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Definition of Dairy AllergiesFood allergy or hypersensitivity refers to an abnormal immunologic reaction in which the body's immune system produces an allergic antibody, called immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody, to usually harmless foods, such as milk or egg... |
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Definition of Death and GrievingGrief is a natural response to the death of a family member or friend. Description of Death and GrievingGrief hurts, but it is necessary. When a death tears your world apart, grieving is the process that helps put it back to... |
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Definition of Degenerative Disc DiseaseArticle updated and reviewed by Scott J. Luhmann, MD, Instructor in Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine on June 6, 2005.Degenerative disc disease refers to wear changes... |
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Definition of Degenerative Joint DiseaseArticle updated and reviewed by Stephen Burnett, MD, FRCS(C), Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine on July 11, 2005.A degeneration or ‘wear and tear’ of art... |
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Definition of Dental AbscessesAn abscess is a localized collection of pus in a cavity formed by the disintegration of tissue.Description of Dental AbscessesAbscesses are usually caused by specific microorganisms that invade the tissues, often by way of sma... |
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Definition of Dental ImplantsGenerally, an artificial tooth or bridge attached to the underlying jawbone.Description of Dental ImplantsMany older Americans have lost some or all of their teeth. For them, there is an alternative to removable dentures, fixed... |
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Definition of Depression (Bipolar Disorder)Depression is a medical disorder characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, pessimism, and a general loss of interest in life, combined with a sense of reduced emotional well-being.Description of Depress... |
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Definition of Dermatitis HerpetiformisDermatitis Herpetiformis is an uncommon, chronic disease in which the primary clinical manifestations are cutaneous (relating to the skin). It is also known as Brocq-During disease, dermatitis multiformis, Duhring dise... |
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Definition of Dermatomyositis and PolymyositisDermatomyositis and polymyositis are connective tissue diseases in which there is muscle weakness and tenderness. The two disorders are very similar, except that dermatomyositis involves the skin as well as the... |
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Definition of DermatophytosisDermatophytosis (also known as ringworm or tinea) is a superficial fungal infection of the skin, hair or nails. Description of DermatophytosisThis group of superficial fungal infections is usually classified according to locati... |
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Definition of Deviated Nasal SeptumThe nasal septum is the part of the nose that separates the two airways and the nostrils. A deviated septum is when there is a shift from the midline or center position.Description of Deviated Nasal SeptumDeviations of th... |
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Definition of DHEADehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone made from cholesterol by the adrenal glands.Description of DHEAThe adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney. The outer region of the adrenal gland, called the adrenal cortex, secr... |
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Definition of DiabetesDiabetes mellitus is a chronic disease caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin or to use the insulin produced in the proper way. Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death among Americans; over 15 million Americans ... |
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Definition of Diabetic NeuropathyDiabetic neuropathy is a nerve disorder and its many complications that are caused by diabetes.Description of Diabetic NeuropathyPeople who have had diabetes for years may experience numbness and sometimes pain in their han... |
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Definition of Diabetic RetinopathyArticle updated and reviewed by Edward B. Feinberg, MD, MPH, Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine on May 2, 2005.Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the blood vessels in the eye caused by ... |
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Definition of Diaper RashDiaper rash is found on the skin under a diaper. It is caused by several factors, including microorganisms (that can sometimes spread to other parts of the body if conditions are favorable), excessive moisture and warmth, or happen... |
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Definition of DiarrheaMost people experience frequent, watery bowel movements once or twice a year. This change from the usual pattern of stools is recognized as diarrhea, although many less "formal" names are sometimes used. Description of DiarrheaFor mos... |
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Definition of Dietary FiberDietary fiber (also know as "roughage" or "bulk") is the part of the food that is indigestible. Found only in plant foods, it moves largely unaltered through the stomach and small intestine and into the colon.Description of Dieta... |
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Definition of Diffuse Esophageal SpasmThis is a condition resulting from motility disorders of the esophagus ranging from absent peristalsis to hyperperistalsis and spasm.Description of Diffuse Esophageal SpasmDiffuse esophageal spasm typically causes subs... |
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Definition of Dilatation And Curettage (D&C)Dilatation and curettage, also called a D&C, is a surgical procedure in which the cervix of the uterus is dilated (expanded) and the endometrial lining of the uterus is scraped with a curette (a loop-, ring-, or ... |
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