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...

Definition Fecal incontinence is the inability to control the passage of gas or stools (feces) through the anus. For some people fecal incontinence is a relatively minor problem, as when it is limited to a slight occasional soiling of underwear, but for other people it involves a considerable loss of bowel control and has a devastating effect on quality of life and psychological well-being. Fortunately, professional...

Definition Fatty liver is the collection of excessive amounts of triglycerides and other fats inside liver cells. Description Also called steatosis, fatty liver can be a temporary or long-term condition, which is not harmful itself, but may indicate some other type of problem. Left untreated, it can contribute to other illnesses. It is usually reversible once the cause of the problem is diagnosed and corrected....

Definition Fatigue is physical and/or mental exhaustion that can be triggered by stress, medication, overwork, or mental and physical illness or disease. Description Everyone experiences fatigue occasionally. It is the body’s way of signaling its need for rest and sleep. But when fatigue becomes a persistent feeling of tiredness or exhaustion that goes beyond normal sleepiness, it is usually a sign...

Definition Fasting is voluntarily not eating food for varying lengths of time. Fasting is used as a medical therapy for many conditions. It is also a spiritual practice in many religions. Purpose Fasting can be used for nearly every chronic condition, including allergies, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, depression, diabetes, headaches, heart disease, high cholesterol, low blood sugar, digestive disorders, mental...

Definition Fasciotomy is a surgical procedure that cuts away the fascia to relieve tension or pressure. Purpose The fascia is thin connective tissue covering, or separating, the muscles and internal organs of the body. It varies in thickness, density, elasticity, and composition, and is different from ligaments and tendons. The fascia can be injured either through constant strain or through trauma. Fasciitis...

Definition Fanconi’s syndrome is a set of kidney malfunctions brought about by a variety of seemingly unrelated disorders. Kidney malfunction leads to excessive urine production and excessive thirst, resulting in deficits of water, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and other substances in the body. It often leads to bone disease and stunted growth. Description Normally, kidneys cleanse the blood and...

Definition Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves all the members of a nuclear or extended family. It may be conducted by a pair or team of therapists. In many cases the team consists of a man and a woman in order to treat gender-related issues or serve as role models for family members. Although some forms of family therapy are based on behavioral or psychodynamic principles, the most widespread...

Definition Familial polyposis is an inherited condition which primarily affects the large intestine (colon and rectum). Large numbers of projecting masses of swollen and thickened or tumorous membrane (polyps) develop on the inner lining of this part of the bowel. The polyps eventually become malignant. Description Familial polyposis (FP) is known by many synonyms, most include some combination of words which...

Definition Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an inherited disorder of the inflammatory response characterized by recurring attacks of fever, accompanied by intense pain in the abdomen, chest, or joints. Attacks usually last 12–72 hours, and can occasionally involve a skin rash. Kidney disease is a serious concern if the disorder is not treated. FMF is most prevalent in people of Armenian, Sephardic-Jewish,...

Definition Fainting is loss of consciousness caused by a temporary lack of oxygen to the brain. Known by the medical term ‘‘syncope,’’ fainting may be preceded by dizziness, nausea, or a feeling of extreme weakness. If a person is feeling faint, unconsciousness may be prevented by sitting with the head between the knees, as shown in the illustration above, or by lying flat with the...

Definition Failure to thrive (FTT) is used to describe a delay in a child’s growth or development. It is usually applied to infants and children up to two years of age who do not gain or maintain weight as they should. Failure to thrive is not a specific disease, but rather a cluster of symptoms which may come from a variety of sources. Description Shortly after birth most infants loose some weight....

Definition Factitious disorders are a group of mental disturbances in which patients intentionally act physically or mentally ill without obvious benefits. The name factitious comes from a Latin word that means artificial. These disorders are not malingering, which is defined as pretending illness when the ‘‘patient’’ has a clear motive, such as financial gain. Description Patients...

Definition Face lift surgery is a cosmeticprocedure that involves redirecting some of the skin andmuscle tissue of the face and neck to counter signs of aging produced by gravity. In a typical face lift surgery, the surgeon begins by making an incision within the hairline just above the ear. The incision continues down along the front of the ear, around the earlobe,and then up and behind the ear extending back...

Between ages forty-five and fifty a woman passes through a transition period brought about by a decrease in the production of hormones by the ovaries. During this period, menstruation becomes irregular and eventually ceases. Thereafter pregnancy is no longer possible. Many women experience some nervousness during this time A typical sign of the onset of menopause is "hot flashes," when the woman...

Normally the body temperature is about 98.60 F. (370 C.). Under conditions of health it is maintained at a surprisingly constant level by the reflex regulation of heat production and heat elimination. The body responds to infections and inflammations, as well as to tissue destruction, by fever. When the increase takes place rapidly, the patient may experience chills while the heat-regulating mechanism is adjusting...