Use the A-Z list to browse more than 6,000 health-related topics in our library. Clicking on a term opens the definition and, in most cases, links to more information.
"BDD" is more commonly referred to as "Body Dysmorphic Disorder" in the medical community. Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Excessive preoccupation with a real or imagined defect in one's physical appearance. People with this condition have a distorted view of their body even when others reassure them that they look normal. More Information on Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Self Esteem & Motivation
"Beat" is more commonly referred to as "Heartbeat" in the medical community. Heartbeat
The contractions that occur as a result of the electrical impulses through the heart's chambers produce the sound and action commonly known as heartbeat. More Information on Heartbeat: Heart Basics
"Beating Heart Surgery" is more commonly referred to as "Minimally Invasive Bypass Surgery" in the medical community. Minimally Invasive Bypass Surgery
Also Known As: "MIDCAB, Limited Access Coronary Artery Surgery, Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass"
A less invasive procedure than traditional bypass surgery to create a path for blood to flow around a clogged artery. More Information on Minimally Invasive Bypass Surgery: Bypass Surgery
A type of dystonia involving spasms, twitching, or involuntary blinking of the eyelid. It may also involve the inability to keep eyes open and light sensitivity. Spasms generally subside during sleep and the reappear upon waking. More Information on BEB: Movement Disorders
A grouping of three symptoms associated with cardiac tamponade. They include decreased blood pressure, muffled heart sounds and a bulging (distention) of the veins in the neck, due to a "bottleneck" of blood that cannot enter the ailing heart. More Information on Beck's Triad: Heart Injuries & Infections
"Becker's Myotonia" is more commonly referred to as "Myotonia Congenita" in the medical community. Myotonia Congenita
Also Known As: "Thomsen's Myotonia"
Any muscle disorder present at birth. This includes hundreds of distinct neuromuscular syndromes and disorders. Loss of muscle tone and muscle weakness in infancy and delayed motor milestones (e.g., walking) are typical. More Information on Myotonia Congenita: Birth & Genetic Disorders
Also Known As: "BWS, Exomphalos-Macroglossia-Gigantism Syndrome, Wiedemann Syndrome, Wiedemann-Beckwith Syndrome, Familial Macroglossia-Omphalocele Syndrome"
A multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation (MCA/MR) syndrome marked by large body size, enlarged tongue and other physical features. It may also include one or more congenital heart defects such as atrial or ventricular septal defects. More Information on Beckwith Syndrome: Birth & Genetic Disorders
Also Known As: "Beckwith Syndrome, BWS, Exomphalos-Macroglossia-Gigantism Syndrome, Wiedemann Syndrome, Wiedemann-Beckwith Syndrome, Familial Macroglossia-Omphalocele Syndrome"
A multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation (MCA/MR) syndrome marked by large body size, enlarged tongue and other physical features. It may also include one or more congenital heart defects such as atrial or ventricular septal defects. More Information on Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome: Birth & Genetic Disorders
"Beclomethasone" is more commonly referred to as "Steroid Nasal Sprays" in the medical community. Steroid Nasal Sprays
Also Known As: "Flunisolide, Fluticasone, Mometasone, Triamcinolone"
Medications similar to the body's own hormones used to combat nasal inflammation associated with hay fever. They deliver the steroid medication in the form a a fine mist directly into the nasal passages. More Information on Steroid Nasal Sprays: Nose & Throat
"Bed Sore" is more commonly referred to as "Pressure Ulcer" in the medical community. Pressure Ulcer
Also Known As: "Decubitus Ulcer, Pressure Sore"
An area of skin and tissue damaged by prolonged, relieved pressure that cuts off blood. People who have limited mobility (e.g., confined to bed for long periods of time) are at risk of developing this type of skin ulcer. More Information on Pressure Ulcer: Skin Signs & Symptoms
Also Known As: "Primary Enuresis, Enuresis Nocturna, Enuresis, Noctural Enuresis, Sleep Wetting, Sleep Enuresis"
Involuntary urination during sleep. It is normal in infancy but can become a problem in children who have been toilet trained. More Information on Bedwetting: Growth & Development
"Bee Sting" is more commonly referred to as "Insect Bites & Stings" in the medical community. Insect Bites & Stings
Also Known As: "Hornet Sting, Spider Bite, Wasp Sting"
Injuries that can cause mild pain, swelling and itching. In rare cases, venom released in the stings of bees, yellow jackets, hornets, wasps and fire ants triggers a life-threatening condition known as anaphylactic shock. More Information on Insect Bites & Stings: Skin Related Infections
