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Browse our complete A-Z directory of healthcare terms and entities.
Showing 102 entries starting with "D" of type "Conditions"
A d-dimer test is a blood test that measures a substance that is released when a blood clot breaks up. Doctors order the d-dimer test, along with other lab tests and imaging scans, to help check for blood-clotting problems. A d-dimer test can also be used to check how well a treatment is working.
Use this form to remind you when to take your medicines. Post this sheet where you can see it, such as near your medicine cabinet or wherever you store your medicines. Bring it to your doctor appointments. And take it with you when you travel. Name of medicine Before breakfast What time? ____ With breakfast...
What is dandruff? Dandruff is a shedding of the skin on the scalp that leads to white flakes on the head, neck, and shoulders. What causes dandruff? Dandruff may be caused by a form of a skin condition called eczema, which causes increased shedding of normal scalp skin cells. Dandruff can also be caused by...
Dr. David A. Brent reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. He co-founded and now directs Services for Teens at Risk (STAR), a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania-funded program for suicide prevention, education of professionals, and the...
Dr. Agler reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions.
Dr. David Stuesse reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Dr. Stuesse is a surgeon specializing in adult and pediatric cardiac surgery and general thoracic surgery in Boise, Idaho.
Dr. David Lau reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Dr. Lau is a practicing endocrinologist who specializes in diabetes, obesity, and lipid disorders. He is an active researcher, educator, and clinician, and he has published over 100...
Dr. David Pichora reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Dr. Pichora is a Professor in the departments of Surgery and Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. He is also a member of the...
Medicines are a big part of treatment for many health problems. They fight harmful bacteria, relieve pain, and save lives. Medicines have helped cure diseases that used to have no cure. But there is a downside to medicines. Medicines work in a delicate balance with your body and with each other. Sometimes the balance...
The teen years can be a difficult time for both your teen and you. But, you can also experience times of pride, laughter, and closeness. The world changes so quickly that you may not recognize the problems your teen may face. Some issues teens face may be choices that involve alcohol and drugs, high-risk sexual...
Debbie was raising four children, working 12-hour days, and doing all the cooking and housekeeping. "I was unhappy, crying, and my house was dirty. I'd try to cope by doing just a little bit more," Debbie says. "Needless to say, it unraveled." She healed through months of therapy. "I felt guilty for feeling bad," she...
Compare pros and cons, including risks and benefits, of having herniated disc surgery.
Learn the pros and cons of having a knee replacement.
Compare the pros and cons of having surgery for spinal stenosis.
Covers some reasons people don't seek treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Looks at common objections to seeking treatment, such as the cost and the fear of what others think. Includes what you can do about overcoming objections.
Your health professional recommends that you use this online health tool. Get facts about your choices, compare the pros and cons of your options, and reach a decision that you're comfortable with. It's important to make a decision that feels right for you. This online tool can help you to: Better communicate your...
Decision Points are designed to guide you through key health decisions, combining medical information with your personal information to make a wise health decision. Click on a link below to learn more about medicines for your condition: Acne: Should I Take Isotretinoin for Severe Acne? ADHD: Should My Child Take...
Increase your fluid intake to replace lost fluids when you have a fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or sweating. The following suggested amounts of fluids to drink every hour are based on body weight: Fluid amounts to drink Your weight Fluid Pounds Kilograms Ounces Milliliters 30.0 15.0 2.0 60 60.0 30.0 4.0 120 90.0 40.0 6.0...
Delirium is a neuropsychiatric complication that can occur in patients with cancer, particularly in those with advanced disease. The prevention of delirium in the patient with cancer has not been systematically examined, but studies in hospitalized elderly patients suggest that early identification of risk factors...
Delirium tremens (also called DTs) is the name for medical problems that can happen when a person who has a physical dependence on alcohol suddenly stops using alcohol. DTs happen only if a person has had long-term, heavy use of alcohol. Symptoms of DTs include: Shaking (tremors). High blood pressure. Fast heartbeat...
The deltoid muscle is the triangular muscle that covers the upper arm and shoulder joint. It moves the upper arm forward, backward, to the side, and away from the body.
