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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.
Topic Index
- + DDC
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- DDC
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"DDC" is more commonly referred to as "Dopa Decarboxylase" in the medical community.
Dopa Decarboxylase
An enzyme present in the body that converts levodopa to dopamine. It is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
More Information on Dopa Decarboxylase: Movement Disorders
- + DDS
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- DDS
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Also Known As: "DMD, General Dentist, Doctor of Dental Surgery, Doctor of Dental Medicine"
A primary care provider who diagnoses, treats and manages a patient's oral health needs. There are two doctorate designations (DMD and DDS). However, these are considered to be equivalent.
More Information on DDS: Oral Health Basics
- + De Morsier's Syndrome
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- De Morsier's Syndrome
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"De Morsier's Syndrome" is more commonly referred to as "Septo Optic Dysplasia" in the medical community.
Septo Optic Dysplasia
A disorder marked by abnormal development of the optic disk, pituitary deficiencies and absence of the part of the brain known as the septum pellucidum. Symptoms may include blindness or pupil dilation in response to light.
More Information on Septo Optic Dysplasia: Pediatric Brain & Nerve
- + De Quervain Tenosynovitis
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- De Quervain Tenosynovitis
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Inflammation of the tendon on the side of the wrist at the base of the thumb.
More Information on De Quervain Tenosynovitis: Arm & Leg Pain
- + Deafferentation Pain
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- Deafferentation Pain
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Pain caused by an interruption of sensory input to the brain, such as occurs with phantom limb pain after an amputation.
More Information on Deafferentation Pain: Pain Basics
- + Deafness
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- Deafness
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"Deafness" is more commonly referred to as "Hearing Loss" in the medical community.
Hearing Loss
Also Known As: "Hearing Impairment"
The gradual or sudden loss of the sense of sound. May be partial (hearing impairment) or complete (deafness).
More Information on Hearing Loss: Neuro Signs & Symptoms
- + Deamination
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- Deamination
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The process of removing an amine group (nitrogen containing atoms) from a protein molecule.
- + DebRA
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- DebRA
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"DebRA" is more commonly referred to as "Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association of America" in the medical community.
Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association of America
An organization for patients suffering from epidermolysis bullosa, a group of inherited skin disorders in which blisters appear after mild trauma.
- + Debridement
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- Debridement
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Removing dead, damaged or infected tissue from a wound to reduce the risk of infection and speed healing.
More Information on Debridement: Skin & Hair Basics
- + Deciduous Dentition
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- Deciduous Dentition
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"Deciduous Dentition" is more commonly referred to as "Baby Teeth" in the medical community.
Baby Teeth
Also Known As: "Primary Teeth, Deciduous Teeth"
The first set of teeth that develop in a child. These teeth assist in feeding and speech and function as placeholders for the developing permanent teeth. These teeth require dental care similar to that for permanent teeth, including dental visits.
More Information on Baby Teeth: Oral Health Basics
- + Deciduous Teeth
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- Deciduous Teeth
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"Deciduous Teeth" is more commonly referred to as "Baby Teeth" in the medical community.
Baby Teeth
Also Known As: "Primary Teeth, Deciduous Dentition"
The first set of teeth that develop in a child. These teeth assist in feeding and speech and function as placeholders for the developing permanent teeth. These teeth require dental care similar to that for permanent teeth, including dental visits.
More Information on Baby Teeth: Oral Health Basics
- + Decitabine
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- Decitabine
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Also Known As: "Alanosine"
A type of antimetabolite, medications that block the body's chemical process, such as those that create chemical, proteins and substances needed for cells to grow and multiply. They may be used to slow the growth of tumors.
More Information on Decitabine: Cancer Drug & Medication
- + Decongestant Nasal Sprays
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- Decongestant Nasal Sprays
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"Decongestant Nasal Sprays" is more commonly referred to as "Nasal Sprays" in the medical community.
