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Health Library: B

Baby Crying Crying is the way babies communicate. They cry because of hunger, discomfort, frustration, fatigue, and even loneliness.		Back CT A CT scan of the spine may be performed to assess the spine for a herniated disk, tumors and other lesions, the extent of injuries, structural anomalies such as spina bifida, blood vessel malformations, or other conditions.
Back Surgery Laminectomy is a type of surgery in which a physician removes part or all of the vertebral bone to relieve compression of the spinal cord or the nerve roots.		Back X-ray This procedure may be used to diagnose back or neck pain, fractures or broken bones, arthritis, degeneration of the disks, tumors, or other problems.
Bacterial Endocarditis Bacterial endocarditis is an infection of the lining of the heart. This infection can occur in anyone who has congenital heart disease.		Bacterial Pneumonia Pneumonia is a serious inflammation of the lungs in which the air sacs fill with pus and other liquid.
Bacterial Skin Infections Detailed information on the most common bacterial skin infections, including cellulitis, folliculitis, boils, carbuncles, and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome		Bacterial Skin Infections in Children Detailed information on bacterial skin infections, including impetigo, cellulitis, scarlet fever, folliculitis, boils, carbuncles, and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
Balance Disorders Detailed information on balance disorders, including acoustic neurinoma and Ménière's disease		Balloon Angioplasty During percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), a special catheter (long hollow tube) is inserted into coronary arteries that are blocked as a result of coronary artery disease (CAD), restoring arterial blood flow to the heart tissue without open-heart surgery.
Balloon Valvuloplasty During a valvuloplasty, a catheter is threaded through a vein to the heart where a balloon is used to open a stiff valve. Once opened, the balloon and catheter are removed.		Balloon Vertebroplasty Kyphoplasty is used to treat fractures in the bones of the spine in which the doctor first inflates a balloon-like device in the bone to make space which is filled with cement.
Bariatric Surgery Bariatric surgery is a procedure that alters the process of digestion and is currently the best treatment option for producing lasting weight loss in obese patients when traditional methods have not been effective.		Bariatric Surgery, Gastric Bypass Bariatric surgery is a procedure that alters the process of digestion and is currently the best treatment option for producing lasting weight loss in obese patients when traditional methods have not been effective.
Barium Enema A barium enema is used to highlight damage or abnormalities in the colon and rectum by creating greater areas of contrast in x-ray film.		Barium Swallow During this procedure, a mixture of barium and water is swallowed just before an x-ray. The barium is used to highlight damage or abnormalities in the upper gastrointestinal tract, including the pharnyx, esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
Barium X-Rays (Upper and Lower GI) Detailed information on barium x-rays, also called upper and lower GI series, including information on how the procedure is performed		Barotrauma Detailed information on ears and airplane travel, ear wax, and ear cleaning
Barrett's Esophagus Detailed information on Barrett's esophagus, including cause, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment		Bartonella Antibody This blood test screens for exposure to Bartonella henselae, the bacteria that causes cat scratch disease.
Basal Cell Carcinoma Detailed information on basal cell carcinoma, including risk factors and how the disease develops		Basic Anatomy of the Heart Located almost in the center of the chest, the adult human heart is about the size of two fists held side-by-side.
Basic Metabolic Panel (Blood) This blood test gives information about your body’s metabolism. It gives a snapshot of the health of your kidneys, your blood sugar levels, and the levels of key electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium.		BE A barium enema is used to highlight damage or abnormalities in the colon and rectum by creating greater areas of contrast in x-ray film.
