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.
Also Known As: "Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV Inhibitors, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors, DPP-IV Inhibitors"
A class of antidiabetic agents approved to treat type 2 diabetes. DPP-4 inhibitors reduce the release of glucose from the liver and increase production of insulin in the pancreas. More Information on DPP-4 Inhibitors: Diabetes & Endocrine Drugs
Also Known As: "Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV Inhibitors, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors"
A class of antidiabetic agents approved to treat type 2 diabetes. DPP-4 inhibitors reduce the release of glucose from the liver and increase production of insulin in the pancreas. More Information on DPP-IV Inhibitors: Diabetes & Endocrine Drugs
"DPT" is more commonly referred to as "Diabetes Prevention Trial" in the medical community. Diabetes Prevention Trial
A landmark study involving two clinical trials that sought to prevent or delay the onset of type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes by giving people either low-dose injections of insulin or oral insulin tablets. Neither was found to be effective. More Information on Diabetes Prevention Trial: Diabetes & Endocrine Drugs
A painful, debilitating infestation with the parasite Dracunculus medinensis contracted by drinking stagnant water contaminated with Guinea worm larvae. This matures inside a person's abdomen until the worm emerges through a blister. More Information on Dracunculiasis: Parasitic Disease
"Drag" is more commonly referred to as "Cross Dressing" in the medical community. Cross Dressing
Dressing as the opposite sex (e.g., a man wearing women's clothing). It may be done for a number of reasons, including transsexualism or transvestic fetishism. More Information on Cross Dressing: Impulse Control Disorders
"Drainage Tube" is more commonly referred to as "Chest Tube" in the medical community. Chest Tube
Also Known As: "Chest Drainage Tube"
A hollow, flexible tube inserted into the chest. It is used in tests and procedures to drain blood, fluid or air from the lungs and to allow the lungs to fully expand.
"DRD" is more commonly referred to as "Dopa Responsive Dystonia" in the medical community. Dopa Responsive Dystonia
A type of dystonia (sustained muscle contractions leading to twisting movements) that can be successfully treated with medication. It begins in childhood or adolescence and involves increasing difficulty walking. More Information on Dopa Responsive Dystonia: Movement Disorders
"DRE" is more commonly referred to as "Digital Rectal Examination" in the medical community. Digital Rectal Examination
Also Known As: "Rectal Examination"
An examination in which the physician inserts a lubricated and gloved finger into the rectum to detect any signs of abnormality such as masses, fissures and hemorrhoids. Color of stool is noted and a sample may be taken for a fecal occult blood test. More Information on Digital Rectal Examination: Digestive Health Basics
"Dressler Syndrome" is more commonly referred to as "Postpericardiotomy Syndrome" in the medical community. Postpericardiotomy Syndrome
Also Known As: "PPS, Post Pericardiotomy Syndrome, Post-MI Pericarditis"
An inflammation of the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart) caused by the pooling of blood in that area after open-heart surgery. More Information on Postpericardiotomy Syndrome: Heart Injuries & Infections
"DRI" is more commonly referred to as "Dietary Reference Intakes" in the medical community. Dietary Reference Intakes
Also Known As: "Recommended Daily Allowances, RDA, USDRI, USRDA"
Nutrient reference values developed to evaluate and plan the diets of individuals and populations. Other applications of the DRIs include establishing government guidelines for food assistance programs and for nutrition labeling. More Information on Dietary Reference Intakes: Nutrition Basics
"Drill Less Dentistry" is more commonly referred to as "Microabrasion" in the medical community. Microabrasion
Also Known As: "Air Abrasion, Microair Abrasion"
A method of cutting away tooth structure without the use of a drill and, usually, anesthesia. A device blasts tiny aluminum particles in a stream of compressed air onto the surface of the tooth to cut away the decayed area. More Information on Microabrasion: Dental Restorations
"Drinking & Pregnancy" is more commonly referred to as "Alcohol & Pregnancy" in the medical community. Alcohol & Pregnancy
Also Known As: "Pregnancy & Alcohol"
Alcohol is a teratogenic substance (capable of causing birth defects). The National Health and Medical Research Council recommends avoiding alcohol entirely during pregnancy. More Information on Alcohol & Pregnancy: Pregnancy Management
"Drinking Water Basics" is more commonly referred to as "Water Basics" in the medical community. Water Basics