Nasal Sprays
Also Known As: "Antibiotic & Decongestant Nasal Sprays, Antihistamine Nasal Sprays, Anticholinergic Nasal Sprays, Lubricant Nasal Sprays"
Medications used to relieve nasal allergy and cold symptoms that are delivered in the form a fine mist directly into the nasal passages.
More Information on Nasal Sprays: Nose & Throat
- + Decongestants
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- Decongestants
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Over-the-counter medications that shrink swollen nasal tissues to relieve symptoms of nasal swelling, congestion and mucus secretion.
More Information on Decongestants: Cold & Infections Medications
- + Decongestants for Allergies & Asthma
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- Decongestants for Allergies & Asthma
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Also Known As: "Naphazoline, Pseudoephedrine"
Over-the-counter medications that shrink swollen nasal tissues to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis, nasal swelling, congestion and mucus secretion.
More Information on Decongestants for Allergies & Asthma: Allergy & Asthma Drugs
- + Decreased Cardiac Output
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- Decreased Cardiac Output
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"Decreased Cardiac Output" is more commonly referred to as "Cardiac Output" in the medical community.
Cardiac Output
Also Known As: "Low Cardiac Output, Heart Output"
The measurement of blood pumped from the left or right ventricle per minute. Decreased output is a sign that the heart is not performing efficiently.
More Information on Cardiac Output: Heart Failure
- + Decubitus Ulcer
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- Decubitus Ulcer
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"Decubitus Ulcer" is more commonly referred to as "Pressure Ulcer" in the medical community.
Pressure Ulcer
Also Known As: "Pressure Sore, Bed Sore"
An area of skin and tissue damaged by prolonged, relieved pressure that cuts off blood. People who have limited mobility (e.g., confined to bed for long periods of time) are at risk of developing this type of skin ulcer.
More Information on Pressure Ulcer: Skin Signs & Symptoms
- + Dedicated Small Bowel Follow Through
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- Dedicated Small Bowel Follow Through
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"Dedicated Small Bowel Follow Through" is more commonly referred to as "Small Bowel Series" in the medical community.
Small Bowel Series
Also Known As: "Small Bowel Follow Through"
A test in which the patient, after fasting, ingests liquid containing barium (a material that shows opaque during imaging tests) prior to an x-ray of the small intestines. It is often done after a barium swallow assessing the esophagus and stomach.
More Information on Small Bowel Series: Digestive Imaging Tests
- + Deep Brain Stimulation
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- Deep Brain Stimulation
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Also Known As: "DBS, 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
- + Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery
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- Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery
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Also Known As: "DBS"
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 Surgery: Movement Disorders
- + Deep Gastritis
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- Deep Gastritis
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Inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining that penetrates well into the lining.
More Information on Deep Gastritis: Gastritis & Ulcer
- + Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap
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- Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap
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Also Known As: "DIEP Flap Surgery, DIEP Flap, DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction, DIEP Procedure"
A type of breast reconstruction surgery that usually does not require implants. Blood vessels, skin and fat are taken from the lower abdomen to build the breast mound. This is different than TRAM flap because no muscle is removed from the abdomen.
More Information on Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap: Breast Health
- + Deep Vein Thrombosis
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- Deep Vein Thrombosis
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Also Known As: "DVT, Economy Class Syndrome"
The formation of an obstructing blood clot in the deep veins embedded in the muscles, usually in the lower leg and sometimes in the lower abdomen or groin. A type of thrombophlebitis, DVT may cause no symptoms and can result in permanent vein damage.
More Information on Deep Vein Thrombosis: Vascular Disease
- + DEET
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- DEET
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The active ingredient in many insect repellants. It is generally considered safe in low concentrations for children as young as 2 months. Precisely how low of a concentration is both safe and effective is often a matter of debate.
- + Defecation
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- Defecation
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"Defecation" is more commonly referred to as "Bowel Movement" in the medical community.
