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Browse our complete A-Z directory of healthcare terms and entities.
Showing 56 entries starting with "I" of type "Conditions"
Before having an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted, you will probably have: A pregnancy test, especially if you have not been using an effective method of birth control, have been sexually active in the past month, and are not having your menstrual period at the time of the procedure. Testing for sexually transmitted...
Ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to relieve pain and reduce fever and inflammation. Be sure to follow these medicine precautions: Your child's over-the-counter medicine will have a "Drug Facts" label. On the label, you'll find directions for your...
If you think you might have alcohol use disorder, talk with your doctor before trying to stop drinking. If you have alcohol use disorder, you should stop drinking, not just cut back. If you are physically dependent, you might develop severe withdrawal symptoms if you stop drinking on your own. Whether you have alcohol...
Learn what it's like to have an ileostomy procedure.
Illegal drugs are those that are not prescribed by a doctor or bought at a drugstore. They are sometimes also called "street drugs." Some examples of illegal drugs include heroin (an opioid); cocaine (a stimulant); LSD, mescaline, PCP, methamphetamine, and psilocybin (hallucinogens); and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). GHB...
Your immunity protects both you and your fetus. After you have been immunized (vaccinated) against or infected by a virus or bacteria, your body develops an immunity to that infectious agent. Full immunity can protect you from future infection, either for a lifetime or a limited period. Partial immunity strengthens your...
Routine immunizations Starting at 2 months after birth, premature infants need all the recommended immunizations that full-term infants get. The one immunization that your preemie may not get on schedule is the hepatitis B vaccine, which is usually given at birth. This vaccine doesn't work as well in very small preemies...
What are immunizations? Immunizations help keep you and your child from getting a disease. They contain medicine that causes the body to make antibodies. These antibodies can then recognize and fight the disease if you or your child is later exposed to it. Immunizations are also called vaccines or vaccinations. Why...
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies are proteins made by the body's natural defense system (immune system). They attack and destroy things that they recognize as different from the body's normal healthy tissues, such as bacteria and viruses. IgG antibodies are found in all body fluids and are very important in fighting...
Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies are proteins made by the body's natural defense system (immune system). They attack and destroy things that they recognize as different from the body's normal healthy tissues, such as bacteria and viruses. IgM antibodies are found in blood and lymph fluid and are very important in...
An impacted tooth is one that does not break through the gum. Impaction most often occurs with the third molars (wisdom teeth) or other teeth in the back of the mouth; the front and side teeth rarely become impacted. Impacted teeth may not cause problems. If an impacted tooth does cause problems, such as infection...
The immune system is the body's natural defense system that helps fight infections. An impaired immune system does not work properly and can't effectively protect a person against infection. Some conditions and medicines weaken or impair the immune system. These may include: Substance use disorders or problems caused by...
An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a small device that uses electrical pulses or shocks to help control abnormal heart rhythms, especially ones that can be life-threatening. An ICD is also known as an automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD). An ICD is implanted under the skin in the...
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a procedure that involves collecting a woman's eggs from her ovaries and fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting fertilized eggs are then transferred to the uterus through the cervix. Any embryos that implant in the uterus may then result in pregnancy and the birth of...
During in vitro fertilization (IVF), eggs and sperm are brought together in a laboratory glass dish to allow the sperm to fertilize an egg. With IVF, you can use any combination of your own eggs and sperm and donor eggs and sperm. After IVF, one or more fertilized eggs are placed in the uterus ....
Learn about the importance of asking questions and taking charge when in the hospital.
A urinary catheter is a small, flexible tube that can be inserted through the urethra and into the bladder, allowing urine to drain. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. An indwelling Foley catheter remains in place continuously. To keep the catheter from slipping out, there is...
A urinary catheter is a small, flexible tube that can be inserted through the urethra and into the bladder, allowing urine to drain. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. An indwelling Foley catheter remains in place continuously. To keep the catheter from slipping out, there is...
What are infant formulas, and what's in them? Infant formula is a nutritional product that is made from processed cow's milk or soybean products. Special processing makes cow's-milk formula more digestible and less likely to cause an allergic reaction than regular cow's milk. Vitamins and minerals are added to infant...