Discusses causes of dementia, which include strokes, tumors, or Alzheimer's disease. Covers symptoms like memory loss and forgetfulness. Covers how dementia is diagnosed. Looks at treatment options. Covers issues for caregivers.
What is dementia? Dementia is a loss of mental skills that affects daily life. It can cause problems with memory and with how well a person can think, plan, and communicate. Usually dementia gets worse over time. How long this takes is different for each person. Some people stay the same for years. Others lose...
Loss of bladder and bowel control (incontinence) can sometimes result from Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Several strategies may help you deal with this problem: Encourage the person to use the bathroom on a regular schedule, such as every 2 hours. Restrict liquids a few hours before bedtime. If the person has...
What is dengue fever? Dengue (say "DEN-gay") fever is a disease caused by a virus that is carried by mosquitos. Mild cases cause a rash and flu-like symptoms. Some people, especially children, can get more serious forms of the illness, known as dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. What causes dengue...
It's important to take care of your body when you are pregnant. This includes your teeth and gums. A healthy mouth and good dental habits are an important part of a healthy pregnancy. Regular brushing and flossing can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Good nutrition is also important for a healthy mouth. So...
By now your child has been seeing a dentist regularly for years. Continue with your usual schedule. If for some reason your child has not yet seen a dentist, make an appointment for an exam. More and more of the responsibility for good dental habits belongs to your child now. What your child can do...
A dental sealant is a clear or white, liquid-plastic material put on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of teeth and protects them from tooth decay and cavities. Although children and teens usually use sealants, adults can use them, too. To put...
Dentin is the middle layer of a tooth. It is made of hard minerals and protects the pulp (the inner core of the tooth) from external conditions such as heat and cold. Dentin is covered by enamel above the gum line (the crown of the tooth). Dentin in the root of the tooth is covered...
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all people, starting at age 12, be screened for depression. Screening for depression helps find depression early. And early treatment may help you get better faster. Depression is a disease. It's not caused by personal weakness and is not a character flaw. When you...
Depression is a disease. It's caused by changes in chemicals in the brain that are called neurotransmitters. Depression isn't a character flaw, and it doesn't mean you are bad or weak. It doesn't mean you are going crazy. People who are very depressed can feel so bad that they think about suicide. They may feel...
Depression is a serious mood problem. It's normal for children to be moody or sad sometimes. But children who are depressed may be sad all the time. Sometimes they may seem grumpy or bored, or they may complain of stomachaches and headaches. They may feel hopeless, worthless, or guilty. They may have trouble...
Discusses dealing with side effects of antidepressants. Links to more info on medicines, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants. Explains reasons to take medicine. Includes a warning to watch for serious side effects.
Your loved one or friend doesn't seem the same. You thought it was the blues, but it's been going on for weeks. And it seems much worse than that. Is your friend grieving over something? Or could it be depression ? If you want to learn more about grieving, see the topic Grief and Grieving....
Looks at postpartum depression. Discusses causes and symptoms. Covers treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal counseling, and medicines. Offers home treatment tips. Links to more in-depth info on postpartum depression.
Guides through decision to take antidepressants for depression. Covers symptoms of depression. Lists reasons for and against antidepressants. Covers side effects. Looks at other treatments to try. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.
Depression is an illness that makes a person feel sad or hopeless much of the time. It's different from feeling a little sad or down. Depression can be treated with counseling or medicine, or both. Healthy thinking also can help prevent or control depression. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or others, you need...
If someone you care about has been diagnosed with depression, you may feel helpless. Maybe you're watching a once-vibrant person slide into inactivity or seeing a good friend lose interest in activities that he or she used to enjoy. The change in your loved one's or friend's behavior may be so great that you feel...
What is developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)? Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a hip problem a baby is born with or that happens in the first year of life. In this condition, the top of the thighbone doesn't fit securely into the hip socket. This problem may affect one or both hip...
Developmental pediatricians are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of children with behavior, communication, or mental problems. These include cerebral palsy, autism, learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, failure to thrive, and intellectual disability. Pediatricians...
Health professionals who see infants and children screen for (watch for early signs of) developmental disabilities at every well-child visit. Developmental problems can affect how a child can talk, move, concentrate, and/or socialize. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends developmental testing for children at...
