Medical Dictionary
Dacrycystitis
| Dacrycystitis refers to inflammation of the lacrimal sac |
Dacryocystitis
Dacryocystitis is an infection of the tear sac that lies between the inner corner of the eyelids and the nose. It usually results from blockage of the duct that carries tears from the tear sac to the nose. The blocked duct harbors bacteria and becomes infected. Dacryocystitis may be acute or chronic. It may be related to a malformation of the tear duct, injury, eye infection, or trauma. |
Dairy products
| Diary products are generally defined as food products produced from milk. |
Dandruff
| Dried skin that flakes free from the scalp. |
Dantrium
| Dantrium is the brand name for the drug dantrolene. This is a direct muscle relaxant used to relieve muscle spasm associated with disorders such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, stroke and cerebral palsy. Dantrium is a capsule form of medication taken one to four times daily. |
Dantrium Powder for Injection
| Dantrium Powder for Injection is a drug used for a specific condition called a malignant hyperthermia. Dantrium is given as an injection to a vein immediately following identification of this condition. |
Daonil
Daonil is used to control blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is used in conjunction with diet control and exercise to control blood sugar. Daonil can be used alone, or in combination with insulin or other anti-diabetes medicines. |
Darbopoetin alfa
| Darbopoetin alfa (Arenesp) is used in the treatment of anaemia which may be due to chronic kidney failure and in patients undergoing Chemotherapy for certain types of cancer. |
Dating Social Skills Training
| Dating Social Skills Training is a special subset of social skills training that focuses predominantly on the social skills required during dating. This training also works to imrove the self-confidence of the client. |
Daughter Cell
| Daughter Cell is the name given to the two copies of a cell after cell division |
De-afferentation
| De-afferentation is the disruption of the impulses that are carried by the nerves. It can be caused by damage from inflammation from inflammation in the spinal cord |
Debulking surgery
| Debulking surgery removes as much of the cancerous tumour as possible. The remaining portion is then treated with radiation therapy or chemotherapy. |
Deep Brain Stimulation
| A form of Intracranial Stimulation, which itself is a type of Neurostimulation, used for treating chronic pain and epilepsy. Recently the focus of this therapy has shifted towards it being a treatment for Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. |
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
| A Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in the 'deep' veins of the body, usually in the legs. They usually follow long periods of immobility, such as after long times in a hospital bed, which allows the blood to 'pool' in the veins and clot. Sometimes, bits can break off from a DVT and cause a Pulmonary Embolus (PE). |
Defensive Blink
| A defensive blink refers to the automatic blinking of a persons eyes as an object approaches their eyes. |
Defibrillator
A defibrillator is a medical device that is used to shock the heart using electricity. A defibrillator is used when the heart has stopped or is extremely out of rhythm. The shock is administered via electrodes placed on the chest. |
Degenerative Disc Disease
| Degenerative Disc Disease a slow deterioration of discs located between vertebrae. |
Dehydration
| Dehydration means the body is water or fluid deprived so the total body water is below that necessary for normal function. It can be caused by insufficient fluid intake or excess fluid loss from fever, diarrhoea, vomiting or excessive sweating during exercise. Severe dehydration can be life-threatening particularly in children and the elderly who are more susceptible. |
Delerium
| Delerium is a short term disorder of the central nervous system that involves usual and dysfunctioning mental processes. This may include delusions, hallucinations and disorientation. |
Delirium
| Delirium is a condition where there is cognitive impairment due to some physical cause in the body. There may be symptoms such as hallucinations which can further increase the confusion of the sufferer. It is more common in the elderly. Delirium is generally considered to be reversible if the cause (most often an infection) can be treated. |
Delusion
| A delusion is a belief which is held with such conviction despite presenting rational arguments to contradict it. It is beyond the individual's usual belief or cultural structure. It can be true but is most likely not true. |
Dementia
| A decline in mental abilities severe enough to interfere with a person's ability to carry out everyday activities. |
Dendrite
