Health Library

Main Index A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y

Health Library: D

D and C A dilation and curettage procedure, also called a D and C, is a surgical procedure in which the cervix is dilated so that the cervical canal and uterine lining can be scraped with a spoon-shaped instrument to remove abnormal tissues.		DAST This is a two-part test to look for THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, in your urine. It's considered quite accurate.
DBS Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a type of therapy that uses electrical stimulation to treat Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, multiple sclerosis, and certain other neurological conditions.		D-Dimer This test is used to rule out whether you have a blood clot. When blood clots form and start to break down, they release the substance D-dimer into the blood.
Deamidated Gliadin Antibody This test helps your doctor find out whether you have celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder.		Deamidated gliadin peptide antibody This test helps your doctor find out whether you have celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder.
Decompressive Laminectomy 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.		Deep Brain Stimulation Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a type of therapy that uses electrical stimulation to treat Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, multiple sclerosis, and certain other neurological conditions.
Defects in Metabolism of Amino Acids: PKU Before the simple blood test that checks for PKU became routine, the condition could go undetected long enough to cause severe intellectual disability. Now the disorder can be diagnosed before it leads to any damage.		Deformational Plagiocephaly Detailed information on deformational plagiocephaly, including symptoms and treatment
Dehydroepiandrosterone and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate This test measures the level of DHEA and DHEA-S in your blood. It may also be used to check how well your adrenal glands are working.		Delayed Puberty Detailed information on delayed puberty, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Delivery In preparation of the delivery, you may be moved into a birthing room or delivery room, or you may remain in the same room for both labor and delivery.		Dengue Fever Detailed information on dengue fever, including symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment
Dental Bridges Detailed information on healthcare for dental bridges		Dental Emergencies One type of dental emergency is a knocked-out tooth. If it's a permanent tooth, rinse it and place it back in the socket. Then immediately take your child to the dentist.
Dental Health Detailed information on dental health for children		Dental Implants Detailed information on dental implants, including types and potential risks
Dental Procedures Detailed information on the most common dental procedures, including braces, bleaching, bridges, dentures, dental implants, fillings, root canal, sealants, and wisdom teeth extraction		Dental Sealants Detailed information on dental sealants
Dentures Detailed information on the most common types of dentures		Depression Depression involves the body, mood, and thoughts, and affects the way a person eats and sleeps, feels about himself or herself, and thinks about things.
Dermabrasion/Dermaplaning Dermabrasion involves a surgeon using a high speed rotating brush to remove the top layer of skin. This is done to remove fine wrinkles or minimize scars.		Dermaplaning Dermabrasion involves a surgeon using a high speed rotating brush to remove the top layer of skin. This is done to remove fine wrinkles or minimize scars.
Dermatitis Detailed information on dermatitis, including the different types of dermatitis such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis, dermatitis herpetiformis, generalized exfoliative dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, localized scratch dermatitis, numm		Dermatitis Herpetiformis Detailed information on dermatitis herpetiformis, including symptoms, triggers, diagnosis, and treatment
Dermatitis in Children Detailed information on dermatitis, including the different types of dermatitis such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis, dermatitis herpetiformis, generalized exfoliative dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, localized scratch dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, perioral dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis		Dermatitis, Seborrheic Detailed information on cradle cap, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Dermatomyositis Dermatomyositis is a rare disease marked by increasing muscle weakness, skin rash and inflammation, and swelling of the eyelids.		Dermoid Cyst Detailed information on dermoid cyst, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Describing a Skin Condition Detailed information on questions a physician may ask you in describing your dermatological condition and its location		Designing an Exercise Program To improve your heart and lung fitness, aim for 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise three to four times a week.
Destruction of the Endometrium Endometrial ablation is a procedure to permanently remove a thin tissue layer of the lining of the uterus to stop or reduce excessive or abnormal bleeding in women for whom childbearing is complete.		Detachable Coil Embolization During endovascular coiling, a catheter is used to insert a small coil into an artery in the brain. The coil constricts the artery, blocking blood flow to an aneurysm.