Bowel Movement
Elimination of wastes from the intestines through the anus.
More Information on Bowel Movement: Digestive Health Basics
- + Defecogram
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- Defecogram
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Also Known As: "Proctogram, Proctography"
An x-ray of the anus and rectum to evaluate the function of waste elimination and identify abnormalities.
More Information on Defecogram: Digestive Imaging Tests
- + Defecography
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- Defecography
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Also Known As: "Proctogram, Defecogram, Proctography"
An x-ray of the anus and rectum to evaluate the function of waste elimination and identify abnormalities.
More Information on Defecography: Digestive Imaging Tests
- + Defects
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- Defects
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"Defects" is more commonly referred to as "Congenital Heart Disease" in the medical community.
Congenital Heart Disease
Also Known As: "Congenital Cardiovascular Disease, Heart Birth Defect, Heart Defect, Congenital Heart Defect, Congenital Septal Heart Defect"
A heart abnormality, defect or malformation that is present from birth.
More Information on Congenital Heart Disease: Pediatric Heart
- + Defense Mechanism
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- Defense Mechanism
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An unconscious mental process in which a person tries to relieve conflict and anxiety resulting from impulses and drives. In this technique, the mind reduces or blocks its awareness of these potentially disturbing thoughts.
- + Defibrillation
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- Defibrillation
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Also Known As: "Electric Defibrillation"
The process in which a defibrillator is used to correct a dangerously fast heartbeat (ventricular tachycardia), a potentially fatal quivering of the heart (ventricular fibrillation), or a stopped heartbeat (cardiac arrest).
More Information on Defibrillation: Arrhythmia
- + Defibrillator
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- Defibrillator
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Also Known As: "Manual Defibrillator, External Defibrillator, External Cardioverter"
A device that delivers an electric shock to "reset" a heart that is fibrillating (quivering instead of pumping) or stopped. It can be external (manual or automatic) or internal (an implantable cardioverter defibrillator).
More Information on Defibrillator: Arrhythmia
- + Deficiency Disease
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- Deficiency Disease
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A type of disease that occurs due to the lack of an essential nutrient. For example, goiter may occur due to a lack of iodine in the diet, and scurvy may occur due to a lack of vitamin C.
More Information on Deficiency Disease: Nutrition Basics
- + Deformational Plagiocephaly
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- Deformational Plagiocephaly
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"Deformational Plagiocephaly" is more commonly referred to as "Positional Plagiocephaly" in the medical community.
Positional Plagiocephaly
Also Known As: "Non Synostotic Plagiocephaly, Flattened Head, Postnatal Positional Plagiocephaly, Flattened Head Syndrome"
A deformed, typically flattened head shape in infants due to external force or pressure. It generally results from the infant remaining in one position, typically on its back, for too long.
More Information on Positional Plagiocephaly: Newborn Care
- + Degenerative Arthritis
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- Degenerative Arthritis
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"Degenerative Arthritis" is more commonly referred to as "Osteoarthritis" in the medical community.
Osteoarthritis
Also Known As: "OA, Osteoarthrosis, Arthrosis, Degenerative Joint Disease, Hypertrophic Arthritis, DJD"
The most common type of arthritis, caused by the breakdown of joint cartilage over time. Cartilage cushions the joint. When it deteriorates, bones rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness and loss of movement. It is more common after age 45.
More Information on Osteoarthritis: Arthritis
- + Degenerative Disc Disease
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- Degenerative Disc Disease
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A condition of the spine caused by the breakdown of the intervertebral discs, which help to cushion the spine. It may be caused by aging or injury.
More Information on Degenerative Disc Disease: Back, Neck & Shoulder Pain
- + Degenerative Joint Disease
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- Degenerative Joint Disease
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"Degenerative Joint Disease" is more commonly referred to as "Osteoarthritis" in the medical community.