Infection caused by the beef tapeworm, Taenia saginata. It is often the result of consuming undercooked beef products that contain tapeworm larvae. The infection does not spread outside the intestines. More Information on Beef Tapeworm Infection: Gastroenteritis & Food Illness
Very rare allergic reaction to beer. Symptoms may include swelling of the throat, wheezing and numbness around the mouth and lips. Allergies may be triggered by additives used in the manufacturing process, such as brewers yeast. More Information on Beer Allergy: Food Allergy & Intolerance
Adverse reactions to drinking beer, wine or other alcoholic beverages that can be caused by a number of substances within those drinks. Reactions can vary depending on a number of factors, making prevention challenging. More Information on Beer, Wine & Alcohol Allergies: Food Allergy & Intolerance
Form of psychotherapy focused on observable behaviors that attempts to change or gain control over unwanted behaviors. It is modeled after learning therapy. More Information on Behavior Therapy: Therapy & Support
A theory that all mental states can be simplified, examined and evaluated on the basis of observed behavior alone based on the concept that all learning occurs due to a physical cause and effect relationship. More Information on Behaviorism: Emotional Health Basics
A rare, chronic condition that causes inflammation in the lining of the mouth and genitals, as well as small blood vessels. It is more common in women and in younger adults (20s and 30s). It may cause arthritis, abdominal pain and skin ulcers. More Information on Behcet's Disease: Fibromyalgia & Pain Disorders
A rare, chronic condition that causes inflammation in the lining of the mouth and genitals, as well as small blood vessels. It is more common in women and in younger adults (20s and 30s). It may cause arthritis, abdominal pain and skin ulcers. More Information on Behcet's Syndrome: Fibromyalgia & Pain Disorders
Temporary facial paralysis that is caused by damage to one of the facial nerves (e.g., by trauma, injury, infection). It is the most common cause of facial paralysis and generally affects only one side of the face. More Information on Bell's Palsy: Movement Disorders
A rare form of kidney cancer in which abnormal cells develop in the duct of Bellini, part of the collecting tubes in the kidneys. More Information on Bellini Carcinoma: Kidney, Liver & Urinary Cancer
Also Known As: "Bellini Carcinoma, Collecting Duct Carcinoma"
A rare form of kidney cancer in which abnormal cells develop in the duct of Bellini, part of the collecting tubes in the kidneys. More Information on Bellini Duct Carcinoma: Kidney, Liver & Urinary Cancer
"Belly Pain" is more commonly referred to as "Abdominal Pain" in the medical community. Abdominal Pain
Also Known As: "Gastralgia, Stomach Pain, Stomach Ache, Gastrointestinal Pain, Abdomen Pain, Gastric Pain, Ventral Pain"
Pain that originates near the abdomen or spread to this region from other areas. The gastrointestinal tract is a common source of pain. More Information on Abdominal Pain: Abdominal Pain
Partial surgical wrapping (270 degrees) of part of the stomach around the lower esophagus. A looser wrap than the Nissen fundoplication, this helps to prevent postoperative obstruction in the esophagus. More Information on Belsey Mark IV Fundoplication: Digestive Treatments
"Benazepril" is more commonly referred to as "Captopril" in the medical community. Captopril
Also Known As: "Quinapril, Enalaprilat, Fosinopril, Ramipril, Lisinopril, Enalapril"
A type of ACE inhibitors, medications that widen blood vessels and lower blood pressure. ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme. These medications are being studied for the prevention of side effects from radiation therapy. More Information on Captopril: Cancer Drug & Medication
Exercise can be an excellent tool in the management of blood sugar (glucose) levels. It is also an important factor in preventing some potential complications of diabetes, including heart and blood vessel diseases. More Information on Benefits of Exercise for Diabetics: Diabetes Diet & Fitness
Also Known As: "Benefits of Fitness for Heart Patients"
Exercise can be an excellent tool in the prevention of heart disease and offers dramatic benefits for heart patients. It can slow or even reverse atherosclerosis, lower (blood pressure), reduce cholesterol levels and reduce stress and depression. More Information on Benefits of Exercise for Heart Patients: Heart Diet & Fitness
Exercise can be an excellent tool in the prevention of heart disease and offers dramatic benefits for heart patients. It can slow or even reverse atherosclerosis, lower (blood pressure), reduce cholesterol levels and reduce stress and depression. More Information on Benefits of Fitness for Heart Patients: Heart Diet & Fitness
A brand of angiotensin II receptor blockers, medications that widen blood vessels by preventing a substance called angiotensin II from entering angiotensin II receptors. Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to tighten and regulates blood pressure. More Information on Benicar: Heart Drug & Medication