| A dendrite is the receiving portion of a neuron in the nervous system. It receives information from neighbouring cells to be passed along the rest of the neuron. |
Density
| Density refers to an objects mass per unit volume. |
Dental calculus
| Dental calculus is a form of hardened dental plaque and is caused by the continual accumulation of minerals from saliva. |
Dental Caries/ Dental Cavities
| Dental caries also known as Dental cavities (or tooth decay) is an infectious disease which damages the structures of teeth producing holes that compromises both the structure and the vitality of the tooth. |
Dental hygiene
| Dental hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth clean and healthy (including the teeth, gums, and tongue) by brushing and flossing to prevent tooth decay and gum disease |
Dental pain
| Dental pain or toothache is defined as an uncomfortable sensation related to the teeth or surrounding structures. |
Dental Plaque
| Dental plaque is a white-ish substance that develops every day, and adheres to teeth. It is mostly found on the gum line, or in between teeth. It is composed mainly of microscopic bacteria, food, and saliva. |
Dentigerous cyst
| A dentigerous cyst is only one type of cyst usually associated with an unerupted (or partially erupted) tooth. |
Dentin
| Dentin is the layer of the tooth situated below the enamel and cementum. Dentin is considered a hard tissue. Dentin is much more porous than either of the other hard tissues to allow nutrients to be transferred through the tooth layers. |
Denture
Dentures area set of artificial teeth |
Dependence
| Dependence is the physical need for a certain substance. When a person is dependant on a substance, if they do not receive it, they will have withdrawal symptoms. A sign of physical dependence is when an individual becomes tolerant to a substance. This means that the effect of the substance decreases over time and a larger dose is required to exert the same effect as a smaller dose before the person became tolerant. |
Depo Provera
| Depo Provera is a birth control injection. It consists of a progestogen hormone which is injected into the muscle every 3 months. It can prevent pregnancy in a number of ways including: stopping ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus and therefore preventing sperm from penetrating and changing the lining of the uterus so a fertilised egg can implant. |
Depression
| Depression is a type of mental state that is characterised by excessive sadness. People can become pessimistic, agitated or slow and sleep, appetite and concentration may be disturbed. Everyone gets depressed now and then, and it is different than clinical depression. |
Dermabrasion
| A surgical procedure designed to remove skin imperfections, (such as scars), by abrading the surface of the skin with fine sandpaper or wire brushes. This is a possible treatment for stretch marks. |
Dermatitis
| Inflammation of the skin, commonly seen in contact dermatitis. |
Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Dermatitis herpetiformis is an allergic skin reaction to gluten which results in itchy, blistered skin. It tends to affect the elbows, knees and scalp, and may also affect the small intestine. Dermatitis herpetiformis occurs almost exclusively in people with coeliac disease. For more information, see Gluten Free Diet. |
Dermis
The dermis is the inner, thicker layer of skin. More on the anatomy of skin. |
Dermopathy
| Any disease of the skin. |
Detoxification
| Detoxification is the process of removing toxins from the body. In relation to alcohol dependence, detoxification occurs when an individual stops drinking and his/her body begins to remove excessive toxins which have accumulated through heavy drinking. Alcohol detoxification can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms and should be supervised by a medical practitioner, who may administer medication to relieve severe withdrawals. |
Detrusor
| The detrusor muscle is the smooth muscle in the wall of the bladder that contracts the bladder and expels the urine. The bladder is often referred to as the detrusor muscle. |
Developmental Delay
Development delay refers to development that is slower than would be expected for a child's age. For example, children with hearing or vision impairment are at risk for delayed development due to their differing experience of some aspects of the world, and will usually be slower to explore their surroundings or develop 'attention attracting' gestures. For more information, see Developmental Delay and Developmental Milestones. |
Developmental Disorder
| A developmental disorder is a disorder that occurs at some stage in a childs development, often retarding normal childhood development. The disorder may be psychological or physical. |
Developmental milestones
| The progressive stages in the development of a child’s physical and psychological abilities. |
Developmental/Behavioural Paediatricians