Osteoarthritis
Also Known As: "OA, Osteoarthrosis, Arthrosis, Hypertrophic Arthritis, DJD, Degenerative Arthritis"
The most common type of arthritis, caused by the breakdown of joint cartilage over time. Cartilage cushions the joint. When it deteriorates, bones rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness and loss of movement. It is more common after age 45.
More Information on Osteoarthritis: Arthritis
- + Dehydration
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- Dehydration
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Excess loss of water from the body. This condition can be caused by diarrhea, vomiting and being in high temperatures without drinking fluids for an extended period of time to name a few.
More Information on Dehydration: Water & Hydration
- + Dehydration & Children
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- Dehydration & Children
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A significant lack of fluid in the body, usually due to an excessive loss of fluids. Children may become dehydrated when they have diarrhea.
More Information on Dehydration & Children: Pediatric Signs & Symptoms
- + Dehydration & Diabetes
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- Dehydration & Diabetes
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A significant lack of fluid in the body, usually due to an excessive loss of fluids (e.g., through sweating, diarrhea, vomiting, urination). High glucose levels lead to increased urination and excessive thirst, two common signs of diabetes.
More Information on Dehydration & Diabetes: Diabetes Signs & Symptoms
- + Dehydroepiandrosterone
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- Dehydroepiandrosterone
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"Dehydroepiandrosterone" is more commonly referred to as "DHEA" in the medical community.
DHEA
Also Known As: "Prasterone"
A steroid that is produced in the gonads, brain and adipose tissue which is secreted by the adrenal gland. Currently, this hormone is being studied for cancer prevention properties.
More Information on DHEA: Herbs & Supplements
- + Dejerine Klumpke Palsy
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- Dejerine Klumpke Palsy
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Also Known As: "Lower Brachial Plexus Injury"
Paralysis of the lower portion of the brachial plexus, the nerves that conduct signals from the spine to the shoulders, arms and hands.
More Information on Dejerine Klumpke Palsy: Pediatric Brain & Nerve
- + Delaney Clause
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- Delaney Clause
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The part of the 1960 Color Additives Amendment to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act that prohibits the FDA from approving additives that have shown cancer causing properties.
- + Delayed Gastric Emptying
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- Delayed Gastric Emptying
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"Delayed Gastric Emptying" is more commonly referred to as "Gastroparesis" in the medical community.
Gastroparesis
Also Known As: "Stomach Paralysis, DGE"
Slow emptying of the stomach due to nerve or muscle damage. May cause nausea, vomiting or bloating.
More Information on Gastroparesis: Neuropathy
- + Delayed Speech or Language Development
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- Delayed Speech or Language Development
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While communication skills develop more quickly or slowly in some children, there are standard age-related goals. Children who have not reached these goals, such as combining simple words at two years, may have an underlying problem.
More Information on Delayed Speech or Language Development: Growth & Development
- + Delirium
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- Delirium
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Severe confusion and violent mental agitation most often caused by a treatable mental or physical illness or medication. It is marked by rapid alternation between mental states and may be accompanied by hallucinations.
More Information on Delirium: Cognitive & Related Disorders
- + Delirium Tremens
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- Delirium Tremens
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Also Known As: "DTs"
A type of delirium associated with rapid withdrawal from alcohol use. It is characterized by confusion, hallucinations, seizures and shaking.
More Information on Delirium Tremens: Alcohol & Substance Abuse
- + Delta Cell
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- Delta Cell
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A type of body cell found in the pancreas that both produces the hormone somatostatin and releases it into the body. Somatostatin is believed to impact alpha cell production of glucagon and beta cell production of insulin.
More Information on Delta Cell: Diabetes & Endocrine Basics
- + Delta Society
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- Delta Society
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An international, non-profit organization that unites people with mental and physical disabilities with professionally trained animals to help improve their health. Its mission is to Improve human health through service and therapy animals.
