Medical Dictionary
B cell
| B cells are part of the acquired immune system. Their main role is the production of antibodies against foreign particles. They can mature into two types of cells, Memory B Cells and Plasma Cells. |
Baclo
| Baclo (baclofen) is a muscle relaxant drug used to relieve muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis and spinal cord disorders. |
Baclohexal
| Baclohexal is one of the brand names for the muscle relaxant drug called baclofen. Baclofen is used to is used to relieve muscle spasms in diseases such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord disorders. Baclohexal is currently available in 10mg or 25mg tablets. |
Bacteraemia
| Bacteraemia is the name given to an infection in the blood. It is caused by the presence of bacteria in the blood. |
Bacteria
| Bacteria are a group of, usually single-celled, organisms that come in many different shapes, sizes and forms. They live almost anywhere on earth, including on humans. While many forms are not dangerous, some release toxins that can cause disease. |
Bacterial overgrowth syndrome (Small bowel bacterial overgrowth)
| Bacterial overgrowth syndrome is the excessive growth of bacteria in the small bowel, caused by a number of factors. The excess bacteria in the intestine then consume the nutrients from food, leading to vitamin and nutrient deficiencies. |
Barium enema
| A barium enema procedure inserts a radio-opaque contrast material (barium sulfate) into the rectum, which allows the investigation of the inner surface of the large intestine. |
Barium meal
A barium meal is a procedure used to investigate the gastrointestinal tract. The procedure involves ingestion of a radio-opaque contrast substance (suspension of barium sulfate and water) which shows up on X-ray. A barium meal is used to examine the stomach and duodenum (first section of the small intestine) to investigate causes of bleeding, vomiting or severe upper abdominal pain. |
Barium swallow
A barium swallow is a procedure used to investigate the upper gastrointestinal tract. The procedure involves ingestion of a radio-opaque contrast substance (barium sulfate paste) which shows up on X-ray. A barium swallow examines the oesophagus (the first part of the gastrointestinal tract where food passes when it is swallowed) to identify any reflux (movement of substances the wrong direction that can cause indigestion) or abnormal motility. |
Barrett's oesophagus
| Barrett's oesophagus is a complication of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, where the cells of the lower oesophagus are damaged through continuous exposure to stomach acid and undergo a change ('metaplasia') to a different cell type. Barrett's oesophagus is associated with an increased risk of developing oesophageal adenocarcinoma. |
Barrier
| An obstruction to the final target. |
Barrier contraceptive method
| Barrier contraceptive methods are methods which rely on a barrier to prevent contact between sperm and eggs and in doing so prevent pregnancy. |
Basal Energy Expenditure
Basal energy expenditure is energy expended by a human to fulfil their essential bodily functions such as cell repair and maintenance and respiration. It is the energy which an individual would expend on a daily basis if they did no physical activity at all. For more information see How the Body Burns Calories |
Basal ganglia
| Basal ganglia are collections of cells that are located deep inside the brain and have important roles in many higher brain functions. One function in which they play an important part is the control of movement. |
Basal Metabolic Rate
Basal Metabolic Rate is the rate at which energy is expended to maintain the bodies essential function, or in other words the rate of basal energy expenditure. Basal metabolic rate is measured while an individual is awake, but in a completely resting state, that is lying down after a period of fasting. For more information see How the Body Burns Calories |
Basilar membrane
| The basilar membrane vibrates in unison with the movements of the perilymph. It also supports the organ of corti |
Basophil
| A basophil is a type of granulocyte that is capable of eating foreing particles as well as releasing substances that help promote inflammation. |
Behaviour Therapy
| Behaviour Therapy is a form of psychotherapy in which the psychological condition is treated by changing certain maladaptive or problem behaviours that are expressed by the client. By changing the behaviour through several techniques implemented by a psychologist the emotional disturbances that accompanied that behaviour are reduced and in some cases disappear. |
Behavioural Neurologists
| Behavioural neurologists are doctors who specialise in disorders of the brain and how certain behaviours are affected in these disorders. |
Belching
