Definition An IUD is an intrauterine device made of plastic and/or copper that is inserted into the womb (uterus) by way of the vaginal canal. One type releases a hormone (progesterone), and is replaced each year. The second type is made of copper and can be left in place for five years. The most common shape in current use is a plastic "T" which is wrapped with copper wire. Purpose IUDs are used to prevent pregnancy and...

Definition Itching is an intense, distracting irritation or tickling sensation that may be felt all over the skin's surface or confined to just one area. The medical term for itching is pruritus. Description Itching leads most people instinctively to scratch the affected area. Different people can tolerate different amounts of itching, and anyone's threshold of tolerance can...

Definition Isolation refers to the precautions that are taken in the hospital to prevent the spread of an infectious agent from an infected or colonized patient to susceptible persons. Purpose Isolation practices are designed to minimize the transmission of infection in the hospital, using current understanding of the way infections can transmit. Isolation should...

Definition Ischemia is an insufficient supply of blood to an organ, usually due to a blocked artery. Description Myocardial ischemia is an intermediate condition in coronary artery disease during which the heart tissue is slowly or suddenly starved of oxygen and other nutrients. Eventually, the affected heart tissue will die. When blood flow is completely blocked to the heart, ischemia can lead to...

Definition Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common intestinal condition characterized by abdominal pain and cramps; changes in bowel movements (diarrhea, constipation, or both); gassiness; bloating; nausea ; and other symptoms. There is no recognized cure for IBS. Much about the condition remains unknown or poorly understood;...

Definition Iron tests are a group of blood tests that are done to evaluate the iron level in blood serum, the body's capacity to absorb iron, and the amount of iron actually stored in the body. Iron is an essential trace element; it is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and certain enzymes. At the other extreme, high levels of iron can...

Definition Anemia is a blood disorder characterized by abnormally low levels of healthy red blood cells (RBCs) or reduced hemoglobin (Hgb), the iron-bearing protein in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to tissues throughout the body. Iron deficiency anemia describes anemia that results from low levels of iron, the mineral present in hemoglobin. Description Iron deficiency is...

Description There are two categories of ipecac preparations—a syrup used in standard medical practice and a homeopathic remedy. They are given for different purposes. The medicinal effects of ipecac were recognized centuries ago by the Portuguese who settled in South America. They found a plant that can make people vomit and appropriately named it Cephalis ipecacuanha, meaning...

Definition Intussusception is a medical emergency in which one portion of the intestine (bowel) slides or “telescopes” into another section of bowel, cutting off the blood supply and blocking the flow of materials through the digestive system. Description In the process of intussusception, one part of the intestine infolds into another section the intestine. The most common place for this...

Definition Intravenous urography is a test that x rays the urinary system using intravenous dye for diagnostic purposes. The kidneys excrete the dye into the urine. X rays can then create pictures of every structure (kidney, renal pelvis, ureter, bladder, urethra) through which the urine passes. The procedure has several variations and many names: ·        ...

Definition Intravenous (IV) rehydration is a treatment for fluid loss in which a sterile water solution containing small amounts of salt or sugar is injected into the patient's bloodstream. Purpose Rehydration is usually performed to treat the symptoms associated with dehydration, or excessive loss of body water. Fever, vomiting, and diarrhea can cause a person to become dehydrated fairly...

Definition The term intrauterine growth retardation (also known as intrauterine growth restriction)(IUGR) is generically defined as a fetus who is at or below the tenth percentile in weight for its gestational age. There are two factors necessary to define an IUGR fetus: first, the fetal weight is at or below the tenth percentile for gestational age and sex; second, there is...

Definition The word polyp refers to any overgrowth of tissue from the surface of mucous membranes.Intestinal polyps grow out of the lining of the small and large bowels. Polyps come in a variety of shapes-round, droplet, and irregular being the most common. Description Polyps are one of many forms of tissue overproduction that can occur in the body. Cells in many body tissues sometimes...

Definition Intestinal obstructions are a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine, resulting in failure of the contents of the intestine to pass through the bowel normally. Description Intestinal obstructions can occur in children as a result of congenital defects, with symptoms appearing any time between birth and adulthood. Abdominal pain and vomiting are...

Definition Interstitial microwave thermal therapy is a type of hyperthermia treatment for cancer, in which heat produced by microwaves (which are a non-ionizing form of radiation) is used in conjunction with other cancer treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy, to kill cancer cells associated with tumors located deep with the body. Purpose The purpose of interstitial microwave thermal therapy is...

Definition Intersex states are conditions where a newborn's sex organs (genitals) look unusual, making it impossible to identify the gender of the baby from its outward appearance. Description All developing babies start out with external sex organs that look female. If the baby is male, the internal sex organs mature and begin to produce the male hormone testosterone. If the hormones reach the...