- + Delusional Disorder
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- Delusional Disorder
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A condition characterized by at least one false belief that lasts one month or more. It typically strikes in middle or late adult life and features delusions that are not bizarre, but rather could actually occur in real life.
More Information on Delusional Disorder: Schizophrenia & Psychosis
- + Delusional Parasitosis
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- Delusional Parasitosis
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Also Known As: "Ekbom Syndrome"
A rare condition in which a person has a delusional belief of being infested with parasites.
More Information on Delusional Parasitosis: Parasitic Disease
- + Delusions
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- Delusions
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False beliefs that a person holds despite evidence to the contrary. These inaccurate interpretations of reality are associated with many psychiatric disorders.
More Information on Delusions: Emotional Health Basics
- + Demeclocycline
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- Demeclocycline
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"Demeclocycline" is more commonly referred to as "Tetracyclines" in the medical community.
Tetracyclines
Also Known As: "Oxytetracycline, Doxycycline, Methacycline, Minocycline"
Any of a class of antibiotics, medications that kill or slow the growth of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria. They have no effect on viruses.
More Information on Tetracyclines: Cold & Infections Medications
- + Dementia
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- Dementia
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Progressive loss of intellectual function that impairs a person's ability to engage in everyday activities. This group of symptoms associated with many diseases and disorders may make it difficult to think, remember or reason.
More Information on Dementia: Alzheimer's & Dementia
- + Dementia with Lewy Bodies
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- Dementia with Lewy Bodies
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"Dementia with Lewy Bodies" is more commonly referred to as "Lewy Body Dementia" in the medical community.
Lewy Body Dementia
A neurodegenerative disorder associated with abnormal structures (Lewy bodies) in the brain. The second most frequent cause of degenerative dementia in the elderly, it often resembles Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.
More Information on Lewy Body Dementia: Alzheimer's & Dementia
- + Demineralization
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- Demineralization
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Mineral loss in dental enamel that occurs in the early stages of cavity formation. It often appears as chalky white or opaque patches on the tooth surface.
More Information on Demineralization: Tooth Decay & Damage
- + Denaturation
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- Denaturation
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A state in which a protein structure unfolds. It can be caused by high temperatures, acid or alkali. This causes the alpha-helix and beta sheets to uncoil to a random shape.
- + Dendrite
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- Dendrite
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A microscopic tree-like fiber extending from a nerve cell that receives incoming messages from other nerve cells.
More Information on Dendrite: Brain & Nerve Basics
- + Dengue Fever
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- Dengue Fever
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Also Known As: "Breakbone Fever"
An infectious disease of tropical and subtropical regions transmitted by mosquitoes and marked by rash, headache and achy joints. Pain is severe enough that it has been nicknamed "breakbone fever."
More Information on Dengue Fever: Tropical Disease
- + Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever
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- Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever
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A more severe case of dengue fever that can be fatal if not treated.
More Information on Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever: Tropical Disease
- + Dengue Virus
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- Dengue Virus
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Infection by one of four viruses belonging to the Flavivirus family (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 or DEN-4) that causes dengue fever or the more serious dengue hemorrhagic fever. It is transmitted by mosquito bite.
More Information on Dengue Virus: Tropical Disease
- + Dengue Virus Infection
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- Dengue Virus Infection
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Also Known As: "Dengue Virus"
Infection by one of four viruses belonging to the Flavivirus family (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 or DEN-4) that causes dengue fever or the more serious dengue hemorrhagic fever. It is transmitted by mosquito bite.
More Information on Dengue Virus Infection: Tropical Disease
- + Denial
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- Denial
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A psychological defense mechanism in which a person denies an unpleasant thought rather than accept it as true.
- + Dental Abfraction
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- Dental Abfraction
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"Dental Abfraction" is more commonly referred to as "Abfraction" in the medical community.
Abfraction
Also Known As: "Tooth Abfraction"
Wearing of a tooth caused by bending (flexure). Its existence is controversial and it may be difficult to distinguish from attrition - tooth surface loss caused by tooth to tooth contact. It may occur in only one tooth.