Bed Sores Detailed information on bed sores, including causes, prevention, and treatment		Bee Stings Detailed information on bee sting and other insect stings, including symptoms and treatment
Behavior Changes Although a baby's activity level, appetite, and cries normally vary from day to day, even hour to hour, a distinct change in any of these areas may signal illness.		Behavior Disorders Detailed information on behavior problems in adolescents, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder
Being a Caregiver "Formal" caregivers are paid for their services and have had training and education in providing care. "Informal" caregivers, also called family caregivers, are people who provide care to family or friends, usually without payment.		Bell's Palsy Bell's palsy is an unexplained weakness or paralysis of the facial muscle that begins suddenly and worsens over three to five days. It can strike at any age, but it occurs most often in pregnant women, and in people who have diabetes, influenza, or another upper respiratory ailment.
Below-Knee Amputation Amputation is the surgical removal of a leg or arm, or a part of one - such as a toe, finger, foot, or hand - usually as a result of injury, disease, or infection.		Bence-Jones Protein (Urine) This urine test is used mainly to diagnose and monitor multiple myeloma, a blood cancer.
Benign Bone Tumors Detailed information on the most common benign bone tumors, including chondroblastoma, enchondroma, giant cell tumor, and osteochondroma		Benign Breast Conditions, Diagnosis To diagnose a breast condition, your doctor will examine your breasts and may order imaging tests or a biopsy.
Benign Prostate Problems The prostate gland can develop several conditions that are not cancerous. Pain, inflammation, and impotency are common problems.		Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia A transurethral resection of the prostate is a surgical procedure that uses a tiny instrument to remove portions of the prostate gland through the penis, requiring no external incision.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) BPH is a condition in which the prostate gland becomes very enlarged and may cause problems associated with urination.		Benign Skin Growths and Pigmentation Disorders Detailed information on benign skin growths and pigmentation disorders in children
Benzodiazepine drug screen This is a blood test to screen for a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. These are depressant drugs used to help patients sleep and ease anxiety.		Benzodiazepines (Blood) This is a blood test to screen for a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. These are depressant drugs used to help patients sleep and ease anxiety.
Benzodiazepines (Urine) This is a urine test to screen for a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. These drugs are often informally called tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and muscle relaxants.		Beta Hemolytic Streptococcus Culture (Genital, Urine) This test looks for group B streptococcus (GBS) bacteria in a culture sample either from your urine or from secretions in your vagina and rectum.
Beta Hemolytic Streptococcus Culture (Throat) This test looks for the bacteria that cause strep throat. This condition causes a severe sore throat and makes it painful to swallow.		Bicarbonate This test measures the amount of bicarbonate, a form of carbon dioxide, in your blood.
Bicarbonate blood test This test measures the amount of carbon dioxide in your blood. Normally, carbon dioxide in your bloodstream causes no problems, but if you have far too much or too little of it, you may have a disease or a medical emergency.		Bicarbonate test This test measures the amount of carbon dioxide in your blood. Normally, carbon dioxide in your bloodstream causes no problems, but if you have far too much or too little of it, you may have a disease or a medical emergency.
Biliary Atresia Detailed information on biliary atresia, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment		Biliary Disease, Diagnosis Detailed information on the most common diagnostic procedures for liver, biliary, and pancreatic disorders
Biliary Disorder Diagnosis Detailed information on the most common diagnostic procedures for liver, biliary, and pancreatic disorders		Biliary Disorders: Online Resources List of online resources to find additional information on liver, biliary, and pancreatic disorders
Biliary Tract CT Scan CT/CAT scans are more detailed than standard x-rays and are often used to assess the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts for for injuries, abnormalities, or disease.		Biliopancreatic Diversion Bariatric surgery is a procedure that alters the process of digestion and is currently the best treatment option for producing lasting weight loss in obese patients when traditional methods have not been effective.
Biliopancreatic Diversion (BPD) Bariatric surgery is a procedure that alters the process of digestion and is currently the best treatment option for producing lasting weight loss in obese patients when traditional methods have not been effective.		Biliopancreatic Diversion and Duodenal Switch Bariatric surgery is a procedure that alters the process of digestion and is currently the best treatment option for producing lasting weight loss in obese patients when traditional methods have not been effective.