Any condition which, if untreated, will not become life-threatening. In terms of cancer, it usually is used to refer to a mass (tumor) that is not found to be cancerous or malignant. More Information on Benign: Cancer Basics
Also Known As: "Benign Small Intestine Tumors, Benign Large Intestine Tumors"
Noncancerous growths in the intestine caused by a variety of disorders. These rare tumors are often asymptomatic, but may cause abdominal pain or intestinal obstruction. More Information on Benign Bowel Tumors: IBS & Bowel Function
A common condition in which noncancerous (benign) changes occur in breast tissue (e.g., lumps, cysts) or in overall breast wellness (e.g., itching, sensitivity, pain). These symptoms often change during the menstrual cycle and stop after menopause. More Information on Benign Breast Disease: Breast Health
Also Known As: "Ductal Hyperplasia, BPBD, Lobular Hyperplasia, Breast Hyperplasia, Papillomas"
A group of breast-related conditions that, while noncancerous (benign), increase the risk of developing breast cancer. These include ductal hyperplasia, lobular hyperplasia and papillomas. More Information on Benign Breast Hyperplasia: Breast Health
Noncancerous growths in the esophagus caused by a variety of disorders. These rare tumors are often asymptomatic, but may cause difficulty swallowing or chest pain. More Information on Benign Esophageal Tumors: Digestive Health Basics
A type of dystonia involving spasms, twitching, or involuntary blinking of the eyelid. It may also involve the inability to keep eyes open and light sensitivity. Spasms generally subside during sleep and the reappear upon waking. More Information on Benign Essential Blepharospasm: Movement Disorders
"Benign Focal Amyotrophy" is more commonly referred to as "Monomelic Amyotrophy" in the medical community. Monomelic Amyotrophy
Also Known As: "Hirayama Syndrome, O'Sullivan McLeod Syndrome"
A progressive degeneration and loss of motor neurons marked by weakness and wasting in a single limb, typically an arm and hand. There is no cure, but muscle strengthening exercises and training in hand coordination can help. More Information on Monomelic Amyotrophy: Movement Disorders
Also Known As: "Benign Bowel Tumors, Benign Small Intestine Tumors, Benign Large Intestine Tumors"
Noncancerous growths in the intestine caused by a variety of disorders. These rare tumors are often asymptomatic, but may cause abdominal pain or intestinal obstruction. More Information on Benign Intestinal Tumors: IBS & Bowel Function
"Benign Intracranial Hypertension" is more commonly referred to as "Pseudotumor Cerebri" in the medical community. Pseudotumor Cerebri
Also Known As: "Primary Intracranial Hypertension, Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension"
A type of intracranial hypertension in which pressure within the skull increases with no known cause. It produces symptoms that mimic a brain tumor. More Information on Pseudotumor Cerebri: Brain & Nerve Basics
Also Known As: "Benign Bowel Tumors, Benign Small Intestine Tumors"
Noncancerous growths in the intestine caused by a variety of disorders. These rare tumors are often asymptomatic, but may cause abdominal pain or intestinal obstruction. More Information on Benign Large Intestine Tumors: IBS & Bowel Function
"Benign Migratory Glossitis" is more commonly referred to as "Geographic Tongue" in the medical community. Geographic Tongue
Also Known As: "Migratory Glossitis"
The most common type of glossitis, characterized by irregularly shaped discolorations on the tongue that are often surrounded by a white border. These lesions disappear over time and reappear in different areas on the tongue. More Information on Geographic Tongue: Mouth & Tongue Disorders
A non-cancerous growth that may be found in the esophagus, stomach or intestine. They may be very small or large enough to cause blockage. They can cause gastrointestinal bleeding. More Information on Benign Polyps: Digestive Health Basics
Also Known As: "Benign Breast Hyperplasia, Ductal Hyperplasia, BPBD, Lobular Hyperplasia, Breast Hyperplasia, Papillomas"
A group of breast-related conditions that, while noncancerous (benign), increase the risk of developing breast cancer. These include ductal hyperplasia, lobular hyperplasia and papillomas. More Information on Benign Proliferative Breast Disease: Breast Health
Also Known As: "Enlarged Prostate, BPH, Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy"
Enlargement of the prostate that is not cancerous. It is associated with aging and may cause problems with starting and stopping the flow of urine. More Information on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Prostate & Testicular
Enlargement of the prostate that is not cancerous. It is associated with aging and may cause problems with starting and stopping the flow of urine. More Information on Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy: Prostate & Testicular
Also Known As: "Benign Large Intestine Tumors, Benign Bowel Tumors"