The nasal septum is the wall between the nostrils that separates the nasal passages. The septum is made of cartilage and thin bone. If the nasal septum is crooked, it is called a deviated nasal septum. A deviated septum may be caused by injury or surgery to the nose. A deviated nasal septum may not...
Dr. Devika Singh reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Dr. Singh is a primary care provider at Madison HIV Clinic at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington.
High blood sugar from diabetes can affect the body's immune system, impairing the ability of white blood cells to come to the site of an infection, stay in the infected area, and kill microorganisms. Because of the buildup of plaque in blood vessels associated with diabetes, areas of infection may receive a poor blood...
Learn the signs of infection with diabetes so that small skin problems don't become serious.
Describes monitoring blood sugar levels in children with diabetes. Covers list of supplies needed, including blood sugar meter, testing strips, and lancet. Gives step-by-step instructions. Links to info on type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Keeping your blood sugar in a target range reduces your risk of problems such as diabetic eye disease ( retinopathy ), kidney disease ( nephropathy ), and nerve disease ( neuropathy ). Some people can work toward lower numbers, and some people may need higher goals. For example, some children and adolescents with type 1...
Helping or caring for an older adult with diabetes can feel like a lot to take on. There's the challenge of caregiving—because what seems best for someone isn't always what that person wants to do. You may worry about invading your loved one's privacy or free will. There's also the stress of learning how to...
Teaches counting carbs to help you maintain control of your blood sugar level when you have diabetes. Explains why carb counting is important, allowing you to adjust the amount of insulin you take. Includes links to more info on type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
In general, people with diabetes either have a total lack of insulin (type 1 diabetes) or they have too little insulin or cannot use insulin effectively (type 2 diabetes). Type 1 diabetes (formerly called juvenile-onset or insulin-dependent diabetes), accounts for 5 to 10 out of 100 people who have diabetes. In type 1...
Learn how to use a finger-stick test to see how food or activity can change your blood sugar.
For a lot of people, diabetes leads to serious health problems. These life-changing conditions bring with them new medical decisions and plans. Medical decisions are very personal. Different people handle them in different ways. "In the past year, I've learned I have kidney disease from my diabetes. Wow. My wife and I...
Discusses preventing high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) problems in a person with diabetes. Explains emergencies in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Discusses treating infections early, being prepared, and drinking plenty of liquids.
Guides you through decision to become pregnant when you have diabetes. Discusses getting diabetes under control. Looks at decreasing risks to mother and baby if you have uncontrolled diabetes. Includes an interactive tool to help you make your decision.
Because you have diabetes, you need to wash your feet carefully each day. Post this list of proper foot-washing steps in your bathroom. Wash and dry your feet Use warm (not hot) water. Check the water temperature with your wrists, not your feet. Wash all areas of your feet, especially the underside of your toes...
The table below summarizes many of the tests that can be done to identify complications from diabetes, including those tests done during a physical exam. The physical exam evaluates your overall health. The doctor pays special attention to your eyes, blood vessels, heart, lungs, nerves, abdomen, and feet. Complications...
Use this form to think about any negative feelings you have about diabetes. My feeling is (for example, resentment):_____________________ I have this feeling because I think (for example, I resent the fact that I have diabetes and should eat less of some foods that I like): _______________________________________...
Travel can make it hard to keep your blood sugar within your target range because of changes in time zones, meal schedules, and types of foods available. Whenever you need to see a doctor away from home, let him or her know you have diabetes. And always wear medical identification. In an emergency, medical...
Diabetic foot ulcers are red sores that can occur most often on the pad (ball) of the foot or the bottom of the big toe. Ulcers can also form from poorly fitted shoes, especially on the sides of the foot, the tops of the toes, or the heel of the foot.
When you have diabetic neuropathy, your doctor will get your medical history and may ask you about the following: Symptoms What kinds of symptoms are you having? How long you have had the symptoms? What makes them worse? What makes them better? Medicines What medicines are you taking? Bring a complete list of medicines...
Diabetic retinopathy is a disease of the retina, the thin tissue that lines the back of the eye. The condition is a complication of diabetes. It is related to long-term high blood sugar levels. Over time, this leads to changes in blood vessels that interfere with oxygen delivery to the cells in the retina.