Biliopancreatic Diversion and Duodenal Switch (BPD-DS) Bariatric surgery is a procedure that alters the process of digestion and is currently the best treatment option for producing lasting weight loss in obese patients when traditional methods have not been effective.		Bilirubin (Amniotic Fluid) This test is done to see how well your baby is developing inside you.
Biofeedback Detailed information on biofeedback as a form of alternative therapy		Biological Therapy Detailed information on biological therapy, also called immunotherapy, biological response modifier therapy, or biotherapy
Biopsy Detailed information on biopsy, including the most common types of biopsy such as endoscopic biopsy, bone marrow biopsy, excisional biopsy, incisional biopsy, fine needle aspiration biopsy, punch biopsy, shave biopsy, and skin biopsy		Biopsy, Bone A bone biopsy is a procedure in which bone samples are removed to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.
Biopsy, Bone Marrow A bone marrow biopsy involves removing tissue from the red bone marrow to be sent to the lab for microscopic examination.		Biopsy, Breast A breast biopsy is a procedure in which samples of breast tissue are removed with a special biopsy needle or during surgery to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.
Biopsy, Cervical Punch A cervical biopsy is a procedure performed to remove tissue from the cervix to test for abnormal or precancerous conditions, or cervical cancer.		Biopsy, Cervix A cervical biopsy is a procedure performed to remove tissue from the cervix to test for abnormal or precancerous conditions, or cervical cancer.
Biopsy, Chorionic Villus This prenatal test involves taking a sample of tissue from the placenta to test for chromosomal abnormalities and certain other genetic problems.		Biopsy, Cone A cervical biopsy is a procedure performed to remove tissue from the cervix to test for abnormal or precancerous conditions, or cervical cancer.
Biopsy, Endometrium An endometrial biopsy is a procedure performed to obtain a small tissue sample from the lining of the uterus.		Biopsy, Kidney A kidney biopsy is a procedure in which tissue samples are removed with a special needle to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present, or to determine how well the kidney is working.
Biopsy, Liver A liver biopsy is a procedure in which tissue samples from the liver are removed for examination under a microscope to look for signs of damage or disease. It is used to diagnose many liver conditions.		Biopsy, Lung A lung biopsy is a procedure in which tissue samples are removed with a special needle to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.
Biopsy, Muscle In a muscle biopsy, tissue and cells from muscle are removed and viewed microscopically. The procedure is used to diagnose diseases involving muscle tissue.		Biopsy, Pleural A pleural biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of the pleura (the membrane that surrounds the lungs) is removed with a special biopsy needle or during surgery to determine if disease, infection, or cancer is present.
Biopsy, Prostate A prostate biopsy is a procedure in which tissue samples are removed with a special needle to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.		Biopsy, Pulmonary A lung biopsy is a procedure in which tissue samples are removed with a special needle to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.
Biopsy, Renal A kidney biopsy is a procedure in which tissue samples are removed with a special needle to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present, or to determine how well the kidney is working.		Biopsy, Skin Detailed information on the most common types of skin tests, including patch testing, skin biopsy, and skin culture
Bipolar Disorder/Manic Depression in Children Detailed information on manic depression, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment		Birth Defects A "birth defect" is a health problem or physical change that is present in a baby at the time he/she is born.