More Information on Abfraction: Tooth Decay & Damage
- + Dental Abfraction Lesions
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- Dental Abfraction Lesions
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"Dental Abfraction Lesions" is more commonly referred to as "Abfraction Lesions" in the medical community.
Abfraction Lesions
Also Known As: "Tooth Abfraction Lesions"
Lines, cracks or notches in teeth that occur as the result of use over time. They can occur in any tooth, but are more common in molars and premolars - making teeth more susceptible to decay. They are not painful and most do not require treatment.
More Information on Abfraction Lesions: Tooth Decay & Damage
- + Dental Abrasion
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- Dental Abrasion
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"Dental Abrasion" is more commonly referred to as "Abrasion" in the medical community.
Abrasion
Also Known As: "Tooth Abrasion"
Wearing of teeth that is caused by contact with foreign substances, such as holding objects between teeth or improper brushing. Also the dental technique used to remove tooth structure to fill a cavity.
More Information on Abrasion: Tooth Decay & Damage
- + Dental Abscess
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- Dental Abscess
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"Dental Abscess" is more commonly referred to as "Abscessed Teeth & Gums" in the medical community.
Abscessed Teeth & Gums
Also Known As: "Endodontic Abscess, Gum Abscess, Abscessed Teeth, Periodontal Abscess, Mouth Abscess, Tooth Abscess, Abscessed Gums"
An area of pus that forms as the result of a bacterial infection. In the mouth, these may form in the gums, in teeth roots or after root canal treatment or in the gums.
More Information on Abscessed Teeth & Gums: Oral Infections
- + Dental Alveolitis
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- Dental Alveolitis
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"Dental Alveolitis" is more commonly referred to as "Dry Socket" in the medical community.
Dry Socket
Also Known As: "Alveolar Osteitis, Post Extraction Alveolitis, Alveolitis"
Localized inflammation of the tooth socket following tooth extraction. It occurs when the blood clot at the surgery site is dislodged or dissolved, leaving the bone underneath exposed to air and food. It causes pain and may lead to infection.
More Information on Dry Socket: Bridges, Dentures & Implants
- + Dental Anxiety
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- Dental Anxiety
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A combination of apprehension, worry and fear accompanied by physical responses such as a rapid heart rate, chest pain and shortness of breath. Dental-related anxiety is common and dental professionals work with patients to relieve issues.
More Information on Dental Anxiety: Oral Health Basics
- + Dental Appliance
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- Dental Appliance
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"Dental Appliance" is more commonly referred to as "Appliance" in the medical community.
Appliance
Also Known As: "Orthodontic Appliance, Fixed Appliance, Prosthesis, Removable Appliance, Orthodontic Prosthesis, Dental Prosthesis"
A device worn in the mouth to replace or repair the teeth or jaw. It may be fixed or removable. Types include inlays, onlays, crowns, bridges and dentures.
More Information on Appliance: Dental Braces & Alignment
- + Dental Arch
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- Dental Arch
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"Dental Arch" is more commonly referred to as "Arch" in the medical community.
Arch
The curve of the jaw and teeth.
More Information on Arch: Oral Health Basics
- + Dental Attrition
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- Dental Attrition
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"Dental Attrition" is more commonly referred to as "Attrition" in the medical community.
Attrition
Also Known As: "Tooth Attrition"
Irreversible wearing of teeth caused by tooth-to-tooth contact (e.g., when chewing or grinding teeth).
More Information on Attrition: Tooth Decay & Damage
- + Dental Bonding
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- Dental Bonding
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Also Known As: "Tooth Bonding"
The application of resin to change the shape and/or color of a tooth, often used to repair a decayed, chipped, fractured or discolored tooth. The term may also be used to describe the process of adhering a dental appliance (e.g., crown) to a tooth.