| Developmental/behavioural paediatricians are doctors who specialise in the development and behaviour of children. |
Dextrose
| Dextrose is a simple sugar. It is also known as glucose. |
DFS - Disease free survival
| The length of time after treatment during which no disease is detectable. |
Diabetes Mellitus
| Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that adversely affects the body's ability to manufacture and use insulin, a hormone necessary for the conversion of food into energy. There are two major types of diabetes mellitus: type 1 diabetes mellitus, an autoimmune disease which develops in childhood or adolescence; and type 2 diabetes mellitus, a disease of insulin resistance which usually develops in adulthood. |
Diabetic neuropathy
| Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that happens in people who have diabetes. It affects mainly the peripheral nerves. |
Diabetic Retinopathy
| Diabetic retinopathy refers to changes in the retina that occur with diabetes mellitus. It is characterised by progressive damage to the eye's retina caused by long-term diabetes, and can eventually cause blindness. |
Diabex
Diabex is a blood sugar lowering drug suitable for children over 10 years and adults whose blood sugar levels fail to improve as a result of dietary and exercise management. Diabex is also used in the treatment of anovulatory infertility due to polycystic ovary syndrome under specialist's supervision. |
Diabex XR
| Diabex XR is a blood sugar lowering drug suitable for children over 10 years and for adults whose blood sugar level fail to improve as a result of dietary and exercise management. |
Diagnosis
A diagnosis is the determination by a medical professional of the nature of a person's disorder after consideration of their signs, symptoms and the results of medical tests. A diagnosis categorises a person's illness into a disorder that is characterised by the symptoms they are experiencing. For example, delusions and hallucinations experienced by a person are characteristic of an amphetamine overdose, or of schizophrenia. If drug use can be ruled out and the other criteria for a diagnosis is met, the person will be diagnosed with schizophrenia. |
Diagnostic surgery
| Diagnostic surgery is used to remove a tissue sample for testing in the laboratory to determine whether the cells are cancerous, thereby confirming the diagnosis of a cancer. |
Dialysis
| Dialysis is an important treatment that helps remove wastes and excess fluids from the body when the kidneys fail. It is a process that effectively 'cleans the blood.' |
Diamicron
| Diamicron is used in the treatment of type II (non-insulin dependent) diabetes that cannot be controlled with diet and exercise. |
Diamox
| Diamox is a drug used in the treatment of glaucoma, a condition of the eye, which may eventually lead to blindness if left untreated. Diamox may also be used before and after surgery in acute cases of raised pressure within the eye. Diamox can also be used in the treatment of epilepsy. This medicine has been found to be most effective in controlling a type of seizure known as an absence seizure or 'petit mal' seizure. |
Diaphragm (contraception)
| A diaphragm is a flexible ring covered with a dome-shaped sheet of elastic material used in the vagina to prevent pregnancy. They have been shown to provide some protection against some STD's, but not all. |
Diaphragm (respiratory)
| The diaphragm is a large, sheet-like muscle which stretches across your chest under the ribcage. At rest, it is shaped like a dome curving up into your chest. When you breathe in, the diaphragm contracts and flattens out, expanding the space in your chest and drawing air into your lungs. |
Diarrhoea
| Diarrhoea refers to an increase in the frequency of defecation associated with the passage of soft, loose stools. The stools contain increased amounts of water due to an abnormality in the absorptive mechanisms of the intestines. If severe, diarrhoea can lead to dehydration. |
Diarthroses
| Diarthroses are the most common type of joint, they contain a synovial cavity and are highly mobile e.g. hip joint, elbow etc. |
Diastole
| Diastole refers to the filling phase of the cardiac cycle. Diastole occurs when heart muscle relaxes. |
Diastolic Blood Pressure
Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure exerted on the arterial walls when the heart is resting. |
Diathermy
Diathermy is the generation of heat by a controlled high frequency electric current passed through a part of the body. This can be used to relieve pain in the limbs, such as that caused by muscle injury or arthritis. |
Diclofenac
| Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Depending on the specific formulation, diclofenac may be used in the treatment of a number of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, localised pain and inflammation, and actinic keratoses. |
