Definition Gastric acid determination, also known as stomach acid determination, gastric analysis, or basal gastric secretion, is a procedure to evaluate gastric (stomach) function. The test specifically determines the presence of gastric acid, as well as the amount of gastric acid secreted. It is often done in conjunction with the gastric acid stimulation...

Definition Gastrectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the stomach. Purpose Gastrectomy is performed for several reasons, most commonly to remove a malignant tumor or to cure a perforated or bleeding stomach ulcer. Description Gastrectomy for cancer Removal of the tumor, often with removal of surrounding lymph nodes, is the only curative treatment for various forms of gastric (stomach) cancer. For...

Definition Gas embolism, also called air embolism or arterial gas embolism, is the presence of gas bubbles in the bloodstream that obstruct circulation. Description Gas embolism may occur with decompression from increased pressure. It typically occurs in ascending divers who have been breathing compressed air. If a diver does not fully exhale upon ascent, the air...

Definition Gangrene is the term used to describe the decay or death of an organ or tissue caused by alack of blood supply. It is a complication resulting from infectious or inflammatory processes, injury, or degenerative changes associated with chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus. Description Gangrene may be caused by a variety of chronic diseases and post-traumatic, post-surgical, and...

Definition A ganglion is a small, usually hard bump above a tendon or in the capsule that encloses a joint. Aganglion is also called a synovial hernia or synovial cyst. Description A ganglion is a non-cancerous cyst filled with a thick, jelly-like fluid. Ganglions can develop on or beneath the surface of the skin and usually occur between the ages of 20 and 40. Most ganglions...

Definition Gammaglobulin is a type of protein found in the blood. When gammaglobulins are extracted from the blood of many people and combined, they can be used to prevent or treat infections. Purpose This medicine is used to treat or prevent diseases that occur when the body's own immune system is not effective against the disease. When disease-causing agents enter the body, they normally trigger the...

Definition A gallstone is a solid crystal deposit that forms in the gallbladder, which is a pear-shapedorgan that stores bile salts until they are needed to help digest fatty foods. Gallstones canmigrate to other parts of the digestive tract and cause severe pain with life-threatening complications. Description Gallstones vary in size and chemical structure. A gallstone may be as tiny as a grain...

Definition Also known as cholelithotomy, gallstone removal is a procedure that rids the gallbladder of calculus buildup.  Purpose The gallbladder is not a vital organ. It is located on the right side of the abdomen underneath the liver. The gallbladder's function is to store bile, concentrate it, and release it during digestion. Bile is supposed to retain all of its chemicals in solution,...

Definition A gallium scan of the body is a nuclear medicine test that is conducted using a camera that detects gallium, a form of radionuclide, or radioactive chemical substance. Purpose Most gallium scans are ordered to detect cancerous tumors, infections, or areas of inflammation in the body. Gallium is known to accumulate in inflamed, infected, or cancerous...

Definition This is an x-ray exam of the gallbladder (GB), a sac-like organ that stores bile that is located under the liver. The study involves taking tablets containing dye (contrast) which outline any abnormalities when x rays are taken the following day. The test was once the standard for diagnosing diseases of the GB such as gallstones, but is used less frequently...

Definition A nuclear medicine scan of the gallbladder is used to produce a set of images that look like x rays. The procedure uses a small amount of radioactive dye which is injected into the body. The dye accumulates in the organ, in this case, the gallbladder. A special camera called a scintillation or gamma camera produces images based on how the dye travels through the...

Definition Cancer of the gallbladder is cancer of the pearshaped organ that lies on the under surface of the liver. Description Bile from the liver is funneled into the gallbladder by way of the cystic duct. Between meals, the gallbladder stores a large amount of bile. To do this, it must absorb much of the water and electrolytes from the bile. In fact, the inner surface...

Definition Galactosemia is an inherited disease in which the body is unable to metabolize the simple sugar galactose, which is found primarily in dairy products but is also produced by the body. If left unaddressed, galactose can increase to toxic levels in the body and may lead to damage of the liver, central nervous system, and various other body systems. Description Galactosemia is a rare but potentially...

Definition Galactorrhea is the secretion of breast milk in men, or in women who are not breastfeeding an infant. Description Lactation, or the production of breast milk, is a normal condition occurring in women after delivery of a baby. Many women who have had children may even be able to express a small amount of breast milk from the nipple up to two years after childbirth. Galactorrhea,...

  Definition Fugu poisoning occurs when a person eats the flesh of a fugu, also known as a puffer fish, which contains lethal toxins. Description Fugu, also known as puffer fish, blowfish, or globefish, has long been a food delicacy in Japan, but has only been introduced in the United States in the last 30-40 years. The fugu and related species may contain a tetrodotoxin, an extremely...

Definition Frostbite is localized tissue injury that occurs because of exposure to freezing or near freezing temperatures. Frostnip is a milder cold injury that does not cause tissue loss. Description In North America, frostbite is largely confined to Alaska, Canada, and the northern states. In recent years, there has been a substantial decline in the number of cases. This is probably...