Determining Your Body Mass Index Your BMI gives a fairly accurate assessment of how much of your body is composed of fat.		Developmental Disorders Detailed information on developmental disorders in children
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) Detailed information on developmental dysplasia of the hip, including causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and cast care		Deviated Septum Detailed information on deviated septum and septoplasty, a reconstructive plastic surgery performed to correct an improperly formed nasal septum
Deviated Septum in Children Detailed information on deviated septum, including possible complications of nasal surgery		DGP This test helps your doctor find out whether you have celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder.
DGP-AGA This test helps your doctor find out whether you have celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder.		DHEA This test measures the level of DHEA and DHEA-S in your blood. It may also be used to check how well your adrenal glands are working.
DHEA-S This test measures the level of DHEA and DHEA-S in your blood. It may also be used to check how well your adrenal glands are working.		Diabetes (Type 1, 2, and Gestational) Detailed information on type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes, including causes, symptoms, complications, risk factors, and treatment
Diabetes and Pregnancy It's important for a woman with diabetes to keep her blood sugar under tight control while she's pregnant.		Diabetes Insipidus Detailed information on diabetes insipidus, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Diabetes Insipidus in Children Detailed information on diabetes insipidus, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment		Diabetes Statistics Looking for vital diabetes facts and figures? Here are statistics for both patients and consumers.
Diabetes, Diagnosis If you're older than 45, you should be tested for diabetes. If you are younger, you should be tested if you are at high risk.		Diabetic Foot Problems Diabetes can damage the nerves in your feet, as well as lead to blood vessel disease. These conditions make it more difficult to notice when you injure your foot or develop a sore.
Diabetic Neuropathy (Nerve Problems) The risk of developing nerve damage, or neuropathy, increases the longer a person has diabetes. About half of people with diabetes have some form of neuropathy.		Diabetic Retinopathy and Other Eye Problems Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness in American adults. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina.
Diagnosing Anemia in Children In most cases, anemia can be diagnosed with a few simple blood tests. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all infants be given a blood test to look for anemia at 6 months, 9 months, or 12 months of age.		Diagnosing Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases Diagnosing arthritis and other rheumatic diseases is often difficult, as many symptoms are similar among the different diseases.
Diagnosing Benign (Noncancerous) Breast Conditions To diagnose a breast condition, your doctor will examine your breasts and may order imaging tests or a biopsy.		Diagnosing Diabetes If you're older than 45, you should be tested for diabetes. If you are younger, you should be tested if you are at high risk.
Diagnosing Hand Conditions In some cases, a diagnosis can be made simply based on a physical examination. In other cases, though, tests may be needed to help confirm the diagnosis.		Diagnosis and Staging of Melanoma Detailed information on diagnosis and staging of melanoma, including use of excisional biopsy, incisional biopsy, fine needle aspiration biopsy, punch biopsy, shave biopsy, and skin biopsy
Diagnosis, Allergy Detailed information on allergy testing, including blood testing (rast testing) and scratch testing		Diagnosis, Arthritis Diagnosing arthritis and other rheumatic diseases is often difficult, as many symptoms are similar among the different diseases.
Diagnosis, Biliary Disease Detailed information on the most common diagnostic procedures for liver, biliary, and pancreatic disorders		Diagnosis, Bone Disorders Detailed information on diagnostic procedures for bone disorders, including bone densitometry, radionuclide bone scan, and biopsy
Diagnosis, Breast Cancer 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.		Diagnosis, Cardiovascular Disorders Here's a look at just a few of the tests that have been used or are being used to understand and identify cardiovascular disease.
Diagnosis, Diabetes If you're older than 45, you should be tested for diabetes. If you are younger, you should be tested if you are at high risk.		Diagnosis, Digestive Disorders Detailed information on the most common procedures used to diagnosis digestive disorders
Diagnosis, Hand Problems In some cases, a diagnosis can be made simply based on a physical examination. In other cases, though, tests may be needed to help confirm the diagnosis.		Diagnosis, Liver Disease Detailed information on the most common diagnostic procedures for liver, biliary, and pancreatic disorders
Diagnosis, Melanoma Detailed information on diagnosis and staging of melanoma, including use of excisional biopsy, incisional biopsy, fine needle aspiration biopsy, punch biopsy, shave biopsy, and skin biopsy		Diagnosis, Neurological Disorders Evaluating and diagnosing damage to the nervous system is complicated and complex. Many of the same symptoms occur in different combinations among the different disorders.
