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Diverticulitis
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Diverticulitis A condition that occurs when small pouches in the colon (diverticula) become infected or irritated. Also called left-sided appendicitis.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Condition
The term "condition" has a number of biomedical meanings including the following: 1.An unhealthy state, such as in "this is a progressive condition." 2.A state of fitness, such as "getting into condition." 3.Something that is essential to the occurrence of something else; essentially a "precondition." 4.As a verb: to cause a change in something so that a response that was previously associated with a certain stimulus becomes associated with another stimulus; to condition a person, as in behavioral conditioning.
Colon
Another name for the large intestine. The section of the large intestine extending from the cecum to the rectum. An adult colon is approximately five to six feet in length and is responsible for absorbing water and forming, storing and expelling waste.
Appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Diverticula
Plural form of diverticulum.
Diverticulitis, bleeding from
Diverticular bleeding typically occurs intermittently over several days. Colonoscopy is usually performed to confirm the diagnosis and exclude bleeding from other causes. Thermal probes cannot be employed to stop active diverticular bleeding. Therefore, surgical removal of the bleeding diverticula is necessary for those with persistent bleeding.
Diverticulitis, treatment of acute
Antibiotics are usually needed. Oral antibiotics are sufficient when symptoms are mild. Liquid or low fiber foods are advised during acute diverticulitis attacks. In severe diverticulitis with high fever and pain, patients are hospitalized and given intravenous antibiotics. Surgery is needed for persistent bowel obstruction or abscesses not responding to antibiotics.
Diverticulosis
A condition that occurs when small pouches (diverticula) push outward through weak spots in the colon.
Diverticulosis/diverticulitis and fiber
High fiber diets help delay the progression of diverticulosis and, at least, reduce the bouts of diverticulitis.
Diverticulum
A small pouch in the colon. These pouches are not painful or harmful unless they become infected or irritated.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Digestive system
The organs in the body that break down and absorb food. Organs that make up the digestive system are the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. Organs that help with digestion but are not part of the digestive tract are the tongue, glands in the mouth that make saliva, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.
Digital rectal exam (DRE)
Procedure in which the physician inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to examine the rectum and the prostate gland for signs of cancer.
Distention
Bloating or swelling of the abdomen.
Diuretic
A medication that lowers blood pressure.
Diverticula
Plural form of diverticulum.
Diverticulitis
Diverticulosis
A condition that occurs when small pouches (diverticula) push outward through weak spots in the colon.
Diverticulum
A small pouch in the colon. These pouches are not painful or harmful unless they become infected or irritated.
Dopa decarboxylase inhibitors
Anti-Parkinson drugs that block the enzyme dopa decarboxylase.
Doppler ultrasound
A procedure that uses sound waves to evaluate heart, blood vessels, and valves.
Dubin-Johnson syndrome
An inherited form of chronic jaundice (yellow tint to the skin and eyes) that has no known cause.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Condition
The term "condition" has a number of biomedical meanings including the following: 1.An unhealthy state, such as in "this is a progressive condition." 2.A state of fitness, such as "getting into condition." 3.Something that is essential to the occurrence of something else; essentially a "precondition." 4.As a verb: to cause a change in something so that a response that was previously associated with a certain stimulus becomes associated with another stimulus; to condition a person, as in behavioral conditioning.
Colon
Another name for the large intestine. The section of the large intestine extending from the cecum to the rectum. An adult colon is approximately five to six feet in length and is responsible for absorbing water and forming, storing and expelling waste.
Appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Diverticula
Plural form of diverticulum.
Diverticulitis, bleeding from
Diverticular bleeding typically occurs intermittently over several days. Colonoscopy is usually performed to confirm the diagnosis and exclude bleeding from other causes. Thermal probes cannot be employed to stop active diverticular bleeding. Therefore, surgical removal of the bleeding diverticula is necessary for those with persistent bleeding.
Diverticulitis, treatment of acute
Antibiotics are usually needed. Oral antibiotics are sufficient when symptoms are mild. Liquid or low fiber foods are advised during acute diverticulitis attacks. In severe diverticulitis with high fever and pain, patients are hospitalized and given intravenous antibiotics. Surgery is needed for persistent bowel obstruction or abscesses not responding to antibiotics.
Diverticulosis
A condition that occurs when small pouches (diverticula) push outward through weak spots in the colon.
Diverticulosis/diverticulitis and fiber
High fiber diets help delay the progression of diverticulosis and, at least, reduce the bouts of diverticulitis.
Diverticulum
A small pouch in the colon. These pouches are not painful or harmful unless they become infected or irritated.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Digestive system
The organs in the body that break down and absorb food. Organs that make up the digestive system are the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. Organs that help with digestion but are not part of the digestive tract are the tongue, glands in the mouth that make saliva, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.
Digital rectal exam (DRE)
Procedure in which the physician inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to examine the rectum and the prostate gland for signs of cancer.
Distention
Bloating or swelling of the abdomen.
Diuretic
A medication that lowers blood pressure.
Diverticula
Plural form of diverticulum.
Diverticulitis
Diverticulosis
A condition that occurs when small pouches (diverticula) push outward through weak spots in the colon.
Diverticulum
A small pouch in the colon. These pouches are not painful or harmful unless they become infected or irritated.
Dopa decarboxylase inhibitors
Anti-Parkinson drugs that block the enzyme dopa decarboxylase.
Doppler ultrasound
A procedure that uses sound waves to evaluate heart, blood vessels, and valves.
Dubin-Johnson syndrome
An inherited form of chronic jaundice (yellow tint to the skin and eyes) that has no known cause.
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This dictionary contains 19186 terms.
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