Diencephalon
| The diencephalon is the area of the brain that connects the cerebral hemispheres to the brain stem. The diencephalon is divided into four areas, the thalamus, hypothalamus, epithalamus and subthalamus. As a component of the brain, the diencephalon is also part of the central nervous system (CNS). |
Difflam Anaesthetic, Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Lozenges
| Difflam Anaesthetic, Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Lozenges contain a combination of active ingredients and can be used for the relief of pain and inflammation (swelling and redness) in conditions of the mouth and throat such as pharyngitis (sore throat) and minor mouth infections. |
Difflam Anti-Inflammatory Lozenges with Cough Suppressant
| Difflam Anti-Inflammatory Lozenges with Cough Suppressant contain a combination of ingredients (an anti-inflammatory, an antibacterial and a cough suppressant) and can be used for the relief of sore throats and to suppress unproductive (dry) coughs. |
Difflam Anti-inflammatory Throat Spray
| Difflam Anti-Inflammatory throat spray contains an anti-inflammatory agent and can be used for the relief of pain and inflammation (swelling and redness) that may occur in conditions of the mouth and throat such as tonsillitis, sore throat and mouth ulcers. |
Difflam Cream
| Difflam is an anti-inflammatory cream designed to be applied topically to the skin, and can be used for the temporary (up to two weeks) relief of pain and inflammation (swelling and redness) that may occur in acute soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, sports injuries (e.g. tennis elbow), tendonitis and bursitis. |
Difflam Gel
| Difflam gel is an anti-inflammatory gel designed to be applied topically to the skin, and can be used for the temporary (up to two weeks) relief of pain and inflammation (swelling and redness) that may occur in acute soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, sports injuries (e.g. tennis elbow), tendonitis and bursitis. |
Difflam Mouth Gel
| Difflam Mouth gel is an anti-inflammatory gel designed for oral application, and can be used for the temporary (up to one week) relief of pain and inflammation (swelling and redness) that may occur in inflammatory oral conditions such as mouth ulcers and sore gums. |
Difflam Solution
| Difflam Solution contains an anti-inflammatory agent and can be used for the relief of pain and inflammation (swelling and redness) that may occur in conditions of the mouth and throat such as tonsillitis, sore throat and mouth ulcers. |
Difflam Sugar-free Lozenges
| Difflam Sugar-free Lozenges can be used for the relief of pain and inflammation associated with sore throats, tonsillitis, mouth ulcers and following surgical or dental procedures of the mouth and throat. |
Difflam-C Anti-inflammatory Antiseptic Solution
| Difflam-C Anti-inflammatory Antiseptic Solution contains the combination of an anti-inflammatory agent and an antiseptic agent, and can be used for the relief of pain and inflammation (swelling and redness) that may occur in conditions of the mouth and throat such as tonsillitis, sore throat and mouth ulcers. |
Diffusion
| The gradual movement or spread of a substance from an area of high concentration to an area of lower concentration. The term is often used in the context of gas diffusion such as the movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide across membranes in the lungs. The ability of the lungs to allow oxygen to enter the lungs is called the 'diffusion capacity' which is frequently measured in lung function tests. |
Diflucan
| Diflucan is a drug prescribed to treat specific fungal and yeast infections. |
Digital Rectal Examination
| A Digital Rectal Examination is a diagnostic test often performed for prostate cancer. A gloved finger is inserted into the rectum (back passage) to feel the prostate to determine if it is enlarged (enlarged prostate/ Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)) or if any lumps are present. |
Digoxin (Digitalis)
| Digoxin is a type of drug derived from a plant called the Foxglove, and helps to increase the strength of the heart's contractions as well as slowing transmission electrical signals through the heart. It is most commonly used in the treatment of atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure. |
Dihydergot
Dihydergot is indicated in the treatment of acute attacks of migraine, cluster headache and related vascular headaches. It is also used for short-term or intermittent treatment of severe disabling orthostatic hypotension associated with autonomic dysfunction. |
Dilatation and Curettage
| Dilatation and curettage is a surgical procedure carried out in theatre under an anesthetic, which involves dilating the cervix to allow entry of a suction device to remove the products of conception. |
Dilatation and cutterage
