg. See also:

Inborn errors of metabolism are rare genetic disorders in which the body cannot properly turn food into energy. The disorders are usually caused by defects in specific proteins (enzymes) that help break down (metabolize) parts of food. See:

Incense is a material that creates a smell when it is burned. Incense overdose can occur when someone accidentally or intentionally sniffs or swallows liquid incense. Solid incense is not considered poisonous. This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual ...

Incidence is the number of new cases of a condition, symptom, death, or injury that develop during a specific time period, such as a year. The number is often expressed as a percentage of a population. For example, 25% of Americans were diagnosed with the flu in 2002. Incidence shows the ...

Incontinentia pigmenti is skin condition passed down through families. It leads to unusual blistering and changes in skin color. See also:

Incontinentia pigmenti achromians is a rare birth defect that causes unusual patches of light-colored (hypopigmented) skin and possible neurological and skeletal problems. See also:

Increased is when the measured distance around the widest part of the skull is larger than expected for the child’s age and background.

Increased intracranial pressure is a rise in the pressure inside the skull that can result from or cause brain injury.

Indigestion (dyspepsia) is a vague feeling of discomfort in the upper belly or abdomen during or right after eating. This may include: A feeling of heat, burning, or pain in the area between the navel and the lower part of the breastbone A feeling of fullness that is bothersome and occurs soon after ...

Indomethacin is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Indomethacin 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 ...

Industrial bronchitis is swelling (inflammation) of the large airways of the lungs that occurs in some people who work around certain dusts, fumes, smoke, or other substances. See also: Acute bronchitis Chronic bronchitis

Infant botulism is a potentially life-threatening disease in which the bacteria Clostridium botulinum grows within the baby’s gastrointestinal tract.

Infant formulas are food products designed to provide for the nutritional needs of infants under 1 year old. They include powders, concentrated liquids, or ready-to-use forms. See also:

Maternal substance abuse may consist of any combination of drug, chemical, alcohol, or smoking use during the pregnancy. While in the womb, a fetus grows and develops due to the nourishment from the mother via the placenta. However, along with nutrients, any toxins in the mother’s system may be ...

An infant of a diabetic mother is a baby born to a mother who has diabetes. The phrase specifically refers to a baby who is born to a mother who had persistently high blood sugar (glucose) levels during pregnancy.

A reflex is an involuntary muscle reaction to a certain type of stimulation. Certain sensations or movements are known to produce specific muscular responses.

Infectious endocarditis is an infection of the lining of the heart chambers and heart valves that is caused by bacteria, fungi, or other infectious substances. See also:

Infectious myringitis is a contagious disease that causes painful on the eardrum (tympanum). It may occur with a middle ear infection ().

Primary infertility describes couples who have never been able to become pregnant after at least 1 year of unprotected sex (intercourse). Secondary infertility describes couples who have been pregnant at least once, but have not been able to become pregnant again.

Sphincters are muscles that allow your body to hold in urine. An inflatable artificial (human-made) sphincter is a medical device that keeps urine from leaking when your urinary sphincter no longer works well. When you need to urinate, the cuff of the artificial sphincter can be relaxed so urine can ...

An influenza vaccine protects people against .

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows down and into the skin of the toe. There may be pain, redness, and swelling around the nail.

Inguinal hernia repair is surgery to repair a hernia in the abdominal wall of your groin. A hernia is tissue that bulges out of a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Your intestines may bulge out through this weakened area. During hernia repair, this bulging tissue is pushed back in. Your abdominal ...

Inhalation (or respiratory) is an infectious disease brought on by breathing in the of the bacteria Bacillus anthracis.

Inhibited sexual desire (ISD) refers to a low level of sexual interest. A person with ISD will not start, or respond to their partner’s desire for, sexual activity. ISD can be primary (in which the person has never felt much sexual desire or interest), or secondary (in which the person used ...

Injury to the kidney and ureter is damage to these organs of the upper urinary tract.

Writing ink poisoning occurs when someone swallows ink found in writing instruments (pens). 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 ...

Ink remover is a chemical used to get out ink stains. Ink 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 ...

Insect bites and stings can cause an immediate skin reaction. The bite from fire ants and the sting from bees, wasps, and hornets are usually painful. Bites caused by mosquitoes, fleas, and mites are more likely to cause itching than pain.

Insecticide is a chemical that kills bugs. Insecticide poisoning occurs when someone swallows or breathes in 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 ...

An insidious disease is any disease that comes on slowly, without obvious symptoms at first, so that the person is not aware of it developing.

Insomnia is difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep, or having nonrefreshing sleep for at least 1 month.

In medical terms, “inspection” means to look at the patient or body part. It is the first step in a physical exam.

Insulin C-peptide is a blood test that measures the amount of C-peptide, a byproduct created when the hormone insulin is produced.

An insulinoma is a in the pancreas that produces too much insulin.

Intercostal retractions are the inward movement of the muscles between the ribs as a result of reduced pressure in the chest cavity. The movements are usually a sign of difficulty with breathing.

Intersex is a group of conditions where there is a discrepancy between the external genitals and the internal genitals (the testes and ovaries). The older term for this condition, hermaphroditism, came from joining the names of a Greek god and goddess, Hermes and Aphrodite. Hermes was a god of ...