Diagnosis, Pancreas Disease Detailed information on the most common diagnostic procedures for liver, biliary, and pancreatic disorders		Diagnosis, Prostate Cancer Your doctor may evaluate possible prostate problems with an annual physical and a digital rectal exam or a test for prostate-specific antigen.
Diagnosis, Rheumatic Diseases Diagnosing arthritis and other rheumatic diseases is often difficult, as many symptoms are similar among the different diseases.		Diagnosis, Stroke Tests that may be used to help diagnose a stroke include a CT scan or MRI, and an electroencephalogram.
Diagnostic and Evaluation Procedures for Prostate Cancer Your doctor may evaluate possible prostate problems with an annual physical and a digital rectal exam or a test for prostate-specific antigen.		Diagnostic Procedures for Allergy Detailed information on allergy testing, including blood testing (rast testing) and scratch testing
Diagnostic Procedures for Bone Disorders Detailed information on diagnostic procedures for bone disorders, including bone densitometry, radionuclide bone scan, and biopsy		Diagnostic Procedures for Breast Cancer 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.
Diagnostic Procedures for Cancer: Overview Detailed information on the most common diagnostic procedures for cancer		Diagnostic Radiology Detailed information on the most common procedures used for diagnostic radiology, including arteriogram, barium x-ray, computed tomography scan, fluoroscopy, intravenous pyelogram, magnetic resonance imaging, mammogram, ultrafast CT scan, ultrasound, x ra
Diagnostic Tests for Neurological Disorders Evaluating and diagnosing damage to the nervous system is complicated and complex. Many of the same symptoms occur in different combinations among the different disorders.		Diamond Blackfan Anemia Diamond Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a rare blood disorder that is usually diagnosed in children during their first year of life. Children with DBA do not make enough red blood cells – the cells that carry oxygen to all other cells in the body.
Diaper Dermatitis Detailed information on diaper dermatitis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment		Diapers/Diaper Rash You have two choices in diapers—cloth or disposable, and each type has advantages. You must decide which works best for your child and family.
Diaphragmatic Hernia A diaphragmatic hernia is a birth defect in which an opening is present in the diaphragm. Some of the organs that are normally found in the abdomen move up into the chest cavity through this abnormal opening.		Diarrhea Detailed information on diarrhea, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Diarrhea in Children Diarrhea is defined either as watery stool or increased frequency of stool—or both—when compared with a normal amount. It is a common problem that may last a few days and disappear on its own.		Diarrheal Diseases Detailed information on the most common types of diarrheal diseases, including cryptosporidiosis, diarrhea, traveler's diarrhea, salmonella infection, and giardiasis
Diet and Cardiovascular Disease The Choose My Plate plan from the federal government is a guideline to help you eat a healthy diet.		Dietary Changes for Celiac Disease Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that damages your small intestine and keeps it from absorbing the nutrients in food. A protein found in wheat, barley, and rye called gluten is what causes the damage to the intestinal tract.
Dietary Supplements Adding anything to your regular diet to improve your health or healing is considered a dietary supplement.		Dig level This test measures the amount of the heart drug digoxin in your blood. When you take digoxin, it’s important that the drug be at the right level for you to benefit from it.
Digestive and Liver Disorders Detailed information on digestive and liver disorders during pregnancy		Digestive Diagnostic Procedures Detailed information on the most common procedures used to diagnosis digestive disorders
Digestive Disorders Detailed information on the most common types of digestive disorders, including appendicitis, Barrett's esophagus, celiac disease, constipation, crohn's disease, diarrhea, diverticular disease, gas, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastr		Digestive, Procedures Detailed information on the most common procedures used to diagnosis digestive disorders
Digoxin Drug Level This test measures the amount of the heart drug digoxin in your blood. When you take digoxin, it’s important that the drug be at the right level for you to benefit from it.		Dilatation and Curettage A dilation and curettage procedure, also called a D and C, is a surgical procedure in which the cervix is dilated so that the cervical canal and uterine lining can be scraped with a spoon-shaped instrument to remove abnormal tissues.