Birth Injury Detailed information on birth injury, including the most common types of birth injury		Birthmarks Detailed information on birthmarks and the different types, including vascular birthmarks, hemangiomas, and port-wine stains
Bites Detailed information on bites, including human bites, animal bites, and insect bites		Bites and Stings Detailed information on insect bites, including bee stings, flea bites, mite bites, chigger bites, spider bites, tick bites, and lyme disease
BKA Amputation is the surgical removal of a leg or arm, or a part of one - such as a toe, finger, foot, or hand - usually as a result of injury, disease, or infection.		Bladder Cancer Detailed information on bladder cancer, including symptoms, types, causes, risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
Bleeding / Clotting Disorders Detailed information on bleeding/clotting disorders, including hemophilia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and thrombosis		Bleeding Disorders Detailed information on bleeding disorders, including Hemophilia and Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura
Bleeding in Pregnancy/Placenta Previa/Placental Abruption Bleeding may occur at various times in pregnancy. Although bleeding is alarming, it may or may not be a serious complication.		Blepharitis Detailed information on blepharitis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Blepharoplasty This procedure can remove puffiness or bags under the eyes, and can also correct droopy eyelids.		Blisters Detailed information on blisters, including cause, first-aid, and treatment
Blisters in Children Detailed information on blisters, including cause, first-aid, and treatment		BLL This test measures the amount of lead in your child’s blood. High levels of lead in the blood can be toxic.
Blood alcohol test This test measures the amount of alcohol, or ethanol, in your blood. This test is used by law enforcement agencies and hospitals to find out the concentration of alcohol in a person’s blood.		Blood ammonia test This test checks the amount of ammonia in your blood. Ammonia may build up in your body if you have kidney or liver failure.
Blood Chemistry Detailed information on clinical chemistry and the most common clinical chemistry tests		Blood Clotting Disorders in Children Clotting disorders are a group of conditions in which people are more likely than normal to experience excessive clotting. The medical term for this is thrombophilia. These disorders may first be spotted in childhood but are usually identified in adolescence and young adulthood.
Blood coagulation tests This test clocks the amount of time it takes for your blood to form a clot. You may need this test if your doctor suspects that you have a bleeding disorder.		Blood cortisol This test may help in the diagnosis of two fairly uncommon medical conditions: Cushing’s syndrome and Addison’s disease. The test also screens for other diseases that affect your pituitary and adrenal glands.
Blood creatinine This test checks to see how well your kidneys are working. Creatinine is a normal waste product. If it builds up in your body, it could be a sign of kidney disease.		Blood Disorders Detailed information on the most common blood disorders, including hemochromatosis, polycythemia vera, thrombocythemia, leukemia, and lymphoma
Blood Donations and Blood Banking Detailed information on blood donations and blood banking		Blood Donations/Blood Banking Detailed information on blood donations and blood banking
Blood Glucose Levels You can monitor your blood sugar at home with one of a variety of devices that use a small sample of blood.		Blood Smear This test looks at the number and shape of your red and white blood cells and platelets to see whether they are normal.
Blood smear analysis This test looks at the number and shape of your red and white blood cells and platelets to see whether they are normal.		Blood Sugar Levels You can monitor your blood sugar at home with one of a variety of devices that use a small sample of blood.
Blood sugar test A blood glucose test tells you whether your level of glucose is within a healthy range. Fasting plasma glucose is a common test for diagnosing diabetes.		Blood Test Your doctor might order a blood test to find out if you are sick, if your body is responding to an allergy, or if you are at risk for certain health conditions.
Blood Tests, Hematology Detailed information on hematology, the study of blood and its disorders		Blood theophylline level This test measures the level of the medication theophylline in your blood. Having too much of this drug in your body can be life-threatening.
Blood Transfusions Detailed information on blood transfusion, including the components of blood and potential risks involved in a blood transfusion		Blood Type and Crossmatch This is a set of tests that looks for harmful interactions between your blood and donor blood. The tests are done before a blood transfusion.
Blood typing This is a set of tests that looks for harmful interactions between your blood and donor blood. The tests are done before a blood transfusion.		Blood Urea Nitrogen This test measures the amount of urea nitrogen in your blood. It can help your doctor find out if you have kidney disease or another kidney disorder.
BMAT This test looks for brucellosis, an infectious disease usually caused by handling animals or milk products infected with the brucella bacteria.		BMI Your BMI gives a fairly accurate assessment of how much of your body is composed of fat.
