Diseases & conditions A-Z List
Diseases & Conditions A-Z List - «B»:
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Bernstein test
The Bernstein test is a method to reproduce symptoms of heartburn. It is usually done with other tests to measure esophageal function.
How the Test is Performed
The test is done in a laboratory. A nasogastric (NG) tube will be inserted through one side of your nose and down into your esophagus. Mil...
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Beta blockers overdose
Beta blockers are a type of drug used to treat high blood pressure.
Beta blocker overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.
This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual po...
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Beta-carotene test
Beta-carotene is the precursor to vitamin A. A test can be done to measures the amount of beta-carotene in blood.
See also: Vitamin A test
How the Test is Performed
Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medic...
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Bezoar
A bezoar is a ball of swallowed foreign material (usually hair or fiber) that collects in the stomach and fails to pass through the intestines.
Causes
Chewing on or eating hair or fuzzy materials (or indigestible materials such as plastic bags) can lead to the formation of a bezoar. The rate is ver...
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Bicuspid aortic valve
A bicuspid aortic valve is an aortic valve that only has two leaflets, instead of three.
The aortic valve regulates blood flow from the heart into the aorta, the major blood vessel that brings blood to the body.
Causes
The aortic valve allows oxygen-rich blood to flow from the heart to the aorta. I...
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Bilateral hydronephrosis
Bilateral hydronephrosis is the enlargement (distention) of the urine collecting structures and pelvis of both kidneys. Bilateral means both sides.
See also: Unilateral hydronephrosis
Causes
Bilateral hydronephrosis occurs when urine is unable to drain from the kidney down the ureters into the bla...
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Bile
Bile is a thick digestive fluid. It is released by the liver and stored in the gallbladder.
Bile helps break down fats into fatty acids, which can be taken into the body by the digestive tract.
Bile contains mostly cholesterol, bile acids (also called bile salts), and bilirubin (a breakdown product ...
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Bile culture
A bile culture is a laboratory test to detect disease-causing microorganisms in the biliary system, which includes the gallbladder, bile ducts inside the liver, and bile ducts outside the liver.
See also: Bile
How the Test is Performed
A sample of bile (a digestive fluid) is needed. This can be do...
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Bile duct obstruction
Bile duct obstruction is a blockage in the tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine.
See also:
Acute cholecystitis
Choledocholithiasis
Gallstones
Causes
Bile is a liquid released by the liver. It contains cholesterol, bile salts, and waste products such a...
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Bili lights
Bili lights refer to a type of phototherapy that is used to treat newborn jaundice, a yellow coloring of the skin and eyes related to immature liver function.
Information
Phototherapy is performed on infants who have increased levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that's c...
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Biliary atresia
Biliary atresia is a blockage in the tubes (ducts) that carry a liquid called bile from the liver to the gallbladder. The condition is congenital, which means it is present from birth.
Causes
Biliary atresia occurs when the bile ducts inside or outside the liver do not develop normally. It is not k...
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Biliary stricture
A biliary stricture is an abnormal narrowing of the common bile duct, the tube that moves bile (a substance that helps with digestion) from the liver to the small intestine.
Causes
A biliary stricture is often caused by surgical injury to the bile ducts. For example, it may occur after surgery to r...
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Biliary system
The biliary system creates, transports, stores, and releases bile into the duodenum to help in digestion.
The biliary system includes the gallbladder, bile ducts inside the liver, and bile ducts outside the liver.
Alternative Names
Biliary tract; Bile tract...
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Bilirubin - blood
Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid produced by the liver.
This article discusses the laboratory test done to measure bilirubin in the blood. Total and direct bilirubin are usually measured to screen for or to monitor liver or gallbladder problems. Large amounts of bilirubin in t...
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Bilirubin - urine
Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid produced by the liver.
This article discusses the laboratory test to measure the amount of bilirubin in the urine. Large amounts of bilirubin in the body can lead to jaundice.
Bilirubin may also be measured with a blood test. For information on...
