Diseases & conditions A-Z List
Diseases & Conditions A-Z List - «D»:
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D and C
D and C is a procedure to scrape and collect the tissue (endometrium) from inside the uterus.
Dilation ("D") is a widening of the cervix to allow instruments into the uterus.
Curettage ("C") is the scraping of the walls of the uterus.
Description
D and C, also called uterine scraping, may be perf...
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D-xylose absorption
D-xylose absorption is a laboratory test to determine how well the intestines absorb a simple sugar (D-xylose). The test helps determine if nutrients are being properly absorbed.
How the Test is Performed
The test requires a blood and urine sample. For information on how these samples are obtained,...
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Dacron graft
A Dacron graft is a synthetic (manmade) material used to replace normal body tissues. It is usually made in tubular form to replace or repair blood vessels. The graft causes very few reactions because it is chemically harmless and easily tolerated by the body. When used in blood vessels, the body ev...
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Dacryoadenitis
Dacryoadenitis is an inflammation of the tear-producing gland (lacrimal gland).
Causes
Acute dacryoadenitis is most commonly due to viral or bacterial infection. Common causes include mumps, Epstein-Barr virus, staphylococcus, and gonococcus.
Chronic dacryoadenitis is usually due to noninfectious i...
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Death among children and adolescents
Accidents are, by far, the leading cause of death among children and adolescents.
THE TOP THREE CAUSES OF DEATH BY AGE GROUP
0-1 years:
Developmental and genetic conditions that were present at birth
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
All conditions associated with prematurity and low birth weight...
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Decerebrate posture
Decerebrate posture is an abnormal body posture that involves the arms and legs being held straight out, the toes being pointed downward, and the head and neck being arched backwards. The muscles are tightened and held rigidly. This type of posturing usually means there has been severe damage to the...
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Decorticate posture
Decorticate posture is an abnormal posturing that involves rigidity, flexion of the arms, clenched fists, and extended legs (held out straight). The arms are bent inward toward the body with the wrists and fingers bent and held on the chest.
This type of posturing is a sign of severe damage to the b...
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Deep brain stimulation
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical treatment in which a device called a neurostimulator delivers tiny electrical signals to the areas of the brain that control movement.
Description
The DBS system consists of three parts:
A thin, insulated wire called a lead, or electrode that is placed in...
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Deep vein thrombosis - discharge
Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is when a blood clot forms in a vein that is not on the surface of the body.
It mainly affects the large veins in the lower leg and thigh. The clot can block blood flow. If the clot breaks off and moves through the bloodstream, it can get stuck in the brain, lungs, heart...
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Deep venous thrombosis
Deep venous thrombosis is a condition in which a blood clot forms in a vein that is deep inside the body.
Causes
Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) mainly affects the large veins in the lower leg and thigh. The clot can block blood flow and cause swelling and pain. When a clot breaks off and moves throug...
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Dehydration
Dehydration means your body does not have as much water and fluids as it should. Dehydration can be caused by losing too much fluid, not drinking enough water or fluids, or both. Vomiting and diarrhea are common causes.
Infants and children are more susceptible to dehydration than adults because of ...
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Delayed ejaculation
Delayed ejaculation is a medical condition in which a male is unable to ejaculate, either during intercourse or with manual stimulation in the presence of a partner. Ejaculation is the action in which semen is release from the penis.
Causes
Most men ejaculate within a few minutes after onset of act...
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Delayed growth
Delayed growth is poor or abnormally slow height or weight gains in a child younger than age 5.
See also: Short stature
Considerations
A child should have regular, well-baby check-ups with a health care provider.
See the following for more information:
Infant - newborn development
Developmenta...
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Delirium tremens
Delirium tremens is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that involves sudden and severe mental or neurological changes.
Causes
Delirium tremens can occur after a period of heavy alcohol drinking, especially when the person does not eat enough food.
It may also be triggered by head injury, infection...
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Delivery presentations
Delivery presentation describes the way the baby (fetus) is positioned to come down the birth canal for delivery.
Information
THE DELIVERY PROCESS
The delivery process is described in terms of fetal station, lie, attitude, and presentation.
Fetal station:
This is the relationship between the presen...