This exercise stretches your back, spine, and upper torso muscles. Sit with your feet out in front, knees bent, and hands clasped in front of you. Slowly twist your upper torso to the left and then to the right. Twist to both sides a total of 5 times.
A dialysis access is a site on a person's body created so that blood or other fluids can be removed, filtered, and returned to the body during dialysis. Dialysis is a process that performs the work of healthy kidneys for people who have kidney failure. Before dialysis can begin, the doctor has to create a...
Learn how to care for yourself at home after a vascular access procedure.
Understand what dialysis is and how it helps you feel better and live longer.
Diaper rash is skin irritation around the thighs, genitals, buttocks, or abdomen; the rash is red and may look like the skin has been burned or scalded. Diaper rash is the most common skin problem in babies and young children, but it can occur at any age if diapers or incontinence briefs are worn. Most...
The exact cause of colic is not known. But some breastfeeding mothers have noticed that certain foods seem to cause colic in their babies. It is possible that some foods may affect breast milk and contribute to intestinal gas or other digestive problems, which may make crying episodes worse. More research is needed to...
Difficulty breathing can occur when a child's lungs or heart are not working well. Mild trouble breathing means: The child is breathing a little faster than usual. The child seems a little out of breath but can still eat or talk. Moderate trouble breathing means: The child is breathing a lot faster than usual. The...
The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients from the food, and ridding the body of waste products from the food. The digestive system consists of the: Upper digestive tract, which includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Lower digestive tract, which includes the...
Digital breast tomosynthesis (say "toh-moh-SIN-thuh-suss") is a test used for breast cancer screening. It uses X-rays to create a three-dimensional image of the breast. This test, sometimes called DBT or 3-D mammogram, may be used along with a regular mammogram.
A digital (finger) rectal examination checks for problems in organs or other structures in the pelvis and lower abdomen. During a digital rectal examination, your doctor puts a lubricated, gloved finger of one hand into the rectum and may use the other hand to press on the lower abdomen or pelvic area.
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a serious condition that weakens your heart muscle and causes it to stretch, or dilate. The heart's upper and lower chambers (atria and ventricles) are larger than normal. When your heart muscle is weak, it can't pump out blood as well as it should, so more blood stays in your heart after...
The diopter is a unit of measurement used to describe how well a person sees. Farsightedness is measured in positive diopters, and nearsightedness is measured in negative diopters. Astigmatism is measured in diopters that can be either positive or negative. With diopters, the farther a measurement is from 0, the more...
Directly observed therapy (DOT) is done when it is very important that a person takes every dose of medicine. For DOT, a health professional watches each time a person takes his or medicine. During DOT, a person must go to a hospital, clinic, or doctor's office to take the medicine. Or a health professional may...
What are the most important things you need to know about your medicines? Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So...
What is dissociative identity disorder? Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is a rare mental health condition. It was once known as multiple personality disorder. People who have it have two or more separate personalities. But they often don't know that the other personalities exist. And they can't remember things that...
Some diuretics can cause low levels of potassium. A delicate balance of potassium is needed to properly transmit electrical impulses in the heart. A low potassium level can disrupt the normal electrical impulses in the heart and lead to irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). If potassium levels are low, a potassium...
Find out how to make it easier to take your diuretic.
Dr. Divya Gupta reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Dr. Gupta is an Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medical College and is an attending physician at New York Presbyterian Hospital in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology...
Dizziness, or lightheadedness, is a feeling of unsteadiness. Dizziness can lead to feeling faint or to fainting (brief loss of consciousness). Dizziness can be caused by many things, including stress and/or problems with brain functions. Dizziness often goes away or improves after lying down. If it does not, it may be...
Many people take aspirin every day, or every other day, to help prevent heart attack and stroke. But should you take it to prevent cancer? Research has shown that aspirin does help prevent heart attack and stroke in people who are at high risk for those things. But cancer is different. Yes, there are studies...
Domestic violence is physical, emotional, or sexual abuse that happens in a personal relationship. The abuser may use fear, bullying, and threats to gain power and control over the other person. He or she may act jealous, controlling, or possessive. Over time, the abuse may get worse.