BMP This blood test gives information about your body’s metabolism. It gives a snapshot of the health of your kidneys, your blood sugar levels, and the levels of key electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium.		BMT Detailed information on bone marrow transplant, including preparation, types of transplant, transplant team, and possible procedure-related complications or side effects
BNP (Blood) This test measures the amount of a protein that builds up in your blood when you have heart failure. It's an important tool for doctors to diagnose heart failure quickly.		Body Dysmorphic Disorder If you have body dysmorphic disorder, you may be so upset about the appearance of your body, that it interferes with your ability to function normally.
Body Mass Index Your BMI gives a fairly accurate assessment of how much of your body is composed of fat.		Bone Absorptiometry Bone densitometry is used primarily to diagnose osteoporosis and to determine fracture risk.
Bone Biopsy A bone biopsy is a procedure in which bone samples are removed to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.		Bone Cancers Detailed information on bone cancers, including chondrosarcoma, ewings sarcoma, myeloma bone disease, multiple myeloma, and osteosarcoma
Bone Cancers in Children Detailed information on bone cancer in children, including Ewing sarcoma and osteogenic sarcoma		Bone CT Scan A CT scan shows detailed images of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than standard X-rays.
Bone Densitometry Bone densitometry is used primarily to diagnose osteoporosis and to determine fracture risk.		Bone Density Test Bone densitometry is used primarily to diagnose osteoporosis and to determine fracture risk.
Bone Disorders Detailed information on bone disorders, including avascular necrosis, fibrous dysplasia, osteogenesis imperfecta, osteomyelitis, Paget's disease of the bone, and primary hyperparathyroidism		Bone Disorders, Diagnosis Detailed information on diagnostic procedures for bone disorders, including bone densitometry, radionuclide bone scan, and biopsy
Bone Lesion Biopsy A bone biopsy is a procedure in which bone samples are removed to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.		Bone Marrow Aspiration A bone marrow biopsy involves removing tissue from the red bone marrow to be sent to the lab for microscopic examination.
Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy This is a two-part test that looks at the blood cells in a sample of bone marrow, the spongy tissue within certain bones. This test may help your doctor diagnose or monitor a blood disease or health condition affecting your marrow.		Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy A bone marrow biopsy involves removing tissue from the red bone marrow to be sent to the lab for microscopic examination.
Bone Marrow Biopsy A bone marrow biopsy involves removing tissue from the red bone marrow to be sent to the lab for microscopic examination.		Bone marrow exam This is a two-part test that looks at the blood cells in a sample of bone marrow, the spongy tissue within certain bones. This test may help your doctor diagnose or monitor a blood disease or health condition affecting your marrow.
Bone Marrow Transplantation Detailed information on bone marrow transplant, including preparation, types of transplant, transplant team, and possible procedure-related complications or side effects		Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) Detailed information on bone marrow transplant, including preparation, types of transplant, transplant team, and possible procedure-related complications or side effects
Bone Mineral Content Bone densitometry is used primarily to diagnose osteoporosis and to determine fracture risk.		Bone Mineral Density Test Bone densitometry is used primarily to diagnose osteoporosis and to determine fracture risk.
Bone Mineral Density Test (BMDT) Bone densitometry is used primarily to diagnose osteoporosis and to determine fracture risk.		Bone MRI Magnetic resonance imaging uses a combination of a large magnet, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of structures within the body.
Bone Scan A bone scan is used to examine the various bones of the skeleton to identify areas of physical and chemical changes in bone.		Bone Scintigraphy A bone scan is used to examine the various bones of the skeleton to identify areas of physical and chemical changes in bone.
Bone turnover marker This test looks for a substance that can appear in your blood if you have hairy cell leukemia.		Bordetella Pertussis Antibody (Blood) This test checks for Bordetella pertussis antibodies in your blood. B. pertussis are the bacteria that cause pertussis, or whooping cough.
Borrelia Antibody (Blood) This test measures the level of Borrelia antibodies in your blood. Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria cause Lyme disease.		Borrelia Antibody (CSF) This test looks for Borrelia antibodies in your cerebrospinal fluid. Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria cause Lyme disease.
Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies test This test measures the level of Borrelia antibodies in your blood. Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria cause Lyme disease.		Bottle-Feeding Detailed information on bottle-feeding, including information on the different types of baby formula
BPD/DS Weight-Loss Surgery BPD/DS is a complex weight-loss surgery that may be recommended for people who are extremely obese and have failed to lose weight through other treatments.		Brachytherapy Brachytherapy is radiation treatment that is given inside the patient, as close to the cancer as possible. The radiation is delivered to the body site with radioactive isotopes inside wires, seeds, or rods. These devices are called implants.
Brain Abscess A brain abscess is a rare infection in the brain caused by viruses or bacteria. Symptoms include fever, severe headache, and nausea or vomiting.		Brain and Spine MRI MRI may be used to examine the brain and/or spinal cord for injuries or the presence of structural abnormalities or certain other conditions, including tumors or aneurysms.
Brain CT CT scans of the brain can provide detailed information about brain tissue and brain structures than standard x-rays of the head, thus providing more information related to injuries and/or diseases of the brain.		Brain CT Scan CT scans of the brain can provide detailed information about brain tissue and brain structures than standard x-rays of the head, thus providing more information related to injuries and/or diseases of the brain.
Brain MRI MRI may be used to examine the brain and/or spinal cord for injuries or the presence of structural abnormalities or certain other conditions, including tumors or aneurysms.		Brain Surgery A craniotomy is the surgical removal of part of the bone from the skull to expose the brain.
Brain Tumors A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain. The tumor can either originate in the brain itself or come from another part of the body and travel to the brain.		Brain Tumors in Children Brain tumors are the most common solid tumors in children. Brain tumors that occur in infants and children are very different from adult brain tumors, both in terms of the type of cells and the responsiveness to treatment.
Brain Wave Test The EEG is used to evaluate several types of brain disorders, including epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, certain psychoses, and certain sleep disorders.		Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials (BAEP) Evoked potential studies may be used to assess hearing or sight, especially in infants and children, to diagnose disorders of the optic nerve, and to detect tumors or other problems affecting the brain and spinal cord.
Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) Evoked potential studies may be used to assess hearing or sight, especially in infants and children, to diagnose disorders of the optic nerve, and to detect tumors or other problems affecting the brain and spinal cord.		Branchial Cleft Abnormalities Detailed information on branchial cleft abnormality, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Breast Augmentation Breast augmentation is a procedure to reshape the breast in order to make it larger. The procedure can also be performed to reconstruct the breast after breast surgery.		Breast Biopsy A breast biopsy is a procedure in which samples of breast tissue are removed with a special biopsy needle or during surgery to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis It is important to remember that a lump or other changes in the breast, or an abnormal area on a mammogram, may be caused by cancer or by other, less serious problems.		Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (BCPT) BCPT was a clinical trial that studied tamoxifen as a prevention therapy for those at high risk for breast cancer. Data showed the results of tamoxifen treatment to be "highly significant," with a 49 percent reduction in the number of invasive breast cancers seen across all age groups.
Breast Cancer Statistics Breast cancer ranks second among cancer deaths in women after lung cancer.		Breast Cancer, Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome People with this syndrome have dark moles around the mouth, nose, and eyes, as well as multiple polyps in the intestines.
Breast Cancer: The National Surgical Adjuvant Project Detailed information on breast cancer clinical trials, including the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project		Breast Conditions Some breast changes or conditions are related to a young woman's menstrual cycle, but others may occur at any time. Most breast conditions are benign.
Breast Conservation Therapy A lumpectomy is a type of breast-conserving surgery in which a cancerous lump and a portion of the breast tissue around the cancerous lump are removed, leaving the breast intact.		Breast Enlargement Breast augmentation is a procedure to reshape the breast in order to make it larger. The procedure can also be performed to reconstruct the breast after breast surgery.