Colorless, tasteless, odorless substance essential to all known forms of life. It is formed by a combination of hydrogen and oxygen and is the most universal solvent. More Information on Water Basics: Water & Hydration
Many infectious diseases can be acquired from contaminated drinking water. Most U.S. communities treat water to make it save to drink. More Information on Drinking Water Safety: Gastroenteritis & Food Illness
"Drop Attacks" is more commonly referred to as "Atonic Seizures" in the medical community. Atonic Seizures
Also Known As: "Akinetic Seizures, Astatic Seizures"
A type of generalized seizure that causes an abrupt loss of muscle tone. This leads to sudden collapse, posture loss or head drop. They occur without warning and those affected fall hard, risking head injury. More Information on Atonic Seizures: Epilepsy & Seizure
"Drop Foot" is more commonly referred to as "Footdrop" in the medical community. Footdrop
A type of gait disturbance in which, when walking, the whole foot drops at once or the toe of the foot touches the floor before the heel. More Information on Footdrop: Arm & Leg Pain
"Dropped Bladder" is more commonly referred to as "Cystocele" in the medical community. Cystocele
Also Known As: "Herniated Bladder, Prolapsed Bladder"
A condition in which the bladder droops into the vagina because the wall between the two weakens. It can result from strain (e.g., during childbirth), hormone imbalance (e.g., due to menopause) or other problems. More Information on Cystocele: Urinary & Bladder
"Dropped Uterus" is more commonly referred to as "Uterine Prolapse" in the medical community. Uterine Prolapse
Also Known As: "Herniated Uterus, Prolapsed Uterus"
A condition in which the uterus drops down into the vagina due to a weakening of supportive tissue. Causes may include pregnancy, vaginal delivery, obesity, chronic constipation, excessive coughing, genetics and other factors. More Information on Uterine Prolapse: Uterine & Ovarian Health
Death resulting from immersion in water or another fluid, making it impossible to breath. This is a particular concern for children. More Information on Drowning & Children: Pediatric First Aid & Safety
A form of Streptococcus pneumoniae infection that has developed resistance to drugs, making it difficult to treat. The National Foundation for Infectious Disease estimates that these cause 3 to 35 percent of Streptococcus pneumoniae infections. More Information on DRSP: Pneumonia & Lung Infection
A form of Streptococcus pneumoniae infection that has developed resistance to drugs, making it difficult to treat. The National Foundation for Infectious Disease estimates that these cause 3 to 35 percent of Streptococcus pneumoniae infections. More Information on DRSP Disease: Pneumonia & Lung Infection
The habitual misuse of a drug, such as the use of illegal drugs or the use of legal drugs for any purpose other than the prescribed intent. More Information on Drug Abuse: Alcohol & Substance Abuse
The misuse of a drug, such as the use of illegal drugs or the use of legal drugs for any purpose other than the prescribed intent. Children may be tempted to this themselves, but are also impacted when those around them abuse drugs. More Information on Drug Abuse & Children: Alcohol & Substance Abuse
Allergic response to a specific medication, affecting any tissue or organ. Drug allergies can trigger anaphylaxis, even in patients who do not initially show life-threatening symptoms. More Information on Drug Allergies: Drug Allergies
State-run programs to help patients in need access necessary prescription drugs. Eligibility requirements may involve state residence, age and annual income Enrollment fees may apply. More Information on Drug Assistance Programs: Healthcare Basics
An addiction or reliance on a drug, often inducing withdrawal symptoms when intake of the drug is reduced or stopped. More Information on Drug Dependence: Alcohol & Substance Abuse
Medical procedure to reduce or eliminate sensitivity to certain drugs, usually medications a patient has an allergy to, but which are essential to treatment. More Information on Drug Desensitization Therapy: Drug Allergies
An increase sensitivity to sunlight caused by some oral medications (e.g., antibiotics, diuretics, NSAIDs, birth control pills, antihistamines). This increase sensitivity may lead to a skin rash (photoallergic eruption). More Information on Drug Induced Photosensitivity: Drug Allergies
"Drug Induced Rhinitis" is more commonly referred to as "Rhinitis" in the medical community. Rhinitis
Also Known As: "Infectious Rhinitis, Vasomotor Rhinitis, Structural Rhinitis, Rhinitis Medicamentosa, Irritant Rhinitis, Hormonal Rhinitis, Eosinophilic Rhinitis"
Inflammation of the mucous membrane, which lines the nose. It may be caused by infection, allergies or a combination of both. Symptoms may include sneezing, itching, nasal congestion or runny nose. More Information on Rhinitis: Nose & Throat
Gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, caused by drugs. Many medications can cause this. More Information on Drug Related Gastroenteritis: Gastroenteritis & Food Illness
