Use the A-Z list to browse more than 6,000 health-related topics in our library. Clicking on a term opens the definition and, in most cases, links to more information.
"D & C" is more commonly referred to as "Dilation and Curettage" in the medical community. Dilation and Curettage
Expansion of the cervix (dilation) to allow scraping of the cervical canal and uterine lining (curettage). Reasons for the procedure include early-term abortion and diagnosis of endometrial cancer. More Information on Dilation and Curettage: Uterine & Ovarian Health
"D Glucose" is more commonly referred to as "Dextrose" in the medical community. Dextrose
Also Known As: "Grape Sugar, Corn Sugar"
A form of glucose, a simple sugar that is the body's main source of energy. It is also given intravenously for hydration purposes. Dextrose occurs in sweet fruits and honey, and can also be made from starches, such as wheat or corn. More Information on Dextrose: Carbs & Sugars
A non-calorie sweetener and bulking agent that exists naturally in minute quantities in some dairy foods and as an additive to other foods. Products cannot claim to be "sugar free," but can claim not to promote or to reduce the risk of tooth decay. More Information on D Tagatose: Carbs & Sugars
A diagnostic test used to indicate malabsorption. Patients take an oral dose of d-xylose (a type of sugar) that is typically absorbed but not used by the body. Urine samples are taken and analyzed. Low levels of d-xylose may indicate malabsorption. More Information on D Xylose Absorption Test: Digestive Lab Tests
A type of alkylating agent, which are a family of anticancer drugs that combines with a cancer cell's DNA to interferes with cell division. More Information on Dacarbazine: Cancer Drug & Medication
"Dacliximab" is more commonly referred to as "Monoclonal Antibodies" in the medical community. Monoclonal Antibodies
Also Known As: "Cetuximab, Apolizumab, Trastuzumab, Bevacizumab, Rituximab, Alemtuzumab"
Any of a type of antibody made in the laboratory and designed to target specific substances called antigens. They are used to treat several conditions, including some types of cancer. More Information on Monoclonal Antibodies: Cancer Drug & Medication
A condition in which the tissues of fingers or toes (dactyls or digits) become filled with fluid, often leading to swelling. More Information on Dactyledema: Arm & Leg Pain
A condition in which the fingers and/or toes (dactyls or digits) become inflamed. It may occur with certain forms of arthritis, sickle cell anemia and other conditions. More Information on Dactylitis: Arm & Leg Pain
"DAEC" is more commonly referred to as "Diffusely Adherent E Coli" in the medical community. Diffusely Adherent E Coli
Also Known As: "Diffusely Adherent Escherichia Coli"
Bacteria that may stick to intestinal lining in a uniform (not stacked) pattern. It can cause inflammation and diarrhea. Infection occurs primarily from exposure to the bacteria while in traveling developing countries. More Information on Diffusely Adherent E Coli: Gastroenteritis & Food Illness
An isoflavone found in soy products. Along with genistein, it is being studied in the prevention of cancer. It may also be sold as a dietary supplement. More Information on Daidzein: Functional Foods
In the early 1970s, research studies concerning the cardiovascular benefits of taking one aspirin a day began to appear. These studies suggested that a daily aspirin could help to prevent heart attacks. More Information on Daily Aspirin Therapy: Heart Drug & Medication
Also Known As: "RDIs, DRVs, DVs, Reference Daily Intakes"
Nutrient reference values developed by the Food and Drug Administration to evaluate and plan the diets of individuals and populations. They appear on food labels to make their use easier for the general public. More Information on Daily Reference Values: Nutrition Basics
Also Known As: "Daily Reference Values, RDIs, DRVs, DVs, Reference Daily Intakes"
Nutrient reference values developed by the Food and Drug Administration to evaluate and plan the diets of individuals and populations. They appear on food labels to make their use easier for the general public. More Information on Daily Values: Nutrition Basics
"Dalgan" is more commonly referred to as "Codeine" in the medical community. Codeine
Also Known As: "Tramadol, Dezocine, Hydrocodone, Propoxyphene, Dihydrocodeine, Oxycodone"
A type of narcotic analgesic, medications that reduce pain and most also reduce inflammation. They do not eliminate pain, but mask it by increasing the body's pain threshold. More Information on Codeine: Pain Medications
A surgery used to correct a birth defect in which the two great arteries of the heart (the aorta and the pulmonary artery) are in reversed positions. More Information on Damus Kaye Stansel Procedure: Pediatric Heart
A synthetic androgen-based steroid used to treat endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease and hereditary angioedema (swelling). More Information on Danazol: Uterine & Ovarian Health
"Dancing Eyes Dancing Feet Syndrome" is more commonly referred to as "Opsoclonus Myoclonus" in the medical community. Opsoclonus Myoclonus
Also Known As: "Kinsbourne Syndrome, Myoclonic Encephalopathy of Infants"
A neurological disorder marked by unsteady gait, myoclonus (brief muscle spasms) and opsoclonus (rapid eye movements). Other symptoms include difficulty speaking, It may occur in association with tumors or viral infections. More Information on Opsoclonus Myoclonus: Movement Disorders
Also Known As: "Pet Dander, Cat Dander, Animal Dander, Dog Dander"
Tiny flakes shed from animal skin. All animals shed dander to some extent, regardless of hair length. Dander provokes an allergic reaction in many people. More Information on Dander: Indoor Allergies
Shedding of excessive amounts of dead skin flakes from the scalp. It may cause itching, but not redness or scabbing and usually worsens during fall and winter and improves in summer. Unlike dry scalp, it improves with frequent shampooing. More Information on Dandruff: Skin & Hair Basics
A congenital brain malformation involving the cerebellum and fluid-filled spaces around it. Symptoms may begin in infancy and include slow motor development, progressive skull enlargement and impaired intellectual development. More Information on Dandy Walker Malformation: Birth & Genetic Disorders
A congenital brain malformation involving the cerebellum and fluid-filled spaces around it. Symptoms may begin in infancy and include slow motor development, progressive skull enlargement and impaired intellectual development. More Information on Dandy Walker Syndrome: Birth & Genetic Disorders