| Dilatation and cutterage is a process of evacuating abnormal tissues from the uterus. A clinician will insert a speculum into the vagina to enable them to view the cervix. The cervix is then dilated and the walls of the uterus scraped to remove any abnormal tissues. |
Dilate (Dilation)
| Something is said to dilate if it is a hollow or tubular structure (such as a blood vessel) that is relaxing and getting wider or larger. In the case of blood vessels, this allows more blood to flow through them. |
Dilation and evacuation
Dilation and evacuation is a surgical method of abortion. It is a variation of vacuum aspiration, and can be used to terminate a pregnancy in its later stages. Dilation and evacuation can be performed in a uterus of almost any size. The cervix is dilated and a plier-like instrument is inserted into the uterus. This allows the removal of parts of the developing foetus, until the uterus is fully empty. |
Dimetapp 12 Hour Nasal Spray
| Dimetapp 12 hour spray is a nasal spray which contains the drug oxymetazoline. It is used to clear the nose and nasal passages when they are blocked due to a cold, allergy, the flu or other respiratory conditions. |
Dimetapp Cold & Flu Liquid Capsules
| Dimetapp Cold & Flu Liquid Capsules relieve the symptoms experienced when suffering from a common cold. These symptoms include muscle pain, headache, and sinus pain. Dimetapp Cold & Flu Liquid Caps also help to dry up and unblock the nose and sinuses as well as stopping the dry, irritating cough associated with cold and flu. |
Diphtheria
| Diphtheria is a bacterial illness affecting both children and adults. The bacteria infect the mouth and throat of children and adults and produce a toxin which causes a membrane to grow inside the throat. This membrane can block the air supply to the lungs and lead to choking or suffocation. The toxin may also spread throughout the body and lead to paralysis or heart failure. Children and adults can be protected against diphtheria through immunisation. |
Diploid Cell
A diploid cell is a cell that contains 23 chromosome pairs; 46 chromosomes altogether. |
Diplopia
Diplopia is the medical term for double vision or seeing double. |
Direct contact transmission
Direct contact transmission refers to spread of infection when an infected person directly deposits the infectious agent onto someone else who then contracts the illness. For example, someone with a cold touches their mouth, nose or eyes (mucous membranes) or coughs or sneezes into their hands, before touching someone else, who then touches their own mucous membranes and subsequently becomes sick.
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Disaccharide
| Disaccharide is a sugar (a carbohydrate) composed of two monosaccharides. It is formed when two sugars are joined together and a molecule of water is removed. |
Discogram
An examination of the intervertebral discs in the spine, involving injection of dye into the disc, which is then viewed on x ray or fluoroscope (an xray image on a TV screen). This shows structural damage to the disc. |
Distal interphalangeal joint
| The distal interphalangeal joint is found between the middle and uppermost phalanges of the hand. |
Ditropan
| Ditropan is the brand name for a drug called oxybutynin chloride. This medication is used to treat various bladder instability disorders and reduces symptoms such as frequency, dysuria and urinary incontinence. Ditropan comes as a tablet form and is taken 2 to 4 times daily. It is well tolerated in most patients. |
Diuretic
| A diuretic is a type of drug that works on the kidney to stop it absorbing as much water as usual. This means that the body loses more water through urine and can remove excess water that would otherwise build up. This is especially useful in some conditions such as pulmonary oedema secondary to heart failure. |
Dizziness
Dizziness may be described by many different terms. Common descriptions include words such as lightheaded, floating, whoozy, giddy, confused, helpless or fuzzy. Vertigo, disequilibrium and pre-syncope may also be referred to as dizziness. Dizziness is sometimes a symptom of a balance disorder. |
DLT - Dose limiting toxicity
| The dose of a drug that produces side effects severe enough to prevent larger doses being given. |
DMFT
| An expression of the condition of the Teeth based on the number of Teeth that are decayed, missing, or indicated for removal and of those filled or bearing restorations. |
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
| DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. It is a double stranded, helical molecule found inside the nucleus of a cell. It contains the genetic material for growth, development and replication of the cell. |
DNA analysis
| The analysis of an individual's genetic makeup to determine the presence or absence of genetic characteristics of disease. |
DNA Helicase