| Belching is the passage of gastrointestinal gas from the stomach through the mouth, which is accompanied by a sound. In colloquial terms this is called 'burping.' Belching is due to the regurgitation of stomach gas into the oesophagus due to some defect in the lower oesophageal sphincter or an excess in gas. |
Benign
| Benign is a term used to describe a lump or growth which does not contains cancerous cells. A benign lump or growth does not spread to other areas of the body. |
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)
| Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a condition where benign (non-cancerous) nodules cause an enlargement of the prostate gland. |
Berocca
| Berocca is a nutritional supplement specially formulated to contain certain vitamins that may help to improve concentration and alertness. |
Beta 2 Agonists
| Beta 2 Agonists are a group of bronchodilator medications used in the treatment of asthma formulated to act on special receptors called beta-2 receptors, located predominantly on smooth muscle and mucous membrane in the lungs and smaller airways. |
Beta Blocker
A beta blocker is a drug that slows the beating of the heart. It can be used in the management of arrhythmias and to protect the heart after a heart attack. |
Beta Lactams
| Beta Lactams are a group of antibiotics including: penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems and monobactams. They are characterized by a special beta lactam ring structure made of four major components. Beta-lactam antibiotics inhibit the growth of bacteria by targeting the bacterial cell wall. |
Beta lactoglobulin
| Beta lactoglobulin is the major whey protein of cow's milk. |
Betaferon
| Betaferon is the brand name for a medication called interferon beta-1b. This drug is a synthesised form of a natural protein found in the body that usually regulates the immune system. Betaferon is mainly used in the treatment of relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). In this condition, Betaferon reduces the frequency and severity of symptomatic relapses and reduces the overall progression of disease. |
Bicep
| The bicep is a skeletal muscle in the arm. It is located at the front of the arm and extends from the elbow to just under the shoulder |
Bicep Curl
| A bicep curl is a weight baring exercise to strengthen the bicep. A weight is held in the hand and is brought up to the shoulder by bending the elbow, the bicep is used for this action. |
Bile
| Bile is a bitter, alkaline, brownish-yellow or greenish-yellow fluid that is secreted by the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and discharged into the duodenum and aids in the emulsification, digestion, and absorption of fats. Also called gall. |
Bilirubin
| Bilirubin refers to the breakdown product of haemoglobin. Excess bilirubin is associated with jaundice. |
Bilirubinaemia
Bilirubinaemia is a condition characterised by the liver's inability to adequately break down bilirubin, a component of blood. It commonly co-occurs with jaundice. |
Binge Drinking
| The act of consuming more than 4 standard drinks per night. It is however, important to realise that all of these numbers are standard drinks and not 'drinks'. |
Binocular vision
| Binocular vision is vision in which a single object is seen with two eyes. |
Bioactives
| Bioactives are chemicals, chemical molecules and microbes (microscopic organisms) that have some biological effect on our body. Bioactive food components are bioactives that have been added to food. |
Bioassays
| Bioassays are chemical tests which use live animals to determine the presence or absence of particular chemical in a specimen, for example a urine sample. |
Bioavailability
| Bioavailability is the amount of drug available in the systemic circulation that is able to have an effect on the biological system. A drugs bioavailability is determined by its pharmacokinetics; for example, some drugs are poorly absorbed as they do not cross cell membranes as quickly or as effectively as others hence less of the drug will pass into the systemic circulation where it needs to be in order to have an effect |
Bioequivalence Testing (Bioequivalence Trials)
The aim of bioequivalence testing is to compare the bioavailability of a branded drug to the bioavailability of the generic drug in question. The absorption, distribution, metabolisation and excretion of the drugs are measured by taking blood samples from people who have taken the drug. The values from each drug must be statistically equal (i.e. they must lie within a certain range of each other). For more information, see Generic and Branded Drugs. |
Bioequivalent (Medication)
A drug is said to be bioequivalent if the effect it has in the body is statistically the same as another drug. In order for a generic drug to successfully enter the pharmaceutical market, it must be bioequivalent to the branded drug. Bioequivalence is determined by bioequivalence testing. For more information, see Generic and Branded Medication. |