Definition Fragile X syndrome is the most common form of inherited mental retardation. Individuals with this condition have developmental delay, variable levels of mental retardation, and behavioral and emotional difficulties. They may also have characteristic physical traits. Generally, males are affected with moderate mental retardation and females with mild mental retardation. Description Fragile X syndrome is...

  Definition A fracture is a complete or incomplete break in a bone resulting from the application of excessive force. Description A fracture usually results from traumatic injury to bones causing the continuity of bone tissues or bony cartilage to be disrupted or broken. Fracture classifications include simple, compound, incomplete and complete. Simple fractures (more recently called "closed")...

Definition Fracture repair is the process of rejoining and realigning the ends of broken bones. This procedure is usually performed by an orthopedist, general surgeon, or family doctor. In cases of an emergency, first aid measures should be evoked for temporary realignment and immobilization until proper medical help is available. Purpose Fracture repair is required when there is...

Definition Foreign bodies can enter the human body by swallowing, insertion, or traumatic force, either accidentally or on purpose. The word "foreign" in this context means "originating elsewhere" or simply "outside the body." Description Children and adolescents may experience health problems caused by foreign objects getting stuck in their bodies. Young children...

Definition Foot care involves all aspects of preventive and corrective care of the foot and ankle. Physicians specializing in foot care are called podiatrists. Purpose During an average lifetime, each person walks about 115,000 miles; and 75% of all people have foot problems at some point in their lives. Foot problems can arise from wearing ill-fitting shoes,...

Definition Food poisoning is a general term for health problems arising from eating food contaminated by viruses, chemicals, or bacterial toxins. Types of food poisoning include bacterial food poisoning, shellfish poisoning, and mushroom poisoning. The medical term for food poisoning is gastroenteritis . Description The Centers for Disease...

Definition Folliculitis is inflammation or infection of one or more hair follicles (openings in the skin that enclose hair). Description Folliculitis can affect both women and men at any age. It can develop on any part of the body, but is most likely to occur on the scalp, face, or parts of the arms, armpits, or legs not usually covered by clothing. Small, yellowish-white blister-like lumps (pustules)...

Definition The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) test measures the amount of FSH in the blood. FSH is ahormone that regulates the growth and development of eggs and sperm, and this test is used to diagnose or evaluate disorders involving the pituitary gland and reproductive system. Purpose FSH testing is performed if a physician suspects the patient may have a disorder...

Definition Folic acid deficiency, an abnormally low level of one of the B vitamins, results in anemia characterized by red blood cells that are large in size but few in number. Description Folic acid is necessary for growth and cellular repair, since it is a critical component of DNA and RNA as well as essential for the formation and maturation of red blood cells. Folic acid deficiencyis...

Definition Folic acid is a water-soluable vitamin belonging to the B-complex group of vitamins. These vitamins help the body break down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars to be used for energy. Excess B vitamins are excreted from the body rather than stored for later use. This is why sufficient daily intake of folic acid is necessary. Description Folic acid is...

Definition Fluoroquinolones are medications that kill bacteria or prevent their growth. Bacteria are one-celled diseasecausing microorganisms that commonly multiply by cell division. Purpose Fluoroquinolones are a class of antimicrobials, which are medications used to treat infections caused by microorganisms. Physicians prescribe these drugs for bacterial infections in many parts of the body. For...

Definition Fluke infections are diseases of the digestive tract and other organ systems caused by several different species of parasitic flatworms (Trematodes) that have complex life cycles involving hosts other than human beings. Trematode comes from a Greek word that means having holes and refers to the external suckers that adult flukes use to draw nourishment from their hosts. Fluke infectionsare...

  Flower Remedies  |  Description | Precautions | Side Effects| Purpose Definition Flower remedies are specially prepared flower essences, containing the healing energy of plants. They are prescribed according to a patient's emotional disposition, as ascertained by the therapist, doctor, or patients themselves. Purpose Flower remedies are more homeopathic...

Definition Flesh-eating disease is more properly called necrotizing fasciitis, a rare condition in whichbacteria destroy tissues underlying the skin. This tissue death, called necrosis organgrene, spreads rapidly. This disease can be fatal in as little as 12 to 24 hours. Description Although...

Definition A Fistula is a permanent abnormal passageway between two organs in the body or between an organ and the exterior of the body. Description Fistulas can arise in any part of the body, but they are most common in the digestive tract. They can also develop between blood vessels and in the urinary, reproductive, and lymphatic systems. Fistulas can occur at any age or can be present at birth (congenital)....

  Definition Fish and shellfish poisoning is a common but often unrecognized group of illnesses related to food. Three of these illnesses include ciguatera, scombroid, and paralytic shellfish poisoning. Ciguatera Definition Ciguatera (from the Spanish word for a poisonous snail) is a food-related illness that causes abdominal and neurological symptoms. Causes and symptoms Ciguatera...