| DNA Helicase is the enzyme responsible for unwinding the double stranded DNA in preparation for DNA replication |
DNA Polymerase
| DNA Polymerase is the enzyme in cells responsible for creating a new DNA strand using an existing DNA strand as a template. In order for DNA to be used as a template it must first be seperated from its complimentary strand by another enzyme called DNA helicase. The polymerase binds to the template DNA strand and attaches nucleotides together according to the nucleotide sequence of the DNA. |
DNA Replication
| DNA Replication is the duplication of all of a cells genetic material. The double-stranded DNA is ''un-zipped' by an enzyme that exists in the cell nucleus called DNA helicase. The helicase breaks the chemical bonds between the nucleotides and the two complementary strands are separated, both these strands act as a "template" for replication. These strands are then duplicated nucleotide for nucleotide by another enzyme, DNA polymerase. The polymerase binds to the template and chemically attaches nucleotides to it in order to create a new complimentary strand to form an identicle copy of the original DNA molecule. As each template strand now has a new complimentary DNA strand attached to it the cell contains two copies of the DNA. |
Docetaxel
| Docetaxel is a chemotherapeutic agent known as a taxane. Taxanes are a range of drugs that all come from a group of trees called yew trees - the scientific name for this group is 'Taxus.' Docetaxal comes from a product extracted from the European Yew Tree, a renewable variety. Docetaxel may be given in one or more regimens, which are schedules for giving certain kinds of drug. |
Dopamine
| Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is released in specific pathways in the brain. Dopamine takes part in the regulation of motor control, behaviour and nausea and vomiting. Dysfunctional dopamine regulation is thought to be involved in several neurological disorders including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia. Dopamine is also a key chemical involved in drug dependence. |
DOR - Duration of response
| The length of time after treatment that a patient remains in complete or partial remission. |
Dorsal interossei
| Dorsal interossei are four muscles of the hand that allow the abduction of fingers. |
Double Blind Study
| A double blinded study is one in which both the participants and the people involved in particpant care (eg doctors and researchers) are unaware as to whether the participant is recieving active treatment or placebo. |
douches
| A douche is a device used to introduce a stream of water into the body for medical or hygienic reasons, or the stream of water itself. |
Doula
| A Doula is a person who provides non medical and non midwifery assistance, such as physical and emotional support, during the childbirth process. A doula may provide this assistance only during labour, or they may play a role during the prenatal and postnatal period. |
Down's Syndrome (Trisomy 21)
| Down's syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is a chromosomal disorder in which a person has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two (trisomy means to have three copies of a particular chromosome). Down's syndrome is characterised by impaired cognitive ability and physical growth. |
Doxepin
Doxepin is a form of anti-depressant that has been shown to be effective as a rinse for the treatment of oral mucositis |
Dramamine
Dramamine is used for prevention and relief of nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness, vertigo, electroshock therapy, anaesthesia and surgery, labyrinthitis and radiation sickness. |
Dramamine Junior
Dramamine Junior is used for prevention and relief of nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness, vertigo, electroshock therapy, anaesthesia and surgery, labyrinthitis and radiation sickness. |
Dramamine Junior Liquid
Dramamine Junior Liquid is used for prevention and relief of nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness, vertigo, electroshock therapy, anaesthesia and surgery, labyrinthitis and radiation sickness. |
Droplet transmission
| Droplet transmission refers to spread of infection that occurs when small particles containing an infectious agent (eg a virus) are coughed or sneezed into the air, where they may linger before being spread to others. |
Drug Absorption
| Drug absorption is the progression of the drug from the site of administration to the blood. Drugs that are taken orally will undergo little absorption until they reach the intestine whereas drugs that are administered intravenously will not need to be absorbed as they are injected straight into the blood. Other drug administration sites include; inhalation, topical (creams), intramuscular injection (into the muscle) or subcutaneous injection (under the skin). |
Drug dependence (drug addiction)