Interstitial cystitis is a long-term (chronic) inflammation of the bladder wall.

Interstitial keratitis is inflammation of the tissue of the cornea, the clear window on the front of the eye. The condition can lead to vision loss.

Interstitial nephritis is a kidney disorder in which the spaces between the kidney tubules become swollen (inflamed). The inflammation can affect the kidneys’ function, including their ability to filter waste.

Intertrigo is inflammation that tends to occur in warm, moist areas of the body where two skin surfaces rub or press against each other. Such areas are called “skin folds.”

Intestinal ischemia and infarction is damage to (ischemia) or death of (infarction) part of the intestine due to a decrease in its blood supply.

A leiomyoma is a noncancerous () made up mostly of smooth muscle cells. It is called an intestinal leiomyoma when the tumor is located in the intestinal tract.

Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel that results in the failure of the intestinal contents to pass through.

Intestinal obstruction repair is surgery to relieve a . A bowel obstruction is when the contents of the intestines cannot pass through and exit the body. A complete obstruction is a surgical emergency. See also:

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction is a condition in which there are symptoms of without any physical signs of a blockage.

An intra-abdominal is a pocket of infected fluid and pus located inside the belly (abdominal cavity). There may be more than one abscess.

Intracardiac electrophysiology study (EPS) is an invasive test that allows doctors to determine the details of abnormal heartbeats, or . See also:

Intracranial pressure monitoring uses a device, placed inside the head, which senses the pressure inside the skull and sends its measurements to a recording device.

Intraductal papilloma is a small, noncancerous (benign) that grows in a milk duct of the breast.

Intrauterine means “inside the uterus.”

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) refers to the poor growth of a baby while in the mother’s womb during pregnancy. Specifically, it means the developing baby weights less than 90% of other babies at the same .

Intravascular ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to see inside the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply the heart.

Intravenous means “within a vein.” It usually refers to giving medications or fluids (solutions) through a needle or tube inserted into a vein, which allows immediate access to the blood supply. For example, intravenous (IV) fluids.

An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is a special examination of the kidneys, bladder, and ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder).

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) of the newborn is bleeding into the fluid-filled areas (ventricles) surrounded by the brain. The condition is most often seen in premature babies.

Intrinsic factor is a protein produced by cells in the stomach lining. It is needed for the intestines to absorb efficiently.

Intussusception is the sliding of one part of the intestine into another. This article focuses on intussusception in children.

An invasive disease is one that spreads to surrounding tissues. An invasive procedure is one in which the body is “invaded” or entered by a needle, tube, device, or scope.

Iodine is a trace mineral and an essential nutrient found naturally in the body.

Iodine is a naturally occuring chemical. Small amounts are needed for good health. However, large doses can cause harm. Children are especially sensitive to the effects of iodine. NOTE: Iodine is found in certain foods. However, there is normally not enough iodine in foods to harm the body. This ...

An ion is an atom or group of atoms that has an electric charge. Ions with a positive charge are called cations. Ions with a negative charge are called anions. Many normal substances exist in the body as ions. Common examples include sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and bicarbonate. (See: ) ...

Iontophoresis is the passage of an electrical current onto the skin. Iontophoresis has a variety of uses in medicine. This article discusses the use of iontophoresis to turn off a particular sweat gland.

IQ (intelligence quotient) testing is a series of exams used to determine your general intelligence in relation to other people the same age.

The iris is the colored portion of the eye located between the cornea and lens. The iris’ round, central opening (the pupil) contracts and dilates to control the entrance of light into the eye, allowing you to see well under a variety of lighting conditions.

Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. There are many types of anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is a decrease in the number of red cells in the blood caused by too little iron. See also:

Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells bring oxygen to body tissues. There are many types of anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the blood due to a lack of iron. This article focuses on ...

Iron is a mineral found in every cell of the body. Iron is considered an essential mineral because it is needed to make part of blood cells.

Iron is a mineral found in many over-the-counter supplements. Iron 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 ...

Irradiated foods are foods that are sterilized using x-rays or radioactive materials, which kill bacteria. The process is called irradiation. It is used to remove germs from food. It does not make the food itself radioactive. The benefits of irradiating food includes the ability to control insects ...

Irregular sleep-wake syndrome is sleeping without any real schedule.

Irritability is an excessive response to .

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) refers to a disorder that involves abdominal pain and cramping, as well as changes in bowel movements. It is not the same as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes and .

Ischemic cardiomyopathy is a term that doctors use to describe patients who have reduced heart pumping (squeezing) due to coronary artery disease. These patients often have congestive heart failure. “Ischemic” means that an organ (such as the heart) is not getting enough blood and ...

Ischemic colitis is a sudden swelling (inflammation) of part of the large intestine (colon) that occurs when there is a temporary loss of, or reduction in, blood flow to the colon.

Isolated sleep paralysis is a type of associated with a sleep disorder. Sleep paralysis is the inability to perform voluntary muscle movements during sleep. See also:

Isopropanol is a type of non-drinking alcohol. Isopropanol occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally 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 ...

Itching is a tingling or irritation of the skin that makes you want to scratch the affected area.