More Information on Dental Bonding: Dental Bleaching & Appearance
- + Dental Bone Grafts
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- Dental Bone Grafts
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"Dental Bone Grafts" is more commonly referred to as "Bone Grafts" in the medical community.
Bone Grafts
Also Known As: "Regenerative Surgery"
Surgery to place new bone into spaces around a broken bone or in between holes and bone defects. New bone is taken from the patient's own healthy bone (autograft) or from frozen, donated bone (allograft). Bone grafts may be used in dental procedures to support implants.
More Information on Bone Grafts: Bridges, Dentures & Implants
- + Dental Braces
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- Dental Braces
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"Dental Braces" is more commonly referred to as "Braces" in the medical community.
Braces
Also Known As: "Orthodontic Braces, Orthodontic Appliances, Tooth Braces, Removable Appliances"
Devices used to realign the teeth and/or jaw into a correct (or improved) position. They may be used to correct cosmetic or functional problems, such as overbites, underbites, crooked teeth and more. They may be fixed or removable.
More Information on Braces: Dental Braces & Alignment
- + Dental Care & Diabetes
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- Dental Care & Diabetes
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People with diabetes are more likely to have gum (periodontal) disease than people without blood sugar problems.
More Information on Dental Care & Diabetes: Diabetes & Endocrine Basics
- + Dental Care & the Heart
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- Dental Care & the Heart
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Strong connections between the mouth and the heart exist. Diseases of the gums and teeth may be risk factors for heart disease and some heart patients need antibiotics prior to dental procedures to reduce the risk of serious heart infections.
More Information on Dental Care & the Heart: Heart Injuries & Infections
- + Dental Caries
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- Dental Caries
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"Dental Caries" is more commonly referred to as "Tooth Decay" in the medical community.
Tooth Decay
Destruction of the tooth resulting from the interaction between teeth, food and bacteria.
More Information on Tooth Decay: Tooth Decay & Damage
- + Dental Cleanings
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- Dental Cleanings
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Regular visits to a dentist in which plaque and tartar buildup are removed and potential dental problems are diagnosed. Patients should have their teeth cleaned at least every six months.
More Information on Dental Cleanings: Oral Health Basics
- + Dental Concussion
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- Dental Concussion
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Minor injury to the periodontal ligament, which is a bundle of connective tissue fibers that anchors the teeth to the jaws. Typically, such injuries do not cause the tooth to be knocked out of alignment.
More Information on Dental Concussion: Mouth & Tongue Disorders
- + Dental Crown Lengthening
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- Dental Crown Lengthening
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"Dental Crown Lengthening" is more commonly referred to as "Crown Lengthening" in the medical community.
Crown Lengthening
Also Known As: "Crown Lengthening Procedure"
A surgical procedure in which excess bone and gum is reshaped, exposing more of the original tooth. This may be done for cosmetic purposes, or to expose more of the tooth to aid in restoration work.
More Information on Crown Lengthening: Dental Restorations
- + Dental Crowns
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- Dental Crowns
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"Dental Crowns" is more commonly referred to as "Crowns" in the medical community.
Crowns
Also Known As: "Tooth Crowns"
A type of dental restoration that caps a tooth, restoring it to its original shape and size. They also strengthen and improve the appearance of a tooth and are typically used when fillings are inadequate to fix a tooth that is broken down.
More Information on Crowns: Dental Restorations
- + Dental Curettage
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- Dental Curettage
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Surgically scraping bacteria and dead tissue from inflammed or infected gums. It is a periodontal procedure, usually performed one quadrant at a time using an instrument called a curette.
More Information on Dental Curettage: Oral Infections
- + Dental Emergencies
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- Dental Emergencies
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Oral injuries may be painful and include teeth that are knocked out (avulsed), forced out of position, loosened (extruded) or fractured. Other injuries include cuts to lips, gums or cheeks. Patients should see a dentist promptly.
More Information on Dental Emergencies: Oral Health Basic
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