Diseases & conditions A-Z List
Diseases & Conditions A-Z List - «A»:
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Adhesion
Adhesions are bands of scar-like tissue that form between two surfaces inside the body and cause them to stick together.
As the body moves, tissues or organs inside are normally able to shift around each other. This is because these tissues have slippery surfaces.
Causes
Inflammation (swelling), su...
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Adjustment disorder
Adjustment disorder is an emotional and behavioral reaction that develops within 3 months of a life stress, and which is stronger or greater than what would be expected for the type of event that occurred.
Causes
Adults often develop adjustment disorder due to marital or financial problems.
In adol...
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Adolescent depression
Adolescent depression is a disorder that occurs during the teenage years, and involves ongoing sadness, discouragement, loss of self-worth, and loss of interest in usual activities.
See also:
Depression
Major depression
Causes
Depression can be a temporary response to many situations and stre...
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Adolescent development
The development of children ages 12 through 18 years old is expected to include predictable physical and mental milestones.
Information
During adolescence, children develop the ability to:
Comprehend abstract content, such as higher mathematic concepts, and develop moral philosophies, including ri...
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Adolescent pregnancy
Adolescent pregnancy is pregnancy in girls age 19 or younger.
Causes
The rate of adolescent pregnancy and the birth rate for adolescents have generally declined since reaching an all-time high in 1990, mostly due to the increased use of condoms.
Adolescent pregnancy is a complex issue with many ...
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Adolescent test or procedure preparation
Proper preparations for a test or procedure can reduce an adolescent's anxiety, encourage cooperation, and help the adolescent develop coping skills.
Information
There are a number of ways to help an adolescent prepare for a medical test or procedure.
First, provide detailed information and explain...
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Adrenal glands
Adrenal glands are triangle-shaped glands located on top of the kidneys.
The outer part of the adrenal gland is called the cortex and produces steroid hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, and testosterone. The inner part of the adrenal gland is called the medulla and produces epinephrine and nore...
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Adrenalectomy
Adrenalectomy is an operation in which one or both adrenal glands are removed. The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system and are located just above the kidneys.
Description
Adrenalectomy can be performed in two ways. In the "open" surgery, the surgeon makes one large surgical cut to remov...
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Adrenocortical carcinoma
Adrenocortical carcinoma is a cancer of the adrenal glands.
Causes
Adrenocortical carcinoma is most common in children younger than 5 and adults in their 30s and 40s.
Adrenocortical carcinoma may be linked to a cancer syndrome that is passed down through families (inherited). Both men and women can...
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Adrenoleukodystrophy
Adrenoleukodystrophy describes several closely related inherited disorders that disrupt the breakdown (metabolism) of certain fats (very-long-chain fatty acids).
Causes
Adrenoleukodystrophy is passed down from parents to their children as an X-linked genetic trait. It therefore affects mostly males...
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Adult Still's disease
Adult Still's disease is a rare illness marked by high fevers, rash, and joint pain. It may lead to long-term (chronic) arthritis.
It is more commonly called adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD).
Causes
Fewer than 1 out of 100,000 people develop adult Still's disease each year. It affects women more ...
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Advance care directives
Advance care directives are specific instructions, prepared in advance, that are intended to direct a person's medical care if he or she becomes unable to do so in the future.
Information
Advance care directives allow patients to provide instructions about their preferences regarding the care they ...
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Aerobic
Aerobic means oxygen is needed to survive, grow, or function properly.
For example, bacteria that require oxygen to grow are called aerobic bacteria.
Aerobic is the opposite of anaerobic....
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Aflatoxin
Aflatoxins are toxins produced by a mold that grows in nuts, seeds, and legumes.
Function
Although aflatoxins are known to cause cancer in animals, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows them at low levels in nuts, seeds, and legumes because they are considered "unavoidable contaminants...
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After chemotherapy - discharge
You had chemotherapy treatment for your cancer. Your risk for infections, bleeding, and skin problems may be high. You may still have mouth sores, upset stomach, and diarrhea.
You will probably get tired easily, and your appetite will be poor. You should be able to drink and eat food.
Oral Care
Bru...