| Drug addiction is craving and compulsively using a drug despite any negative consequences. Certain kinds of drugs may produce a physical addiction or dependence, in which the drug must be present for the body to function normally. Withdrawal of the drug may have an effect on the body, ranging from nausea to death. |
Drug distribution
| Drug distribution is, as the name suggests, the distribution of the drug in the body. The nature of the drug will determine what membranes or "barriers" it can cross into the different fluid compartments; this could be the blood, inside the cells, outside the cells or the fat. The cardiovascular system is responsible for pumping the drugs speadily thoughout the body. |
Drug Excretion
The drug excretion from the body is the elimination of the drug through urine, sweat or faeces. Drug excretion is irreversible, that is, once the drug has been eliminated it is permanently gone from the systemic circulation and can no longer induce an effect. |
Drug Interactions
| Drug interactions are very important concern when a person is taking more than one medicine at the same time (polypharmacy). When more than one drug is acting in the body one can affect the other. This can happen when one drug alters the effect of the other or when one alters the absorption of other and hence inhibits the concentration of the drug that needs to reach the blood. |
Drug metabolisation
| Drug metabolisation is the breakdown of a drug in the body. Drugs are metabolised by enzymes that convert the chemicals in the drug into other chemicals that can then be excreted from the body. Drug metabolism usually occurs in the liver. |
Drug-Plasma Concentration
| The drug-plasma concentration is the amount of the drug that passes into the systemic circulation; there is not 100% efficiency between the concentration of drug that is administered and the concentration that passes into the circulation. A certain proportion will be metabolised very rapidly or get lost in the absorption process and will not pass into the circulation. |
Dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)
| Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eye produces fewer or poorer quality tears and is unable to maintain normal eye lubrication. It can also occur when the tear glands are damaged, or when tears evaporate more rapidly than normal. The medical name for dry eye syndrome is keratoconjunctivitis sicca. |
Dry Mouth
| Dry mouth is the sensation of a lack of moisture in the mouth, caused by a number of medical conditions and is a common symptom. |
Dubin-Johnson syndrome
| Dubin-Johnson syndrome is an inherited syndrome in which the liver can not adequately excrete bilirubin. |
Ductal Carcinoma of the Breast
| Ductal carcinoma of the breast (DCIS) is one of the main types of breast cancer. Ductal carcinoma makes up approximately 80% of all breast cancers. |
Ductus arteriosus
| Ductus arteriosus is part of the foetal circulatory system. It shunts blood directly from the right atrium of the heart into the aorta. |
Ductus venosus
| Ductus venosus is part of the foetal circulatory system. It transports blood returning to the foetus from the placenta directly into the inferior vena cava of the heart. |
Dukes' system
| The Dukes' system is a method of tumour classification used to classify the cancer into a stage which indicates how severe the cancer is and how likely it is that treatment will be successful. The Dukes' system is used to classify colon and rectum cancers |
Duodenal Ulcer
A duodenal ulcer is a peptic ulcer occurring in the duodenum, or the first section of the small intestine. |
Duodenum
| The duodenum is the proximal C-shaped section of the small intestine that curves around the head of the pancreas. |
Dura Matter
| The dura matter is the most external and the toughest of the meninges layers. The dura matter is composed of two fibrous layers; the outermost is called the endosteal layer as it is fused to the skull and inner layer is known as the meningeal. |
Durogesic
| Durogesic is a patch used to relieve chronic or long-lasting pain, which requires strong painkillers. The patches contain a medicine called fentanyl. |
Duromine
| Duromine is a weight loss medication containing phentermine as the active ingredient. |
Duro-Tuss Chesty Cough Liquid Forte
| Duro-Tuss Chesty Cough Liquid Forte is a cough mixture used to relieve stubborn and irritating productive coughs (i.e. a cough that raises mucous/sputum from the respiratory tract) associated with bronchitis and other respiratory tract infections. |
Duro-Tuss Chesty Cough Liquid plus Nasal Decongestant
| Duro-Tuss Chesty Cough Liquid plus Nasal Decongestant is a cough mixture used to relieve irritating productive coughs (i.e. a cough that raises mucous/sputum from the respiratory tract) and nasal congestion (blocked or runny nose) associated with respiratory tract infections such as the common cold and influenza. |