Biofeedback (Neurofeedback)
| Biofeedback, also known as neurofeedback, is a therapy that involves monitoring the seemingly involuntary behaviours of a child and feeding this information back to the child. In doing so, the child becomes more aware of their behaviour, and is therefore in a position to consciously change it. |
Biology
| Biology is the science of the structure and nature of systems. For example human biology is the structure of the human body and how it all works together systematically. |
Biomedical Intervention
A biomedical intervention is a health intervention which provides a biomedical technology (e.g. a vaccine) to improve an individual or a group's health status. |
Biomedical Therapy
| Biomedical therapy is used for people who are suffering from clinical health problems. The major theory behind this therapy is that pain is directly linked to a biological dysfunction and by treating this dysfunction the pain will disappear. |
Biopsy
| A biopsy is the removal of cells or tissue from the body for further examination. Examples of a biopsy include a fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy and a core biopsy. |
Biopsychosocial Therapy
| Biopsychotherapy is the psychotherapy most commonly used to treat people who are suffering from clinical health problems and the accompanying psychological distress. Biopsychosocial therapy focuses not only on the physical aspects of the clients condition but their psychological (depression and anxiety) condition and social (family and work) situation. |
Biosimilar
| Biosimilar is the term coined for protein drugs that are similar, but not identical to, an existing product. |
Bipolar coagulation
| Bipolar coagulation is a sterilisation procedure in which the fallopian tubes are damaged by electrocautery to prevent pregnancy. |
Bipolar Disorder
| Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness. People who have it experience dramatic mood swings. They may go from overly energetic, "high" and/or irritable, to sad and hopeless, and then back again. They often have normal moods in between. The up feeling is called mania. The down feeling is depression. |
Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depressive Disorder)
| Bipolar Disorder is a condition where people experience episodes of depression and/or a manic or hypomanic episode, the effects of which are interfering with the well-being and general functioning of a person. |
Bisexuality
A bisexual individual is one who engages in both heterosexual and homosexual sex. |
Bisphosphonate
| a category of drugs that improve bone mass density mainly by reducing the rate of bone breakdown. |
Blackhead
| A non-inflammatory acne lesion that is filled with excess oil and dead skin cells. Blackheads are also called open comedomes because the surface of the skin remains open. |
Bladder
| The bladder is a pyramidal shaped organ, which sits in our pelvis (the bony structure which helps form our hips). The main function of the bladder is to store urine, and under the appropriate signals, release it into a tube which carries the urine out of the body. Normally, the bladder can hold up to 500mls of urine. For more information please see male or female urogenital system. |
Blanche
| This refers to the skin turning a white colour when pressure is applied. With superficial and partial thickness burns, the skin retains it's ability to blanche. |
Blanching
| Disappears when pressed. |
Blastocyst
| A blastocyst is a precursor of an embryo, and is characterised by a hollow sphere with an outer layer of squamous cells called the trophoblast and an inner layer known as the inner cell mass. It is formed during the first week after fertilisation. |
Bleeding time
| This measures the duration of bleeding after a controlled, standardized, small puncture is made on the forearm. It is a relatively inconsistent measure of blood Clotting function. |
Blepharitis
| Blepharitis is an ocular disease characterized by inflammation of the eyelid margins. Blepharitis may cause redness of the eyes, itching and irritation of the eyelids in one or both eyes. |
Blepharoconjunctivitis
| Blepharoconjunctivitis refers to inflammation of the eyelids and conjunctiva |
Blepharospasm
| Blepharospasm is basically another word for 'spasming eyelid'. This involves the eyelid twitching a lot, due to contraction of the eyelid muscle. |
Blindspot
| The blindspot is an area of the visual field that is obscured. The physiological blindspot refers to the small, circular, optically insensitive region in the retina where fibers of the optic nerve emerge from the eyeball. It has no rods or cones (cells necessary to process light) and is also called the optic disk. |
Blister
| A rounded, bulging swelling of the skin that contains watery fluid and is commonly caused by burning or irritation. Blisters are commonly seen as part of the manifestations of a pressure ulcer. |
