Diseases & conditions A-Z List
Diseases & Conditions A-Z List - «U»:
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Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the large intestine (colon) and rectum.
See also: Crohn's disease
Causes
The cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. It may affect any age group, although there are peaks at ages 15 - 30 and then again at ages 50 - 70.
T...
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Ulcerative colitis - discharge
You were in the hospital because you have ulcerative colitis, swelling of the inner lining of your colon and rectum. It damages the lining in spots (leaving ulcers) and causes it to bleed or ooze cloudy mucus or pus.
You probably received fluids through an intravenous (IV) tube in your vein. You may...
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Ulcers
An ulcer is a crater-like lesion on the skin or mucous membrane.
Causes
Ulcers can be caused by an inflammatory, infectious, or cancerous condition....
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Ulnar nerve dysfunction
Ulnar nerve dysfunction is a problem with the nerve that travels from the wrist to the shoulder, which leads to movement or sensation problems in the wrist and hand.
Causes
Ulnar nerve dysfunction is a common form of peripheral neuropathy. It occurs when there is damage to the ulnar nerve, which tr...
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Ultrasound
Ultrasound involves the use of high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs and systems within the body.
How the Test is Performed
An ultrasound machine creates images that allow various organs in the body to be examined. The machine sends out high-frequency sound waves, which reflect off ...
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Umbilical catheters
A catheter is a long, soft, hollow tube. Catheters vary in size. An umbilical catheter is used for different reasons.
An umbilical artery catheter (UAC) allows blood to be taken from an infant at different times, without repeated needle sticks. It can be used to continuously monitor your baby's bloo...
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Umbilical cord care in newborns
When the umbilical cord is cut, it leaves a stump, which then dries, heals, and usually falls off within 1 - 3 weeks. While the cord is healing, keep it as clean and as dry as possible. In order to keep the cord dry, sponge bathe your baby rather than submersing him in a tub of water.
Watch the umbi...
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Umbilical hernia
An umbilical hernia is an outward bulging (protrusion) of the abdominal lining or part of the abdominal organ(s) through the area around the belly button.
Causes
An umbilical hernia in an infant occurs when the muscle through which blood vessels pass to feed the developing fetus doesn't close compl...
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Umbilical hernia repair
Umbilical hernia repair is surgery to repair an umbilical hernia. An umbilical hernia is a sac formed from the inner lining of your belly (abdominal cavity) that pushes through a hole in the abdominal wall at the belly button.
Description
You will probably receive general anesthesia (asleep and pai...
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Unconsciousness - first aid
Unconsciousness is when a person is unable to respond to people and activities. Often, this is called a coma or being in a comatose state.
Other changes in awareness can occur without becoming unconscious. Medically, these are called "altered mental status" or "changed mental status." They include s...
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Undescended testicle
Undescended testicle occurs when one or both testicles fail to move into the scrotum before birth.
Causes
Undescended testicles are fairly common in premature infants. They occur in about 3 - 4% of full-term infants. In most cases the testicles descend by the time the child is 9 months old.
Once a ...
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Undescended testicle repair
Undescended testicle repair is surgery to correct testicles that have not dropped down into the correct position in the scrotum.
See also: Undescended testicle
Description
As a baby grows in the womb, the testicles develop in the infant's abdomen. They drop down into the scrotum during the last mo...
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Unilateral hydronephrosis
Unilateral hydronephrosis is swelling of one kidney due to a backup of urine.
See also: Bilateral hydronephrosis
Causes
Hydronephrosis is a condition that occurs with a disease. It is not a disease itself. Conditions that are often associated with unilateral hydronephrosis include:
Acute uni...
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Unstable angina
Unstable angina is a condition in which your heart doesn't get enough blood flow and oxygen. It may be a prelude to a heart attack.
Angina is a type of chest discomfort caused by poor blood flow through the blood vessels (coronary vessels) of the heart muscle (myocardium).
See also:
Stable angina
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UPJ obstruction
Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction is a blockage in the area that connects the renal pelvis (part of the kidney) to one of the tubes (ureters) that move urine to the bladder.
Causes
UPJ obstruction generally occurs when a baby is still growing in the womb. This is called a congenital conditio...