Noncancerous growths in the intestine caused by a variety of disorders. These rare tumors are often asymptomatic, but may cause abdominal pain or intestinal obstruction. More Information on Benign Small Intestine Tumors: IBS & Bowel Function
"Benign Ventricular Ectopics" is more commonly referred to as "Premature Ventricular Contractions" in the medical community. Premature Ventricular Contractions
Also Known As: "Ventricular Extrasystoles, Premature Ventricular Complex, Ventricular Ectopics, PVC"
An abnormal heartbeat that occurs when the heart's lower chambers (ventricles) are told to pump too soon by a signal that came from an area other than the sinus node (the heart's natural pacemaker). This could happen once or several times in a row. More Information on Premature Ventricular Contractions: Arrhythmia
Type of allergic reaction to benzoate preservatives that are used to treat many kinds of shellfish after they are caught. Many people are allergic to this type of additive. More Information on Benzoate Allergy: Food Allergy & Intolerance
Medications that slow down the central nervous system. They are used to produce sedation, induce sleep, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and prevent seizures. They can be habit-forming when taken in high doses or for long periods. More Information on Benzodiazepines: Psychiatric Medications
A preservative commonly used in foods like cereals, salad dressings, candy and oils. This food additive very rarely elicits an allergic response in some individuals. More Information on Benzoic Acid: Food Allergy & Intolerance
"Benztropine" is more commonly referred to as "Amantadine" in the medical community. Amantadine
Also Known As: "Procyclidine, Ethopropazine, Trihexyphenidyl, Profenamine, Biperiden"
A drug belonging to the class of antidyskinetics, which are used alleviate symptoms associated with some neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis). More Information on Amantadine: Neuro Drug & Medication
A condition caused by long-term thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency that results in cardiac (wet beriberi) and/or nervous system (dry beriberi) damage. When it affects the nervous system, it may be called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. More Information on Beriberi: Vitamins
A condition caused by long-term thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency that results in cardiac (wet beriberi) and/or nervous system (dry beriberi) damage. When it affects the nervous system, it may be called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. More Information on Beriberi Disease: Vitamins
"Bernhardt Roth Syndrome" is more commonly referred to as "Meralgia Paresthetica" in the medical community. Meralgia Paresthetica
Also Known As: "Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment"
A disorder caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve at the point where it exits the pelvis. It is marked by tingling, numbness and burning pain in the outside thigh. In most cases, treatments are effective. More Information on Meralgia Paresthetica: Arm & Leg Pain
A test used to determine if heartburn is caused by acid in the esophagus. It involves swallowing a mild acid solution, similar to stomach acid, or dripping the solution through a tube placed in the esophagus. More Information on Bernstein Test: Digestive Lab Tests
Also Known As: "B-Blockers, Beta 2 Blockers, Beta-Adrenergic Blockers"
Medications that reduce the workload of the heart and lower blood pressure. They are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, angina (a certain type of chest pain, pressure or discomfort) or congestive heart failure. More Information on Beta 1 Blockers: Blood Pressure
Also Known As: "Beta-Adrenergic Blockers, B-Blockers, Beta 1 Blockers"
Medications that reduce the workload of the heart and lower blood pressure. They are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, angina (a certain type of chest pain, pressure or discomfort) or congestive heart failure. More Information on Beta 2 Blockers: Blood Pressure
A type of bronchodilator, drugs used to widen the lung's airways (bronchi). They can be short or long acting and in pill, liquid or inhaled form. They are most commonly used to relieve symptoms of an asthma attack. More Information on Beta Agonists: Allergy & Asthma Drugs
Also Known As: "Beta 2 Blockers, Beta-Adrenergic Blockers, B-Blockers, Beta 1 Blockers"
Medications that reduce the workload of the heart and lower blood pressure. They are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, angina (a certain type of chest pain, pressure or discomfort) or congestive heart failure. More Information on Beta Blockers: Blood Pressure
Medications that reduce the workload of the heart and lower blood pressure. They are prescribed to relieve angina or to treat heart failure, but also are used to treat anxiety and migraine headaches. More Information on Beta Blockers for Anxiety Disorders: Psychiatric Medications
One of two types of chemical bonds found in starches (along with alpha bonds). Most are not able to be digested by humans, which may lead to gastrointestinal symptoms.