Bloating
| Bloating is the sensation of fullness or tightness in the abdomen. It is a frequent symptom of irritable bowel syndrome and other functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. |
Blood
| Blood is a fluid that circulates in the body of a vertebrate animal providing nourishment and oxygen to and removing waste products from all parts of the body. |
Blood Borne Virus
| A Blood Borne Virus (BBV) is a virus which is carried in the bloodstream. These viruses may be transmitted by one person to another through contact with blood. Examples include HIV and Hepatitis C. |
Blood clotting
| Blood clotting or coagulation is a process in which liquid blood is changed into a semisolid mass (a blood clot). |
Blood Dyscrasia
| Blood dyscrasia is a pathological condition in which any of the constituents of the blood are abnormal in structure, function or quality. |
Blood dyscrasias
| A general term which is used to describe any abnormality in the blood or bone marrow's cellular components, such as low white blood cell count, low red blood cell count or low platelet count. |
Blood Pressure
| Blood Pressure is the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls. |
Blood sugar level/Blood glucose level
| Blood sugar level or blood glucose level refers to the concentration of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Measured in units of millimoles of glucose per litre of blood. |
Blood Vessel
Blood vessels are part of the circulatory system. Blood vessels play an important role in the transportation of blood around the body. There are three main types of blood vessels: arteries, veins and capillaries. |
Blood-Brain Barrier
The Blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the barrier between the blood circulating through the head and the cerebrospinal fluid that protects and cushions the central nervous system. The barrier stops substances that are circulating in the blood through the body from entering the brain. |
Blurry vision
| Blurred vision is a type of visual symptom. It can include double vision, and takes place either unilaterally or bilaterally (in one or both eyes). Blurred vision occurs continually or intermittently and prompts professional medical diagnosis and treatment. |
Body Composition
| Body composition is how a person's body is composed. That is, the percentages of body fat, muscle tissue, bone density and so on. Exercise has a positive effect on body composition in that the percentage of fat decreases and is converted to lean body mass. |
Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI or Body Mass Index refers to the amount of body fat a person has. It is calculated by dividing your weight (in kilograms) by your height in meters squared to calculate a value, which should optimally be within the range of 18.5-24.9. BMI's below 18.5 are generally considered underweight, those 25 and above are classed as overweight, and above 30 is obese. An elevated BMI is associated with an increased risk of health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Note there are some exceptions to the BMI calculation such as well trained athletes who have an elevated BMI due to muscle mass but are are not at risk of the above diseases. This information will be collected for educational purposes, however it will remain anonymous. |
Bone marrow
| Bone marrow is the tissue contained within the hollow cavity of long bones such as the femur and humerus. It is the primary site for production of blood cells. Many diseases can affect the bone marrow and impair its ability to make the appropriate cells, namely red blood cells, platelets (which stop bleeding) and neutrophils (which fight infection). This can lead to anaemia, bleeding and infections. |
Bone marrow biopsy
| The collection of bone marrow, usually with the use of a needle, for medical analysis. |
Bone marrow transplantation
| Bone marrow transplantation involves the replacement of an individual's normal bone marrow with bone marrow acquired from a donor. An individual's bone marrow must first be eradicated (purposely or as a side effect of treatment) with the use of radio and chemotherapy. Further information can be found under the treatments section: Bone marrow transplant. |
Bone mass density loss
As we age, it is natural for bones to become thinner. While this happens, bones start to lose important minerals especially calcium. This results in bones that are weaker, thinner and less dense. Hence the chances of a fracture occuring increases. If this bone mass density loss continues, eventually osteoporosis will occur. Thus the thicker your bones, the longer it will take for osteoporosis to eventuate. |
Bonefos
| Bonefos is a brand name for clodronate, a medication used to reduce bone loss in some cancers by reducing the amount of calcium removed from the bone. |
Bones