When thinking about an assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedure, ask your doctor: For a step-by-step description of the procedure. Ask about any fertility medicines, daily blood testing, and egg harvesting. ART treatment is physically and emotionally demanding, especially for the mother. About his or her level...
Infertility treatment has great potential for squandering some of your most precious resources—money, time, and peace of mind. Before you start infertility treatment, decide how much money, time, and emotional energy you can afford to spend on infertility treatment. Take control of a process that can so easily take...
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increases the risk of colon cancer. The amount of increased risk depends on the type of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease of the colon), how much of the intestine is involved, and how long you have been ill. The cancer risk usually does not increase until...
Unlike other breast cancers, inflammatory breast cancer may not cause a lump in the breast. Instead, it may cause the breast to be swollen, red, and warm. The skin of the breast may look thick and pitted, like an orange peel. The nipple may become inverted, or it may sink inward. Talk to your doctor...
Discusses symptoms of the flu, which is caused by the influenza virus. Covers how it's spread and when people who have the flu are contagious. Discusses prevention, including getting the influenza vaccine. Offers home treatment tips.
An ingrown nail grows into the flesh instead of over it and usually affects the toes, particularly the big toe. The site of an ingrown nail can be painful, tender, red, swollen, and can sometimes develop pus. Ingrown nails are most often caused by: Cutting the toenails too short or rounding the nail edges. Having...
An ingrown nail is when a nail grows into the flesh at the side of the nail. This usually affects the toes, especially the big toe. An ingrown nail can get infected. It may be painful, red, and swollen, and it may drain pus. People with curved or thick nails are most likely to get...
Adults need to have inguinal hernia repair surgery in the following situations. Hernias that contain a loop of intestine without blood supply ( strangulated hernias ) require emergency surgery. Hernias that contain a trapped loop of intestine ( incarcerated hernias ) need to be repaired as soon as possible to avoid...
Anthrax spores enter the respiratory system when they are inhaled through the nose or mouth. Larger spores may settle in the windpipe (trachea). The immune system reacts by trying to destroy the spores. Some spores may escape and travel to the lymph nodes located in the chest. Smaller spores travel farther down the...
Inherited hair loss (androgenetic alopecia, also known as male- or female-pattern hair loss) is the most common cause of hair loss. It is inherited from either or both the mother and the father. In men, hair loss occurs on the front hairline and forehead and on the top of the head. Bald spots are noticeable....
If you have a substance use disorder, your doctor may suggest treatment at an inpatient or outpatient facility. At inpatient facilities, you stay overnight. At outpatient facilities, you come only during the day. How long you stay varies among programs. How are inpatient and outpatient treatment similar? Inpatient and...
Take a minute to find out about an insect bite or sting and what you can do to feel better.
To insert eardrops: First, warm the drops to body temperature by rolling the container in your hands or placing it in your armpit for a few minutes. Inserting cold eardrops can cause ear pain and dizziness. Have the child lie down, with the affected ear facing up. Place drops inside the ear. Follow your doctor's...
Pessaries come in different shapes and sizes. They may be made of rubber, plastic, or silicone-based material. A pessary is tucked into your vagina. Your pessary will be carefully fitted at your doctor's office. You may need to experiment with different kinds of pessaries to find one that holds your pelvic organs in...
Insertional Achilles tendinopathy is tendon damage in the area where the tendon attaches to the heel bone. It tends to develop when the tendon is rubbing on a bone spur or other type of bone growth. Symptoms of insertional tendinopathy include tenderness on the lower back of the heel and a reduced ability to overflex...
An institutional review board (IRB) is an independent committee made up of medical and nonmedical members, such as physicians, statisticians, and community advocates. It ensures that a clinical trial is ethical and that the rights of study participants are protected. All institutions that conduct or support biomedical...
Look at the dark pink areas on these pictures to find areas of the body where insulin is injected. Inject insulin into: The abdomen, but at least 2 in. (5.1 cm) inches from the belly button. The abdomen is the best place to inject insulin, because your abdomen area can absorb insulin most consistently. The...