A plant chemical found in various fruits and vegetables. It is converted into vitamin A by the body and acts as an antioxidant. It belongs to a family of phytochemicals known as carotenoids. More Information on Beta Carotene: Vitamins
A type of body cell found in the pancreas that both produces insulin and releases it into the body to regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels. More Information on Beta Cell: Diabetes & Endocrine Basics
"Beta Cell Transplant" is more commonly referred to as "Islet Cell Transplant" in the medical community. Islet Cell Transplant
A procedure in which healthy beta cells are transplanted into a person whose pancreas no longer produces insulin. Beta cells are the type of islet cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. This procedure is promising, but still experimental. More Information on Islet Cell Transplant: Type 1 Diabetes Basics
A substance found in the soluble fiber of grains and in mushrooms. Research suggests it may boost the immune system and help patients recover from infection in a shorter amount of time. It may also have cholesterol-lowering properties.
The process of saturated fatty acids forming coenzymes to be used in the Krebs Cycle (a complex process by which nutrients are completely broken down, releasing energy).
Also Known As: "B-Blockers, Beta 1 Blockers, Beta 2 Blockers"
Medications that reduce the workload of the heart and lower blood pressure. They are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, angina (a certain type of chest pain, pressure or discomfort) or congestive heart failure. More Information on Beta-Adrenergic Blockers: Blood Pressure
A type of bronchodilator, drugs used to widen the lung's airways (bronchi). They can be short or long acting and in pill, liquid or inhaled form. They are most commonly used to relieve symptoms of an asthma attack. More Information on Beta2 Agonists: Allergy & Asthma Drugs
A brand of beta blockers, medications that are used to treat high blood pressure, angina (a certain type of chest pain, pressure or discomfort), congestive heart failure or arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms). More Information on Betapace: Heart Drug & Medication
A brand of beta blockers, medications that are used to treat high blood pressure, angina (a certain type of chest pain, pressure or discomfort), congestive heart failure or arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms). More Information on Betapace AF: Heart Drug & Medication
"Beuren Syndrome" is more commonly referred to as "Williams Syndrome" in the medical community. Williams Syndrome
Also Known As: "Williams-Barratt Syndrome, Elfin Facies Syndrome, Williams-Beuren Syndrome, Elfin-Facies Hypercalcemia Syndrome, Fanconi-Schlesinger Syndrome"
A rare genetic disorder that causes specific medical and developmental problems. Most patients have cardiovascular problems such as aortic or pulmonic stenosis, ventricular septal defects, patent ductus arteriosus, aortic hypoplasia and hypertension. More Information on Williams Syndrome: Pediatric Heart
"Bevacizumab" is more commonly referred to as "Monoclonal Antibodies" in the medical community. Monoclonal Antibodies
Also Known As: "Cetuximab, Apolizumab, Dacliximab, Trastuzumab, Rituximab, Alemtuzumab"
Any of a type of antibody made in the laboratory and designed to target specific substances called antigens. They are used to treat several conditions, including some types of cancer. More Information on Monoclonal Antibodies: Cancer Drug & Medication
A medication therapy combining two monoclonal antibodies, tositumomab and iodine I 131 tositumomab (a form of tositumomab chemically changed by adding iodine). It is primarily used in the treatment on non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. More Information on Bexxar Regimen: Lymphoma (Hodgkin's & Non)
A medication therapy combining two monoclonal antibodies, tositumomab and iodine I 131 tositumomab (a form of tositumomab chemically changed by adding iodine). It is primarily used in the treatment on non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. More Information on Bexxar Therapeutic Regimen: Lymphoma (Hodgkin's & Non)
Collections of tightly packed partially digested or undigested materials such as hair (trichobezoars) or fiber or vegetable matter (phytobezoars) that remain in the stomach indefinitely. More Information on Bezoars: Digestive Health Basics
"BFC" is more commonly referred to as "Bioactive Food Component" in the medical community. Bioactive Food Component
Also Known As: "Functional Food Component"
The specific part of functional food, besides its nutrients, associated with certain health benefits. Interaction among different components may play a role. Scientific evidence for these health claims exists, but is usually not conclusive. More Information on Bioactive Food Component: Functional Foods
"BGC" is more commonly referred to as "Blood Sugar Curve" in the medical community. Blood Sugar Curve
Also Known As: "BSC, Blood Glucose Curve"
A graph that indicates the level of blood sugar in the body over time after eating a particular food. The BSC shows when blood sugar peaks and returns to baseline. It requires glucose testing at timed intervals after eating the targeted food. More Information on Blood Sugar Curve: Glucose
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