| Bones provide a frame to keep the body supported. Bones help move, support, and protect the various organs of the body. Bones produce red and white blood cells and also store minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. |
Botulinum Toxin A (Botox)
| Botox is actually a chemical known as Botulinum Toxin A and is derived from the bacteria that causes botulism. It works by blocking the signal that tells muscles to contract. While it is probably most well known for its cosmetic uses, there are many other medical uses for Botox injections. Botox is used to block the action of some nerves controlling a muscle, and hence can be used to treat spasms of muscles, as well as be used for cosmetic surgery and excessive sweating. |
Botulism
| Botulism disease is the condition which refers to the syndrome produced by infection with the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Clostridium botulinum is a common environmental micro-organism, and produces bacterial spores which can survive heating to 100 C. The clostridium botulinum anaerobic pathogenic micro-organism can multiply and produce a neurotoxin which inhibits nerve transmission by decreasing release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at nerve synapses. |
Bowel perforation
| A bowel perforation is a rupture or split in the bowel wall that leads to leakage of gastrointestinal contents into the abdominal cavity. This can lead to irritation and infection of the abdominal cavity due to gastrointestinal bacteria leaking out the bowel. This infection is called peritonitis. Infection can also progress further to abscess formation. |
Bowens disease
| A type of skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) appearing as a non-elevated red scaly or crusted patch and is potentially malignant. |
Boxcar scars
| Boxcar scars (depressed scars) may occur following healing of acne. They are about 1.5-4mm in diameter and may be shallow (<0.5mm) or deep (>0.5mm). Their walls are steep, and they are sharply defined. |
Brachytherapy
| Brachytherapy is an internal radiotherapy used when the tumour is accessible. Radioactive instruments are implanted into the tumour and the rays emitted from the intruments kill the cancer cells. |
Bradycardia
| A slow heart rate, less than 60 beats per minute. |
Brain
| The brain is the most complex organ in the body. The brain is responsible for the workings of the human body and features that define us as human, our ability to think, emote and feel. |
Brainstem
| The brainstem is composed the midbrain , the pons and the medulla .The brainstem plays a key role in motor, sensory and basic functions such as breathing. |
Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential (BAEP)
A brainstem auditory evoked potential (also known as BAEP) is an electrical response that is evoked in parts of the brain by various auditory stimuli, usually a series of clicks. These responses are helpful in identifying problems with the nerves and pathways involved in hearing. A BAEP can be recorded and analysed with an electroenchephalogram (EEG). Changes in a BAEP can be a sign of a conditions affecting the auditory nerve system such as hearing loss or acoustic neuroma. |
Brand Premium
The brand premium of a drug is the difference in price between the cheapest product and the most expensive brand product. This is usually the difference between the cheapest generic version and the original branded drug. For more information, see Generic and Branded Drugs. |
Brand Premium Policy (Minimum Pricing Policy)
In 1990, the pharmaceutical benefits scheme (PBS) introduced the brand premium policy for pharmaceuticals. The policy states that only the cheapest products of a particular medicine are available for substitution by the PBS. For more information, see Generic and Branded Drugs. |
Brand Substitution
Brand substitution is a policy which makes it possible to substitute the prescribed drug brand at the time of dispensing in the pharmacy. This means that when your pharmacist assesses your script, you may be asked if you would like to swap to the generic brand. Brand substitution was introduced in Australia in 1994. For more information, see Generic and Branded Drugs. |
Branded Medication (Branded Drug)
A branded drug is an original medication that has undergone and passed the rigorous clinical trials, tests and evaluations involved in developing a pharmaceutical product. The pharmaceutical company that developed this drug has the sole rights to manufacture and distribute the drug for a determined amount of time – the drug is said to have a patent on it. It is easy to think of a patent as a copyright. The brand name chosen for the drug belongs exclusively to the original company. For this reason, branded drugs are the most well known and most trusted type of a particular medication. For more information, see Generic and Branded Drugs. |