Breast Health To monitor your breast health, you should do a monthly breast self-exam, get a year clinical exam, and get mammograms as directed by your doctor.		Breast Health Detailed information on breast health, including anatomy of the breast, normal breast development, breast cancer prevention, breast self-examination, mammography, breast conditions, mastalgia (breast pain), breast lump, fibrocystic breast changes, nipple
Breast Health: Three-Step Plan for Preventive Care To monitor your breast health, you should do a monthly breast self-exam, get a year clinical exam, and get mammograms as directed by your doctor.		Breast Infections and Inflammations The most common type of breast infection is lactational mastitis, which occurs when a woman is breastfeeding. The nipples become cracked and sore, allowing bacteria from the baby's mouth to enter the ducts and rapidly multiply in the milk.
Breast Lump Removal A lumpectomy is a type of breast-conserving surgery in which a cancerous lump and a portion of the breast tissue around the cancerous lump are removed, leaving the breast intact.		Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) A breast MRI is a procedure in which large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer are used to take detailed pictures of the breast in order to search for abnormalities that may signal the presence of cancer.
Breast Milk Is the Best Milk Your milk contains just the right balance of nutrients, and it contains them in a form most easily used by the human baby's immature body systems.		Breast MRI A breast MRI is a procedure in which large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer are used to take detailed pictures of the breast in order to search for abnormalities that may signal the presence of cancer.
Breast Reconstruction Breast reconstruction surgery involves creating a breast mound that comes as close as possible to the form and appearance of the natural breast.		Breast Reduction in Men With Gynecomastia Detailed information on gynecomastia, including causes, facts, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Breast Removal A mastectomy is a surgical procedure in which all or a portion of a breast is removed as a part of a treatment plan for breast cancer.		Breast Scan A breast scan is a procedure in which nuclear radiology is used to assess and diagnose various conditions, such as tumors, abscesses, hematomas, organ enlargement, and cysts, as well as organ function and blood flow to the tissue.
Breast Scintigraphy A breast scan is a procedure in which nuclear radiology is used to assess and diagnose various conditions, such as tumors, abscesses, hematomas, organ enlargement, and cysts, as well as organ function and blood flow to the tissue.		Breast Self-Examination By doing BSE regularly, you get to know how your breasts normally feel so that you are more apt to detect any change.
Breast Sonogram Ultrasound, or sound wave technology is used to examine breast tissue. It may also be used to assess blood flow to areas inside the breasts.		Breast Sparing Surgery A lumpectomy is a type of breast-conserving surgery in which a cancerous lump and a portion of the breast tissue around the cancerous lump are removed, leaving the breast intact.
Breast Ultrasonography Ultrasound, or sound wave technology is used to examine breast tissue. It may also be used to assess blood flow to areas inside the breasts.		Breast Ultrasound Ultrasound, or sound wave technology is used to examine breast tissue. It may also be used to assess blood flow to areas inside the breasts.
Breast X-ray A mammogram is an X-ray examination of the breast amd is used to detect and diagnose breast disease in women.		Breast-Conserving Surgery A lumpectomy is a type of breast-conserving surgery in which a cancerous lump and a portion of the breast tissue around the cancerous lump are removed, leaving the breast intact.
Breastfeeding Difficulties - Baby Detailed information on breastfeeding difficulties of the baby, including ineffective latch-on, ineffective sucking, slow infant weight gain, poor infant weight gain, mismanaged breastfeeding, over-active breast milk let down		Breastfeeding Difficulties - Mother Detailed information on breastfeeding difficulties of the mother, including sore nipples, low breast milk production, flat nipples, plugged milk ducts, and mastitis
Breastfeeding Your Baby Detailed information on breastfeeding, including information on breast milk, starting breastfeeding, breast milk production, effective breastfeeding, breastfeeding difficulties, sore nipples, insufficient breast milk production, delayed breast milk production, low breast milk production, flat nipples, inverted nipples, plugged milk ducts, mastitis, breastfeeding latch-on difficulties, and poor infant weight gain		Breathing Disorders, Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn Transient tachypnea of the newborn is a term for a mild respiratory problem of babies that begins after birth and lasts about three days.