Ability of some disease-causing microorganisms to adapt themselves to the presence of drugs that usually kill them. Drug-resistant bacteria, viruses and mycoplasma may continue to grow and multiply. More Information on Drug Resistance: Cold & Infections Medications
A form of Streptococcus pneumoniae infection that has developed resistance to drugs, making it difficult to treat. The National Foundation for Infectious Disease estimates that these cause 3 to 35 percent of Streptococcus pneumoniae infections. More Information on Drug Resistant Streptococcus Pneumoniae Disease: Pneumonia & Lung Infection
"Drug Withdrawal" is more commonly referred to as "Substance Withdrawal" in the medical community. Substance Withdrawal
Also Known As: "Medication Withdrawal"
Physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a person suddenly quits using certain medications or recreational drugs. Gradually lowering dosage levels of some drugs, such as antidepressants, can help prevent symptoms. More Information on Substance Withdrawal: Alcohol & Substance Abuse
Many medications are untested for use by pregnant women. In addition, illegal drugs can cause birth defects. More Information on Drugs & Pregnancy: Pregnancy Management
"DRVs" is more commonly referred to as "Daily Values" in the medical community. Daily Values
Also Known As: "Daily Reference Values, RDIs, 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
Also Known As: "Korsakoff Amnesic Syndrome, Cerebral Beriberi, Wernicke Korsakoff Syndrome"
A form of chronic thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency characterized by damage to the nervous and muscular systems. It may be further categorized as cerebral beriberi when the central nervous system is affected. More Information on Dry Beriberi: Vitamins
A condition that occurs when the tear ducts are unable to create enough moisture to keep the surface of the eye lubricated, wet and comfortable. It usually results in allergy-like eye symptoms such as stinging, burning or itching. More Information on Dry Eye: Eye Conditions
"Dry Gangrene" is more commonly referred to as "Gangrene" in the medical community. Gangrene
Also Known As: "Wet Gangrene, Gas Gangrene, Moist Gangrene, Internal Gangrene"
Tissue death (necrosis) that occurs due to an interruption in blood supply to a body part. There are four types: dry, moist, gas and internal. When it affects the limbs, it can lead to amputation. More Information on Gangrene: Diabetes Foot & Leg
"Dry Heaves" is more commonly referred to as "Retching" in the medical community. Retching
Also Known As: "Dry Vomiting"
When the effort of vomiting is made but no stomach contents are expelled. These spasms may continue without expelling contents or may occur prior to vomiting. More Information on Retching: Digestive Health Basics
Abnormal dryness of the mouth due to a decrease in the production of saliva. It may be caused by a number of conditions such as diabetes, kidney failure or rheumatoid arthritis. More Information on Dry Mouth: Oral Signs & Symptoms
An extension of dry skin throughout the body (xerosis). Techniques used to reduce dry skin (e.g., less frequent bathing, using humidifiers, avoiding harsh soaps and shampoos) can also help treat dry scalp. More Information on Dry Scalp: Psoriasis & Autoimmune Skin
Abnormally dry skin is usually caused by environmental factors, but it may also be part of a disease process. More Information on Dry Skin: Skin & Hair Basics
Also Known As: "Dental Alveolitis, 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
"Dry Vomiting" is more commonly referred to as "Retching" in the medical community. Retching
Also Known As: "Dry Heaves"
When the effort of vomiting is made but no stomach contents are expelled. These spasms may continue without expelling contents or may occur prior to vomiting. More Information on Retching: Digestive Health Basics
"DS" is more commonly referred to as "Duodenal Switch" in the medical community. Duodenal Switch
Surgery to induce weight loss in severely obese people that involves reducing the size of the stomach and rearranging the small intestines so food is not fully absorbed. More Information on Duodenal Switch: Bariatric Surgery
"DSAP" is more commonly referred to as "Disseminated Superficial Actinic Porokeratosis" in the medical community. Disseminated Superficial Actinic Porokeratosis
Uncommon skin condition marked by reddish-brown scaly spots, mostly on the arms and legs. It is due to an abnormal sun sensitivity. Fair-skinned people after mid-life are most susceptible. More Information on Disseminated Superficial Actinic Porokeratosis: Skin Discoloration
"DSHEA" is more commonly referred to as "Dietary Supplement Health & Education Act" in the medical community. Dietary Supplement Health & Education Act
Legislation passed by Congress in 1994 that makes dietary supplement manufacturers legally responsible for ensuring that a dietary supplement is safe before it is marketed.
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