Braxton-Hicks contractions
| Braxton-Hicks contractions are mild contractions occurring with increasing strength and frequency during the late stages of labour. However, they are not the same as true contractions. They may sometimes occur regularly enough to be mistaken for the onset of labour. This is known as “false labour”. |
BRCA1
| BRCA1 is a gene which, when damaged (mutated), places a woman at greater risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer, compared with women who do not have the mutation. In a woman with a BRCA1 mutation, the estimated lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is about 50% compared with 12% in the general population. A person who has this mutated gene has a 50% chance of passing on the gene to each of her children. |
BRCA2
| BRCA2 is a gene which, when damaged or mutated, puts the carrier at a much higher risk for developing breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer than the general population. In a woman with a BRCA2 mutation, the estimated lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is 50-60%. BRCA 2 and BRCA1 together account for about 80% of the breast cancer that occurs in women with strong family histories of the disease. |
breakthrough bleeding
Breakthrough bleeding can occur during the ACTIVE cycle of a hormonal contraceptive pill. It can also occur with hormone replacement therapies. If you experience bleeding that concerns you or is abnormal, please consult your doctor. |
Breakthrough Seizures
| A breakthrough seizure is an unexpected seizure in a person with epilepsy that has not experienced a seizure for a number of years. |
Breast
| Breasts or mammary glands are specialized organs whose primary function is to produce milk for nutrition of the infant and baby. |
Breast augmentation
| Breast augmentation is an enlargement of the breasts. Augmentation of the breast typically consists of insertion of a silicone bag (prosthesis) under the breast (submammary) or under the breast and chest muscle (subpectoral) and then filling the bag with saline (salt water). This prosthesis expands the breast area to give a fuller breast (increased cup size), give a better contour, and give more cleavage. |
Breast conserving surgery
| Breast conserving surgery is a type of surgical treatment for early breast cancer. It refers to the removal of the breast tumour only, leaving the rest of the breast intact. |
Breast feeding
| Breast feeding refers to the act of a mother feeding her baby by excreting milk from her breast. A baby has a suckling instinct which allows them to extract milk. |
Breast pain
| Breast Pain (mastalgia) and other breast changes are common from early development in girls, through menstruation and finally menopause and are mostly not a cause for concern. Breast changes are common for women throughout life. It is important to evaluate breast pain to determine whether the pain is due to normal physiological and hormone changes or due to a more serious condition, such as breast cancer. |
Breast reconstruction surgery
| Breast reconstruction surgery uses a variety of techniques to rebuild a breast shape. Breast reconstruction surgery is often performed on women who have undergone a mastectomy. |
Breast Reduction
| Breast reduction is a surgical reduction of breast size in order to reduce the weight of the breasts and relieve symptoms from unusually large, pendulous breasts. The surgical procedure is also known as reduction mammaplasty. |
Breastfeeding
| The act of a mother feeding her baby by excreting milk produced from her breast. A baby has a suckling instinct which allows them to extract milk. Milk production begins due to hormones released in the body after birth, and continues for as long as the infant is still regularly breastfed. The establishment and maintenance of breastfeeding is important for the healthy growth and development of the new born baby and also offers some health benefits for the mother. Benefits of breastfeeding include:
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Breech delivery
| A breech birth delivery is one where the infant enters the birth canal in the breech position. This is where the feet and buttocks enter the birth canal first rather than the head. |
Breech Presentation
A breech presentation refers to a baby entering the birth canal during labour with its buttocks or feet first instead of the usual head first (cephalic) presentation. |
Brimonidine
| Brimonidine is a drug (medicine) used in Alphagan eye drops. It reduces the amount of fluid produced in the eye and the flow of fluid out of the eye, thus lowering pressure in the eye. |
Broad ligaments
| Broad ligaments traverse the lateral sides of the uterus to the mesovaria (folds of peritoneum to which the ovary attaches). |
Broad Spectrum Penicillin