Breathing Problems If you listen closely, you’ll notice that your baby’s breathing isn’t like yours. Babies breathe much more frequently and with different patterns than adults. Here’s how to recognize normal breathing in your infant—and how to spot signs of respiratory distress.		Bronchial Pneumonia Pneumonia is a serious inflammation of the lungs in which the air sacs fill with pus and other liquid.
Bronchiolitis Detailed information on bronchiolitis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention		Bronchoscopy A brochosopy is a procedure in which a long, lighted scope is inserted into the lungs in order to examine the airways of the lungs and to assess lung function.
Brow Lift A forehead lift can correct sagging brows or deep furrows between the eyes. It is often done in conjunction with a facelift, in order to create a smoother facial appearance overall.		Brucella agglutination titer This test looks for brucellosis, an infectious disease usually caused by handling animals or milk products infected with the brucella bacteria.
Brucella Antibody This test looks for brucellosis, an infectious disease usually caused by handling animals or milk products infected with the brucella bacteria.		Brucella Antibody (CSF) This test looks at fluid from your spinal cord to find out if you have an illness called brucellosis.
Brucella antibody titer This test looks for brucellosis, an infectious disease usually caused by handling animals or milk products infected with the brucella bacteria.		Brucella microagglutination test This test looks for brucellosis, an infectious disease usually caused by handling animals or milk products infected with the brucella bacteria.
Brucella-specific agglutination This test looks for brucellosis, an infectious disease usually caused by handling animals or milk products infected with the brucella bacteria.		Brugada Syndrome Brugada syndrome is a disorder that causes an irregular heartbeat. A mutation in the SCN5A gene causes the genetic form of this condition.
Bruises A bruise is a collection of blood underneath the skin that is caused by trauma to an area of the body. Sometimes, enough bleeding occurs so that a lump also forms.		Bruising or Black Eye (Ecchymosis) A black eye should be seen by a doctor to make sure no injury has occurred to the eye itself. Most black eyes heal completely and do not cause any damage.
Brushing and Toothpaste Detailed information on brushing and toothpaste		Bruxism Detailed information on bruxism, including causes, diagnosis, and treatment
B-type natriuretic peptide This test measures the amount of a protein that builds up in your blood when you have heart failure. It's an important tool for doctors to diagnose heart failure quickly.		Buerger’s Disease Buerger’s disease (thromboangiitis obliterans) is one of many types of vasculitis. This is inflammation that involves your blood vessels.
Bulimia Nervosa in Adolescents Bulimia nervosa is defined as uncontrolled episodes of overeating (bingeing) usually followed by self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, enemas, or medications in an attempt to control weight.		BUN This test measures the amount of urea nitrogen in your blood. It can help your doctor find out if you have kidney disease or another kidney disorder.
Bunion Surgery The goal of surgery is to relieve pain and correct as much deformity as possible. The surgery is not cosmetic and is not meant to improve the appearance of the foot.		Bunionectomy The goal of surgery is to relieve pain and correct as much deformity as possible. The surgery is not cosmetic and is not meant to improve the appearance of the foot.
Burns in Children Detailed information on burns, burn types, classification of burns, and burn treatment		Burns Overview Burns are a type of injury caused by thermal, electrical, chemical, or electromagnetic energy. Most burn accidents occur at home.
Bursitis A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that cushions a joint. When a bursa becomes inflamed, the condition is known as bursitis.		Bypass Surgery Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplas Femoral popliteal (also called femoropopliteal) bypass surgery is a surgical procedure that may be used to treat severe blockage due to plaque in the femoral artery. The femoral and popliteal arteries are located in the legs.

St. John Providence Health System

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