Dilation and Curettage (D and C) A dilation and curettage procedure, also called a D and C, is a surgical procedure in which the cervix is dilated so that the cervical canal and uterine lining can be scraped with a spoon-shaped instrument to remove abnormal tissues.		Dilute Russell Viper Venom Test This is a specialized blood test to determine whether your body is producing certain antibodies or proteins that cause you to have a blood-clotting disorder.
DIPE This test measures the level of diphtheria antibodies in your blood. Diphtheria is extremely rare in the U.S., but you may be at risk if you have traveled to an area where the disease is common.		DIPH2 This test measures the level of diphtheria antibodies in your blood. Diphtheria is extremely rare in the U.S., but you may be at risk if you have traveled to an area where the disease is common.
Diphtheria Detailed information on diphtheria, including symptoms, transmission, treatment, and prevention		Diphtheria Antitoxoid Antibody This test measures the level of diphtheria antibodies in your blood. Diphtheria is extremely rare in the U.S., but you may be at risk if you have traveled to an area where the disease is common.
Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) Diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus are serious illnesses. A combination vaccine is given to babies and children to provide protection against all three diseases.		DIPO This test measures the level of diphtheria antibodies in your blood. Diphtheria is extremely rare in the U.S., but you may be at risk if you have traveled to an area where the disease is common.
Direct Antiglobulin The direct antiglobulin test, or direct Coombs test, is a blood test used to diagnose a type of anemia caused by your immune system.		Direct Bilirubin This test looks for bilirubin in your blood or urine. The test is usually done to look for liver problems, such as hepatitis, or blockages, such as gallstones.
Direct Coombs test The direct antiglobulin test, or direct Coombs test, is a blood test used to diagnose a type of anemia caused by your immune system.		Direct immunofluorescence (DFA) This test checks for influenza antibodies in a sample of secretions from your nose or throat.
Direct pancreatic enzyme measurement This test looks for two enzymes from the pancreas, to find out how well the pancreas is working. This test is used for people with cystic fibrosis.		Discharge Planning Detailed information on discharge planning after surgery
Disk Replacement, Lumbar Spine A lumbar disk replacement is a type of back surgery. It involves replacing a worn or degenerated disk in the lower part of your spine with an artificial replacement made of medical-grade metal or a combination of medical-grade metal and medical-grade plastic.		Disk 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.
Dislocations A dislocation occurs when extreme force is put on a ligament, allowing the ends of two connected bones to separate. Ligaments are flexible bands of fibrous tissue that connect various bones and cartilage.		Disorders Affecting Calcium Metabolism Detailed information on disorders affecting calcium metabolism, including juvenile osteoporosis, hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, and DiGeorge syndrome
Disorders Affecting the Adrenal Glands Detailed information on disorders affecting the adrenal glands, including underactive adrenal glands (Addison's disease), overactive adrenal glands (Cushing's syndrome), and pheochromocytoma		Disorders Affecting the Pituitary Gland Detailed information on disorders affecting the pituitary gland, including posterior anterior disorders and anterior pituitary disorders
Disorders Affecting the Thyroid Detailed information on disorders affecting the thyroid gland, including hyperthyroidism (Graves disease) and hypothyroidism		Disorders of Sex Development Detailed information on ambiguous genitalia, including determining gender and treatment
Disorders of the Adrenal Glands Detailed information on disorders of the adrenal glands		Disorders of the Biliary System Detailed information on the most common disorders of the biliary system, including gallstones, cholangitis, cholecystitis, biliary cirrhosis, and biliary duct cancer
Disorders of the Immune System When your immune system doesn’t work the way it should, it is called an immune system disorder.		Disorders of the Liver Detailed information on disorders of the liver, including alcohol-induced liver disease, chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, congenital defects, hepatitis, liver tumors, and liver transplantation
Disorders of the Pancreas Detailed information on pancreas disorders, including pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer		Disorders of the Parathyroid Glands Detailed information on disorders of the parathyroid gland
Disorders of the Pituitary Gland Detailed information on pituitary gland disorders, including acromegaly, diabetes insipidus, empty sella syndrome, hypopituitarism, and pituitary gland tumors		Disorders of the Thyroid Detailed information on disorders of the thyroid, including hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease, toxic nodular goiter, thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroid tumor, hypothyroidism and pregnancy, postpartum thyroiditis, and thyroid horm
Diverticular Disease Detailed information on diverticular disease, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment		DNA Pap This test looks for the virus that causes genital warts and cervical, throat, and anal cancer.