Courtesy of Intermountain Medical Imaging, Boise, Idaho. Figure 1 shows a color Doppler ultrasound picture of blood flowing through a normal artery (red) and vein (blue). Figure 2 shows an ultrasound picture of an artery narrowed by the buildup of calcium and fat (cholesterol) in the inner lining of the artery, called...
Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Bring one knee to your chest and then the other. Don't raise both legs together. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Relax and lower your legs-one at a time-to the floor. Rest for 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times.
A vaginal pessary is a removable device placed into the vagina. A doughnut pessary is designed to support areas of pelvic organ prolapse, particularly uterine prolapse.
Dr. Douglas Stewart reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Dr. Stewart is a Professor in the departments of Medicine and Oncology, Divisions of Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Hematological Malignancies at the University of Calgary...
A doula is someone who provides emotional support and comfort measures during labor and delivery. Doulas may also provide support and nonmedical care during pregnancy or after the baby is born. Doulas usually are not licensed health professionals, although some may be nurses.
What is Down syndrome? Down syndrome is a set of physical and mental traits caused by a gene problem that happens before birth. Children who have Down syndrome tend to have certain features, such as a flat face and a short neck. They also have some degree of intellectual disability. This varies from person to...
If your baby is born with Down syndrome, you will likely have many questions and strong emotions. Your doctor can help answer your questions. And he or she can guide you to appropriate resources to help you manage your feelings and plan for your child's long-term care needs. Your doctor will talk to you about...
Children with Down syndrome can learn to eat by themselves with your help and encouragement. Eating independently is a developmental milestone that involves the use of small muscles (fine motor skills), large muscles (gross motor skills), and hand-eye coordination. Before teaching your child self-feeding skills, look...
Why is it important to drink enough water? Water keeps every part of your body working properly. It helps your body flush wastes and stay at the right temperature. It can help prevent kidney stones and constipation. You lose water throughout the day—through your breath, sweat, urine, and bowel movements. If you live in...
As we get older, the lower eyelids sometimes start to droop away from the eyeball. Drooping is the result of reduced muscle tone in the muscles that control the eyelids. If your lower eyelids droop outward, away from the eye ( ectropion ), they may no longer be able to protect your eyes, and your...
A drug allergy occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to a substance (allergen) in a medicine that the person has taken, which triggers an allergic reaction. Symptoms include hives or welts, rash, swelling, redness, and blisters. A drug allergy may also cause serum sickness (characterized by hives, joint pain...
If you have a family member or friend with a drug problem, you probably want to help. This can be hard. You can't force a person into treatment. One thing you can do is to stop making excuses for the person. For example, if the person is late to work, refuse to make an excuse....
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a rare disease that causes muscles to grow weaker, beginning with the leg muscles. The disease is passed from a mother, who carries the gene but does not have the disease, to her son (X-linked). Most boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy need a wheelchair by age 12 and die before age...
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is the growth of abnormal cells in the milk ducts of the breast. It is a very early form of noninvasive breast cancer. DCIS is seen as small calcium deposits (microcalcifications) on a mammogram.
A due date is an estimate of when a pregnant woman will have her baby. It is calculated by taking the first day of her last menstrual period (LMP), adding 7 days, and then counting backward 3 months; or by adding 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period (for women with...
The duodenum, or the first part of the small intestine, connects to the stomach. The duodenum is about 10 in. (25 cm) long and curved, almost forming a circle.
Dupuytren's disease is a thickening and shortening of tissue under the skin in the palm of your hand. It often affects the ring and small fingers, usually of both hands. In most cases it gets worse slowly, and it may never cause major problems. If it does get worse, your fingers may bend toward your...
A durable power of attorney for health care is a legal document in which one person grants another person the authority to make medical decisions if he or she becomes unable to do so. The person chosen as the health care agent (or health care proxy or surrogate) should understand and respect the person's wishes...
Dust mites are tiny spiderlike creatures (arachnids) that feed mostly on flakes of dead human skin. Mites do not bite humans or spread disease. Dust mites may cause allergies and asthma symptoms in some people. When allergies are present, they are triggered by material in the stool of dust mites rather than by the...
Painful menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) are one of the most common reasons for women to seek medical attention. During the menstrual cycle, the lining of the uterus produces a hormone called prostaglandin, which causes the uterus to contract, often painfully. Besides mild to severe cramping in the lower belly, symptoms...