"Dang Gui" is more commonly referred to as "Angelica Root" in the medical community. Angelica Root
Also Known As: "Archangelica Root, Dong Quai, Angelicae Pubescentis, Holy Ghost Root, Bai Zhi, Angelicae Dahuricae, Archangel Root"
A root from any of a group of Angelica plants or herbs. It may be used in aromatherapy and perfumes. However, some cultures use it as an herbal remedy for loss of appetite, gas or other gastrointestinal problems. More Information on Angelica Root: Herbs & Supplements
An anti-infective medication used to treat leprosy (Hansen's disease) and to help control dermatitis herpetiformis, a chronic, extremely itchy rash. It is available in oral tablets. More Information on Dapsone: Skin Drugs & Medications
"Dark Tongue" is more commonly referred to as "Hairy Tongue" in the medical community. Hairy Tongue
Also Known As: "Lingua Villosa, Black Hairy Tongue, Lingua Villosa Nigra, Lingua Nigra"
A benign condition in which the tongue appears to be covered in hair (usually appearing black, but may also be other colors). These "hairs" are actually overgrowth of normal fingerlike projections on the tongue that have trapped bacteria. More Information on Hairy Tongue: Mouth & Tongue Disorders
Also Known As: "Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension, Hypertension Diet"
A diet designed to reduce high blood pressure. It resulted from a research study called Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. The diet includes restricting all fat, saturated fat, salt, and overall calories while increasing fruits and vegetables. More Information on DASH Diet: Heart Diet & Fitness
"Date Rape Drug" is more commonly referred to as "GHB" in the medical community. GHB
Also Known As: "Liquid X, Liquid E, Gamma Hydroxybutyrate, Liquid Ecstasy, Gammahydroxybutyric Acid"
A colorless and odorless, salty liquid or powder that has sedative effects and has been used as a date rape drug. More Information on GHB: Alcohol & Substance Abuse
A shunt, or diversion, created from the aorta to the pulmonary artery through an opening in the middle of the chest to partially correct a heart defect. It increases blood flow to the lungs and the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the body. More Information on Davidson Shunt: Pediatric Heart
"Davies Disease" is more commonly referred to as "Endomyocardial Fibrosis" in the medical community. Endomyocardial Fibrosis
Also Known As: "EMF, Endocardial Fibroelastosis, Loeffler Disease, Fibroelastic Endocarditis, Loeffler Fibroplastic Parietal Endocarditis"
A rare heart disorder of unknown origin that affects infants and children. It involves a thickening of the endocardium (a thin membrane that lines the inside of the heart) and may lead to congestive heart failure. More Information on Endomyocardial Fibrosis: Pediatric Cancer
An overnight rise in blood glucose that leads to higher levels in the morning hours. It is more common with type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes, but rarely occurs with type 2. Adjusting evening snacks or insulin doses may help prevent this condition. More Information on Dawn Phenomenon: Glucose
"Dawson Disease" is more commonly referred to as "Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis" in the medical community. Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis
A chronic, persistent infection of the central nervous system caused by an altered form of measles virus. It primarily affects children and young adults and usually has a progressive course which results in death. More Information on Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis: Brain Related Infections
Combined therapy (e.g., education, counseling, training) that occurs for at least four hours a day on a daily or near-daily basis. Patients continue to live at home but go in for treatment five to seven days a week. More Information on Day Treatment Programs: Therapy & Support
Daytime training, supervision, recreation and/or medical care for young children, the disabled or the elderly. More Information on Daycare: Healthcare Basics
"DBS" is more commonly referred to as "Deep Brain Stimulation" in the medical community. Deep Brain Stimulation
Also Known As: "Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery"
A surgical procedure in which a battery-powered device (neurostimulator) helps control tremor, rigidity, stiffness, slowed movement and walking problems. It is used to relieve symptoms of neurological conditions, especially Parkinson's disease. More Information on Deep Brain Stimulation: Movement Disorders
"DBT" is more commonly referred to as "Dialectical Behavior Therapy" in the medical community. Dialectical Behavior Therapy
A form of cognitive behavioral therapy used in the treatment of patients with borderline personality disorder that focuses on regularly alternating between different issues of concern. More Information on Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Therapy & Support
"DCCT" is more commonly referred to as "Diabetes Control and Complications Trial" in the medical community. Diabetes Control and Complications Trial
The largest, most comprehensive study of type 1 diabetes management to date. This 10-year study found that long-term control of blood sugar levels significantly reduced the risk of eye, nerve and kidney complications. More Information on Diabetes Control and Complications Trial: Diabetes & Endocrine Basics
"DCIS" is more commonly referred to as "Ductal Carcinoma" in the medical community. Ductal Carcinoma
Also Known As: "Ductal Carcinoma in Situ, Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma, Comedo Carcinoma, Intraductal Carcinoma, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma"
A type of breast cancer in which malignant cells develop in the milk passages (ducts). It may be contained in that area (in situ) or have spread to surrounding tissue (invasive). More Information on Ductal Carcinoma: Breast Cancer
"DCM" is more commonly referred to as "Dilated Cardiomyopathy" in the medical community. Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Also Known As: "Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Congestive Cardiomyopathy"
A condition in which the heart's ability to pump blood is reduced because the left ventricle (one of the two pumping chambers of the heart) is enlarged (dilated). More Information on Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Heart Failure
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