| This group of Antibiotics consisting of a special compound combined with penicillin, to protect the destruction of the medication by beta lactamase producing bacteria. These medications should be reserved for treatment of infections due to bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics due to production of beta lactamases. |
Bronchi
| Bronchi (singular bronchus) are the main two air ways which lead from the windpipe to the lungs. The bronchi enable air to move in and out of the lungs. |
Bronchiectasis
| Bronchiectasis is a sub-type of COPD. It is a long-standing disease where there is degeneration or inflammation of the airways. This causes them to lose elasticity and get much wider, reducing airflow and allowing the build-up of secretions. |
Bronchioles
| Bronchioles are described as the smallest airways within the lungs. Bronchioles extend from the bronchi to the alveoli. |
Bronchitis
| Inflammation of the air passages within our lungs. Acute bronchitis is often due to bacteria or viruses and is characterised by coughing, production of sputum and narrowing of the airways due to spasms. Chronic bronchitis refers to when the patient coughs up excessive mucous for a prolonged period of time. Bronchodilator drugs have been shown to help some people who suffer from bronchitis. |
Bronchodilators
| Bronchodilators are medications used to help improve airflow into the lungs. They act to relieve symptoms such as shortness of breath during asthma attacks by relaxing the smooth muscle surrounding the airways. |
Bronchoscopy
| A bronchoscopy allows a doctor to visualise the inside of some of the larger airways of the lungs. It involves inserting a small camera down the airways, that is attached to either a flexible or rigid tube. This sends an image to a nearby monitor. |
Bronchospasm
Bronchospasm is the spasmodic contraction of the smooth muscle lining of the bronchi and bronchioles in the lungs, causing difficulty breathing. |
Brow Lift
| A Brow lift is a surgical procedure in which the skin of the forehead and eyebrows is tightened to eliminate sagging eyebrows or correct frown lines in the forehead |
Bruxism
Bruxism is the medical term used to refer to teeth clenching. |
Budesonide
| Budesonide is a nasal spray works by reducing inflammation/swelling of the nose lining which may cause symptoms such as runny nose, blocked nose, itching or sneezing. |
Buffer
| A buffer is a substance that minimises change in the acidity of a solution when added to the solution to make it more neutral. |
Bulbourethral glands
| These glands produce a secretion that helps lubricate the head of the penis during erection and ejaculation. Follow this link for further information on the male urogenital system. |
Bulimia Nervosa
| Bulima is a health problem involving episodes of uncontrolled, fast and compulsive eating of large amounts of food, followed by self induced vomiting, use of laxitives, fasting or vigorous exercise to prevent weight gain. |
Bulla
| A large visible collection of fluid greater than 0.5cm in diameter. Bulla are commonly seen in skin conditions such as contact dermatitis. |
Bullying
| Bullying occurs when a person is repeatedly, and over time, exposed to negative comments or actions by another person. These negative actions can cause injury (e.g. physical violence by pushing) or emotional discomfort to another person (e.g. name calling, spreading rumours). |
Bunion
| A bunion is an enlargement of bone or tissue around the base of the big toe. Bunions can also occur near the 'pinky' toe. |
Bupivacaine
| Bupivacaine is a local anaesthetic that stabilises the neuronal membrane and prevents the initiation and transmission of nerve impulses. This drug is very potent, four times that of lignocaine, and has a rapid onset of anaesthesia with prolonged duration of action. Bupivacaine is suitable for continuous epidural blockade. |
Buprenorphine
| Buprenorphine (Norspan) is indicated for moderate to severe pain which includes chronic severe disabling pain, particularly non-cancer pain which does not respond to non-narcotics. |
Burn
| A burns is a bodily injury resulting from exposure to heat, chemicals, electricity, or some radiations, marked by varying degrees of skin destruction and redness. |
Bursa
| A bursa is a fluid filled sac that prevents friction between bony surfaces and soft tissues in the body, especially in or around joints. |
Bursitis
| Bursitis refers to inflammation of a bursa (a fluid-filled sac or sac-like cavity around a joint designed to counteract friction), typically in the knee, elbow or shoulder. |
Butterfly needle
| Butterfly needles are tiny needles used to gain access to small, fragile or shallow veins or arteries. Two butterfly wings on the side hold the needle in place. Plastic tubing allows for flexibility, so that a patient will not suffer vessel damage if they move during the procedure. |
Byetta
| Byetta is a medication used to lower and control blood sugar levels for type 2 diabetes patients. |