Definition Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is a disorder characterized by impulsive acts of aggression, as contrasted with planned violent or aggressive acts. The aggressive episodes may take the form of “spells” or “attacks,” with symptoms beginning minutes to hours before the actual acting-out. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ,...

Definition Intermittent claudicationis a pain in the leg that a person experiences when walking or exercising. The pain is intermittent and goes away when the person rests. Description Claudication comes from the Latin word that means "to limp," and the condition is characterized by intermittent pain in the leg muscles. Poor circulation produces the pain. The legs...

Insomnia is the inability to obtain an adequate amount or quality of sleep. The difficulty can be in falling asleep, remaining asleep, or both. People with insomnia do not feel refreshed when they wake up. Insomnia is a common symptom affecting millions of people that may be caused by many conditions, diseases, or circumstances. Primary insomnias include chronic and temporary sleeplessness....

Definition Insecticide poisoning is exposure to a group of chemicals designed to eradicate insects that cause affected persons to develop clinical signs that can progress to death. Description Insecticides belong to a group of chemicals called organophosphates used to protect against insects. Their use is popular since they are effective and do not remain in the environment, disintegrating within...

Definition Inhalation therapies are a group of respiratory, or breathing, treatments designed to help restore or improve breathing function in patients with a variety of diseases, conditions, or injuries. The treatments range from at-home oxygen therapy for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to mechanical ventilation for patients with acute respiratory failure. Inhalation therapies...

Definition Influenza, also referred to as the flu, is a highly contagious disease of the nose, throat, and lungs that is caused by an influenza virus. Description There are three types of influenza viruses , A, B, and C. Influenza Types A and B viruses cause seasonal epidemics of disease most winters in the United States. Influenza Type C viruses cause only mild respiratory...

Definition Infertility is the inability of a man and a woman to conceive a child through sexual intercourse. There are many possible reasons for the problem, which can involve the man, the woman, or both partners. Various treatments are available that enable a woman to become pregnant; the correct one will depend on the specific cause of the infertility. Purpose Infertility treatment is aimed...

Definition Infertility drugs are medicines that help bring about pregnancy. Purpose Infertility is the inability of a man and woman to achieve pregnancy after at least a year of having regular sexual intercourse without any type of birth control. There are many possible reasons for infertility, and finding the most effective treatment for a couple may involve many tests to find the problem....

Definition Infertility is the failure of a couple to conceive a pregnancy after trying to do so for at least one full year. In primary infertility, pregnancy has never occurred. In secondary infertility, one or both members of the couple have previously conceived, but are unable to conceive again after a full year of trying. Description Currently, in the United States, about 20%...

Definition Infectious mononucleosis is a contagious illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus that can affect the liver, lymph nodes, and oral cavity. While mononucleosis is not usually a serious disease, its primary symptoms of fatigue and lack of energy can linger for several months. Description Infectious mononucleosis, frequently called "mono"...

Definition Infectious arthritis, which is sometimes called septic arthritis or pyogenic arthritis, is a serious infection of the joints characterized by pain, fever, occasional chills, inflammation and swelling in one or more joints, and loss of function in the affected joints. It is considered a medical emergency. Description Infectious arthritis can occur in any age...

Definition Infection control is the protection of patients and health care workers by the prevention of infection in the health care setting in a cost-efficient manner. Standard precautions for infection control SOURCE: CDC, 1996. Environmentalcontrol Follow hospital procedures for routine care, cleaning, and disinfection of all surfaces, beds, bedrails, bedside...

Definition Infant massage is the process of rubbing an infant's muscles and stroking the infant in a manner specifically designed for them. Although there are professionally trained and certified infant massage therapists, the obvious first choice to massage the baby is the mother, father, grandparent, or guardian. Equally important are the people who care for...

Definition Induction of labor involves using artificial means to assist the mother in delivering her baby. Purpose Labor is brought on, or induced, when the pregnancy has extended significantly beyond the expected delivery date and the mother shows no signs of going into labor. Generally, if the unborn baby is more than two weeks past due, labor will be induced. In...

Definition An indium scan of the body scanning is a procedure in which a patient's white blood cells are first labeled with the radioactive substance indium, and then the patient's body is scanned as a way of tracking the white blood cells at the site of possible infection. Purpose The procedure is used to detect inflammatory processes in the body such...

Definition Indigestion, which is sometimes called dyspepsia, is a general term covering a group of nonspecific symptoms in the digestive tract. It is often described as a feeling of fullness, bloating, nausea, heartburn , or gassy discomfort in the chest or abdomen. The symptoms develop during meals or shortly afterward. In most cases, indigestion is a minor problem that often clears up without...

Definition A cervix (the structure at the bottom of the uterus) that is incompetent is abnormally weak, and therefore it can gradually widen during pregnancy. Left untreated, this can result in repeated pregnancy losses or premature delivery. Description Incompetent cervix is the result of an anatomical abnormality. Normally, the cervix remains closed throughout...