Duro-Tuss Chesty Cough Liquid Regular
| Duro-Tuss Chesty Cough Liquid Regular is a cough mixture used to relieve stubborn and irritating productive coughs (i.e. a cough that raises mucous/sputum from the respiratory tract) associated with bronchitis and other respiratory tract infections. |
Duro-Tuss Cough Liquid Expectorant
| Duro-Tuss Dry Cough Liquid Regular contains a cough suppressant and expectorant and is used to relieve stubborn and irritating productive (sputum producing) coughs associated with respiratory infections such as bronchitis |
Duro-Tuss Dry Cough Liquid Forte
| Duro-Tuss Dry Cough Liquid Forte contains a cough suppressant and is used to relieve stubborn and irritating non-productive (dry) coughs associated with respiratory infections such as the common cold and influenza. |
Duro-Tuss Dry Cough Liquid plus Nasal Decongestant
| Duro-Tuss Dry Cough Liquid plus Nasal Decongestant contains a cough suppressant and nasal decongestant, and is used to relieve irritating non-productive (dry) coughs and nasal congestion (blocked or runny nose) associated with respiratory infections such as the common cold and influenza |
Duro-Tuss Dry Cough Liquid Regular
| Duro-Tuss Dry Cough Liquid Regular contains a cough suppressant and is used to relieve stubborn and irritating non-productive (dry) coughs associated with respiratory infections such as the common cold and influenza |
Duro-Tuss Dry Cough Reliever
| Duro-Tuss dry cough reliever contains an expectorant and is used to relieve stubborn and irritating productive (sputum producing) coughs associated with respiratory infections such as bronchitis, common cold and influenza. |
DuroTuss Regular/Forte
| DuroTuss Regular/Forte provides relief from unproductive irritating coughs associated with the common cold, sinusitis, influenza and infections of the upper respiratory tract. Not to be used in asthma, COPD or respiratory failure. |
D-xylose absorption test
| The D-xylose absorption test is a non invasive test of gut function involves giving the patient D-xylose in water. After 1 hour, blood is taken to measure the serum level of D-xylose. Urine is collected over 5 hours and the level of D-xylose in the urine is measured. Low levels of D-xylose in the blood or in the urine indicate that either there is excess bacteria in the intestine which is breaking down the D-xylose, or that the intestine wall is not healthy. |
Dynastat
| Dynastat is an anti-inflammatory prescription medicine used to treat post-operative pain or swelling. |
Dyschezia
Dyschezia is painful defacation. |
Dysgeusia
| Dysgeusia is a persistent abnormal taste. It can be described as bad, metallic, salty, foul or rancid. |
Dyskinesia
Dyskinesia is a condition neurological syndrome induced by drug use. It is characterised by abnormalities of muscle control, including involuntary movements like rapid blinking and lip smacking. |
Dyslexia
| Dyslexia: is a term that has been associated with reading disabilities. In medicine it is defined as a condition resulting from neurological, maturational, and genetic causes. |
Dyslipidaemia
| Dyslipidaemia is a disruption in the amount of fat or lipid in the blood. This could either be too much or not enough lipid in the blood. Most commonly poor diet and lifestyle leading to obesity will increase the amount of lipids in the blood and this is a risk factor for diabetes. |
Dysmenorrhoea
Dysmenorrhoea refers to menstrual periods that are accompanied by either sharp, intermittent pain or dull, aching pain, usually in the pelvis or lower abdomen. |
Dyspareunia
| Dyspareunia is when pain is experienced during sexual intercourse. |
Dyspepsia
| Dyspepsia means indigestion |
Dysphagia
| Dysphagia is when you experience pain or difficulties with swallowing |
Dysphoria
| Dysphoria is an extremely unpleasant state of mind. A person experiencing dysphoria could be depressed, unwell, anxious and/or restless. |
Dysplastic
| Abnormal development of cells in the body's tissues. This type of change in moles may predispose the lesion to malignant transformation. |
Dyspnoea
| Dyspnoea is the unpleasant senstaion of shortness of breath. It is usually associated with a variety of diseases affecting the respiratory system and heart. |
Dyspraxia
| Dyspraxia: is a developmental coordination disorder whereby the brain is unable to plan muscle movements and carry them out. It is the partial loss of the ability to coordinate and perform certain purposeful movements and gestures in the absence of motor or sensory impairments. |
Dysthymia
| Dysthymia is a mood disorder that is classified as a type of depression. The symptoms of dysthymis includes sleep disorder, low self esteem, feeling of hopelesness, eating disorder, fatigue, being indecisive and lack of concentration. |
Dystocia
| Dystocia is an abnormal or difficult labour or childbirth |
