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Definition of IgE AntibodiesIgE Antibodies are a type of immunoglobulin made by the body which are implicated in allergic reactions.Description of IgE AntibodiesThe immune system produces at least five kinds of immunoglobulins (Ig) or antibodies (IgA, IgD,... |
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Definition of Immunizations - AdultImmunization is the process by which individuals are protected from infection with bacterial or viral illness through the injection or ingestion of substances that create an immune state. Note: Immunization recommendation... |
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Definition of Immunizations - ChildImmunization is the process by which individuals are protected from infection with bacterial or viral illness through the injection or ingestion of substances that create an immune state. Please note: Immunization recomme... |
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Definition of ImpetigoImpetigo is a superficial skin infection that occurs in nonbullous and bullous (elevated lesions) forms. Beta-hemolytic streptococcus usually produces nonbullous impetigo. Coagulase-positive staphylococcus aureus usually causes bullou... |
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Definition of Impotence (Erectile Dysfunction)Erectile dysfunction (ED), also called impotence, is characterized by a man's inability to have an erection hard enough to have sex or to keep an erection long enough to finish having sex. Description of Impot... |
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Definition of Infant BotulismAll botulisms are due to toxins given off by Clostridium botulinum bacteria that attack the body's nervous system. Food-borne botulism is caused by eating toxin already formed in contaminated food. In infant botulism, the baby ... |
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Definition of Infertility TestingA couple is said to be infertile if pregnancy does not result after one year of normal sexual activity without contraceptives.Description of Infertility TestingAbout 25 percent of couples experience infertility at some poin... |
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Definition of Inflammatory Bowel DiseaseArticle updated and reviewed by Christian D. Stone, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine on May 19, 2005.Inflammatory bowel diseas... |
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Definition of Inflammatory Breast CancerInflammatory breast cancer is an uncommon type of breast cancer that accounts for 1 to 4 percent of all cases of the disease.Description of Inflammatory Breast CancerMost breast cancers (86 percent) start in the duct... |
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Definition of InfluenzaInfluenza, often called the flu, is an acute, highly contagious infection of the respiratory tract which commonly occurs in the winter. Description of InfluenzaInfluenza usually appears in epidemic form and affects many people at onc... |
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Definition of Inguinal HerniaAn inguinal hernia, or a groin hernia, is a protrusion (lump) of the small intestine or fatty tissue into the groin through a weakness or tear in the abdominal wall.Description of Inguinal HerniaIn a man, an inguinal hernia dev... |
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Definition of Insect Bites And StingsFor most people, the bite or sting of a bee, wasp, ant, mosquito, or other insect causes minor irritation. For people allergic to insect bites or stings, the results are a lot more discomforting, and sometimes even dang... |
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Definition of InsomniaInsomnia is the perception or complaint of inadequate or poor-quality sleep because of: difficulty falling asleep; waking up frequently during the night with difficulty returning to sleep; waking up too early in the morning and/or unr... |
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Definition of Insulin TreatmentInsulin is a naturally occurring hormone secreted by the beta cells of the islands of Langerhans in the pancreas, in response to increased levels of glucose in the blood.Description of Insulin TreatmentInsulin acts to regulat... |
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Definition of Interstitial CystitisInterstitial Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, believed to be associated with an autoimmune or allergic response. It is not the same as cystitis due to urinary tract infection.Description of Interstitial Cystiti... |
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Definition of Interstitial Pulmonary FibrosisInterstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis is the scarring and thickening of the lung tissues, a form of interstitial lung disease.Description of Interstitial Pulmonary FibrosisInterstitial lung disease refers to a group o... |
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Definition of Intestinal PolypsIntestinal polyps are small, mushroom-like abnormalities of the intestine that may have a stalk or be flat with a stalk. They can vary from under 2 millimeters (less than 1/10 of an inch) to over 2 inches in diameter. Descrip... |
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Definition of Iron DeficiencyIron Deficiency means less than adequate iron levels in the body. Description of Iron DeficiencyIron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia (low red blood cell count) worldwide.Iron is necessary for the formation of hem... |
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Definition of Irritable Bowel SyndromeArticle updated and reviewed by Christian D. Stone, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine on May 19, 2005.
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Definition of Ischemic Optic NeuropathyOptic neuropathy describes abnormalities of the optic nerve that occur as a result of ischemia, toxins, vascular and blood pressure abnormalities, and compression within the orbit. Ischemic disorders are termed "arter... |
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