Definition Inclusion conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, or white of the eye. In the neonate this condition is part of a larger group of eye diseases called neonatal conjunctivitis. Inclusionconjunctivitis is also called a chlamydial conjunctivitis. Description Chlamydiae are similar to bacteria but cannot produce their own energy and thus live in the cells of...

Definition In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a procedure in which eggs (ova) from a woman's ovary are removed. They are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory procedure, and then the fertilized egg (embryo) is returned to the woman's uterus. Purpose IVF is one of several assisted reproductive techniques (ART) used to help infertile couples to conceive a child. If after...

Definition Impulse control disorders are characterized by an inability to resist the impulse to perform an action that is harmful to one's self or others. This is a relatively new class of personality disorders,and the most common of these are intermittent explosive disorder, kleptomania, pyromania, compulsive gambling disorder, and trichotillomania.   Description   All...

Definition Impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction, is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection long enough to engage in sexual intercourse. Description Under normal circumstances, when a man is sexually stimulated, his brain sends a message down the spinal cord and into the nerves of the penis. The nerve endings in the penis release chemical messengers, called neurotransmitters, that signal the...

Definition The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a surgically implanted electronic device that directs an electric charge directly into the heart to treat life-threatening arrhythmias.  Purpose The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator is used to detect and stop life-threatening arrhythmias and restore a productive heartbeat that is able to provide adequate cardiac output...

Definition Impetigo refers to a very localized bacterial infection of the skin. There are two types, bullous and epidemic. Description Impetigo is a skin infection that tends primarily to afflict children. Impetigo caused by the bacteriumStaphylococcus aureus (also known as staph) affects children of all ages. Impetigo caused by the bacteria called group A streptococci (also...

Definition Impedance phlebography is a noninvasive test that uses electrical monitoring to measure blood flow in veins of the leg. Information from this test helps a doctor to detect deep vein thrombosis (blood clots or thrombophlebitis ). Purpose Impedance phlebography may be done in order to: ·         detect blood clots...

Definition An impacted tooth is a dental disorder in which a tooth fails to fully emerge through the gums. Description Teeth emerge through the gums during infancy and also when primary (baby) teeth are replaced by the permanent teeth. If a tooth fails to emerge or emerges only partially, it is considered impacted. The teeth most commonly impacted are the wisdom...

Definition Immunosuppressant drugs, also called anti-rejection drugs, are used to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted organ. Purpose When an organ, such as a liver, a heart or a kidney, is transplanted from one person (the donor) into another (the recipient), the immune system of the recipient triggers the same response against the new organ it would have to any foreign material,...

Definition Immunologic therapy is the treatment of disease using medicines that boost the body's naturalimmune response . Purpose Immunologic therapy is used to improve the immune system's natural ability to fight diseases such as cancer, hepatitis and AIDS. These drugs may also be used to...

Definition Immunoglobulin deficiency syndromes are a group of disorders that involve defects of any component of the immune system or a defect of another system that affects the immune system, leading to an increased incidence or severity of infection. In these disorders, specific disease fighting antibodies (immunoglobulins such as IgG, IgA, and IgM) are either missing or are present in reduced...

Definition Immunoelectrophoresis, also called gamma globulin electrophoresis, or immunoglobulin electrophoresis, is a method of determining the blood levels of three major immunoglobulins: immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin A (IgA). Purpose Immunoelectrophoresis is a powerful analytical technique with high resolving power as it combines separation of antigens by electrophoresis...

Definition Immunodeficiency disorders are a group of disorders in which part of the immune system is missing or defective. Therefore, the body's ability to fight infections is impaired. As a result, the person with an immunodeficiency disorder will have frequent infections that are generally more severe and last longer than usual. Description The immune system is the body's main method...

The immune complex test is a test designed to evaluate the status or proper functioning of the immune system . The criterion used to evaluate the operation of the immune system is via the presence of so-called immune complexes. An immune complex is an association formed between large numbers of antigens and the corresponding antibodies....

Definition Immobilization refers to the process of holding a joint or bone in place with a splint, cast, or brace. This is done to prevent an injured area from moving while it heals. Purpose Splints, casts, and braces support and protect broken bones, dislocated joints, and such injured soft tissue as tendons and ligaments. Immobilization restricts motion to allow the injured area to heal. It...

Definition Ileus is a partial or complete non-mechanical blockage of the small and/or large intestine. The term "ileus" comes from the Latin word for colic. Description There are two types of intestinal obstructions, mechanical and non-mechanical. Mechanical obstructions occur because the bowel is physically blocked and its contents can not pass the point of the obstruction. This...

  Definition Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, or ITP, is a bleeding disorder caused by an abnormally low level of platelets in the patient's blood. Platelets are small plate-shaped bodies in the blood that combine to form a plug when a blood vessel is injured. The platelet plug then binds certain proteins in the blood to form a clot that stops bleeding. ITP's name describes its cause...