An insulin pump is a small computerized device that delivers insulin into the body. This is different from injecting insulin throughout the day using insulin syringes and needles. Insulin pumps can be programmed to deliver very precise amounts of insulin in a continuous (basal) dose and in carefully planned extra...
Learn how to prepare and easily give yourself a single dose of insulin.
Some people with diabetes use their insulin syringes and lancets more than once to save money. But makers of syringes and lancets do not recommend using them more than once. Talk with your doctor before reusing these items. Some people who have diabetes should not reuse their syringes or lancets, including people who...
Intellectual disability is a decreased ability to think and learn. It's caused by a problem with how the brain works. The diagnosis is based on intelligence quotient (IQ) tests and a child's learning problems. The disability can range from mild to severe. People who have intellectual disability may have a hard time...
Interactive tool measures your ability to bounce back from stressful situations. Discusses what your score means from being very resilient to not very resilient. Includes next steps and a link to more information on stress management.
Offers interactive tool to find out your due date. Tool calculates when you are likely to deliver your baby. Offers links to info on pregnancy.
Intermittent catheterization programs (ICPs) are often used when you have the ability to use a catheter yourself or someone can do it for you. You insert the catheter —a thin, flexible, hollow tube—through the urethra into the bladder and allow the urine to drain out. It is done at scheduled times, and the catheter is...
A first-degree internal hemorrhoid bulges into the anal canal during bowel movements. A second-degree internal hemorrhoid bulges from the anus during bowel movements, then goes back inside by itself. A third-degree hemorrhoid bulges from the anus during bowel movements and must be pushed back in with a finger. A...
Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the anal canal. External hemorrhoids develop near the anal opening. Both types can occur at the same time.
Interventional cardiologists are medical doctors who specialize in performing surgical or invasive procedures—such as cardiac catheterization, angioplasty, and stenting—to diagnose and treat heart disease. Interventional cardiologists can be board-certified as internists or interventional cardiologists through the Board...
What is an intra-aortic balloon pump? An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is a mechanical device that helps the heart pump blood. This device is inserted into the aorta, the body's largest artery. It is a long, thin tube called a catheter with a balloon on the end of it. If you are hospitalized, your doctor...
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is an assisted reproductive technology used to treat sperm-related infertility. In the laboratory, a single sperm is injected into an egg; after 2 to 5 days, one or several of the fertilized embryos are transferred to the woman's uterus or fallopian tube. Any embryos that implant...
Covers intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET) to treat spinal disc-related chronic low back pain. Explains why it is done and what to expect after surgery. Includes how well it works. Looks at possible risks.
Intraocular (say "in-truh-AW-kyuh-ler") pressure is the pressure caused by the fluid inside the eye that helps maintain the shape of the eye. The level of pressure inside the eyes depends on: How much fluid is produced inside the eye. Whether fluid can travel normally through the eye. How well the fluid drains from the...
Discusses intrauterine device (IUD) for long-term birth control for women. Covers types of IUDs. Includes how well IUDs work to prevent pregnancy. Covers updated science on IUD's link to pelvic inflammatory disease.
The iris is the colored part of the eye. A circular muscle in the iris controls the amount of light that enters the eye through the pupil. Pigment cells in the iris produce its color. Each person's irises have a distinct color, texture, and pattern.
Iritis is an inflammation of the colored part of the eye (iris) that can cause redness, pain, light sensitivity, and in some cases, differing pupil sizes. Left untreated, severe iritis can permanently affect vision. Most people who develop iritis have recurring episodes. Although iritis often occurs for unknown reasons...
An iron test checks the amount of iron in the blood to see how well iron is metabolized in the body. Iron (Fe) is a mineral needed for hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Iron is also needed for energy, good muscle and organ function. About 70% of the body's iron...
Hear a story about how heart attacks may feel different than you expect.
An ischemic stroke happens when a blood vessel (artery) supplying blood to an area of the brain becomes blocked by a blood clot. About 80 out of 100 strokes are ischemic strokes. A hemorrhagic stroke happens when an artery in the brain leaks or bursts (ruptures).