Definition Fingertip injuries include any wounds to the area at tip of the finger. They range from a simple bruise or scrape to having the fingertip taken off. Fingertip injuries occur frequently in infants and children because hands are used to explore surroundings and play . Description Fingers each have three bones (phalanges); the thumb has two. The fingertip consists...

  Definition Finasteride is a drug that belongs to the class of androgen inhibitors, which means that it blocks the production of male sex hormones. It is sold in the United States and Canada under the brand names Proscar and Propecia. Purpose Finasteride has two main purposes: the treatment of urinary problems in men caused by benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) or enlargement of the prostate...

Definition Filiariasis is the name for a group of tropical diseases caused by various thread-likeparasitic round worms (nematodes) and their larvae. The larvae transmit the disease tohumans through a mosquito bite. Filariasis is characterized by fever, chills,...

  Definition Fifth disease is a mild childhood illness caused by the human parvovirus B19 that causesflu-like symptoms and a rash. It is called fifth disease because it was fifth on a list ofcommon childhood illnesses that are accompanied by a rash, including measles , rubella (or...

Definition Fibromyalgia is described as inflammation of the fibrous or connective tissue of the body.Widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and multiple tender points characterize theseconditions. Fibrositis, fibromyalgia, and fibromyositis are names given to a set of symptoms believed to be caused by the...

Definition Fibrocystic condition of the breast is a term that may refer to a variety of symptoms: breast lumpiness or tenderness, microscopic breast tissue, and/or the x ray or ultrasound picture of the breast. It has been called a "wastebasket" diagnosis because a wide range of vaguely defined benign breast conditions may be labeled as fibrocystic condition....

Definition Fibroadenomas are benign breast tumors commonly found in young women. Fibroadenoma means "a tumor composed of glandular (related to gland) and fibrous (containing fibers) tissues." Description Breast fibroadenomas, abnormal growths of glandular and fibrous tissues, are most common between the ages of 15 and 30, and are found in 10% of all women (20% of African-American women)....

Definition Fibrinogen (Factor I) is a protein that originates in the liver. It is converted to fibrin during the blood clotting process (coagulation). Purpose The fibrinogen test aids in the diagnosis of suspected clotting or bleeding disorders caused by fibrinogen abnormalities. Precautions This test is not recommended for patients with active bleeding, acute infection or...

Definition Fibrin split products (FSP) are fragments of protein released from a dissolving clot. The fibrinsplit products test is one of several tests done to evaluate a person with blood clotting problems (coagulation), particularly disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Purpose High levels of FSP in a person's blood are associated with DIC, a serious medical condition...

Definition Fever of unknown origin (FUO) refers to the presence of a documented fever for aspecified time, for which a cause has not been found after a basic medical evaluation. Theclassic criteria developed in 1961 included: temperature greater than 101 °F (38.3 °C),...

Definition Fever evaluation tests, better known as febrile agglutinins tests, are performed to detect the presence of antibodies in the blood that are sensitive to temperature changes. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system in response to specific infectious agents, such as viruses or bateria. Febrile agglutinins are antibodies that cause red blood cells to clump, but only when...

Definition A fetal hemoglobin test (Hgb electrophoresis) measures the level of fetal hemoglobin(Hemoglobin F or HbF) in the blood of infants and children. It can also be measured in adults, though is more typically needed for diagnoses of congenital illnesses in children. Fetal hemoglobin, an alkali-resistant form of hemoglobin, is the major hemoglobin component...

Definition Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a pattern of birth defects, learning, and behavioral problems affecting individuals whose mothers consumed alcohol during pregnancy. Description FAS is the most common preventable cause of mental retardation. This condition was first recognized and reported in the medical literature in 1968 in France and in 1973 in the United States. Alcohol is a teratogen,...

Definition Female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) refers to the persistent or recurrent inability of a woman to achieve or maintain an adequate lubrication-swelling response during sexual activity. This lack of physical response may be either lifelong or acquired, and either generalized or situation-specific. FSAD has both physiological and psychological causes. The results of FSAD...

Definition Female genital mutilation (FGM) is the cutting, or partial or total removal, of the externalfemale genitalia for cultural, religious, or other non-medical reasons. It is usually performed on girls between the ages of four and 10. It is also called female circumcision. Purpose FGM...

Definition The Feldenkrais method is an educational system that allows the body to move and function more efficiently and comfortably. Its goal is to re-educate the nervous system and improve motor ability. The system can accomplish much more, relieving pressure on joints and weak points, and allowing the body to heal repetitive strain injuries. Continued use of the method can relieve...

Definition The fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is performed as part of the routine physical examinationduring the examination of the rectum. It is used to detect microscopic blood in the stool and is a screening tool for colorectal cancer. Purpose FOBT uses chemical indicators on stool samples to detect the presence of blood not otherwise visible. (The word...