DNA probe test This test looks for DNA of gonorrhea bacteria in a sample of bodily fluid. It can distinguish between an infection caused by gonorrhea and one caused by chlamydia.		Dobutamine Stress Echo A dobutamine stress echocardiogram is a diagnostic procedure in which an intravenous medication called dobutamine is used when an exercise stress test is not recommended. Dobutamine mimics the effects of exercise on the heart.
Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram A dobutamine stress echocardiogram is a diagnostic procedure in which an intravenous medication called dobutamine is used when an exercise stress test is not recommended. Dobutamine mimics the effects of exercise on the heart.		Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography A dobutamine stress echocardiogram is a diagnostic procedure in which an intravenous medication called dobutamine is used when an exercise stress test is not recommended. Dobutamine mimics the effects of exercise on the heart.
Doctors and Specialists Detailed information on the physicians and specialists that treat disorders of the spine, shoulder, and pelvis		Dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine tests This test measures the levels of catecholamines in your blood. The catecholamine hormones are epinephrine, also called adrenaline; norepinephrine; and dopamine.
Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that includes a combination of birth defects, including some degree of mental retardation, characteristic facial features and, often, heart defects.		Drug abuse screening test This is a two-part test to look for THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, in your urine. It's considered quite accurate.
Drug abuse test This is a two-part test to look for THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, in your urine. It's considered quite accurate.		Drug Rashes Detailed information on different types of drug rashes, including acne, exfoliative dermatitis, fixed drug eruption, hives, morbiliform/maculopapular rash, purpuric eruptions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Drug Rashes in Children Detailed information on different types of drug rashes, including acne, exfoliative dermatitis, fixed drug eruption, hives, morbilliform/maculopapular rash, purpuric eruptions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome		Drug test This test detects the presence of amphetamine in your urine. This drug can show up in your urine long after you've taken it.
Drug-Induced Hepatitis Detailed information on drug-induced hepatitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment		Drug-of-abuse test A cocaine screen is a test done to find out whether you have used cocaine recently. The test can be done on your urine, saliva, blood, hair, or sweat.
DRVVT This is a specialized blood test to determine whether your body is producing certain antibodies or proteins that cause you to have a blood-clotting disorder.		Dry Skin Detailed information on dry skin, including treatment
DSE A dobutamine stress echocardiogram is a diagnostic procedure in which an intravenous medication called dobutamine is used when an exercise stress test is not recommended. Dobutamine mimics the effects of exercise on the heart.		Duarte galactosemia This test looks for enzyme activity in the red blood cells in your child’s blood. It can help diagnose galactosemia, a rare inherited disorder.
Dupuytren's Contracture This disease usually begins with a thickening of the skin in the palm of the hand. This may develop into a hard lump or thick band that eventually causes the fingers to contract.		Dust Mites Detailed information on dust mite allergens
Dyskeratosis Congenita Dyskeratosis congenita is a congenital disease, meaning it is present at birth. It was initially thought to only affect the skin and nails, but today experts understand that dyskeratosis congenita in its most severe form causes bone marrow failure.		Dysmenorrhea Dysmenorrhea is a menstrual condition marked by severe and frequent menstrual cramps and pain. Dysmenorrhea can be either lifelong or caused by another medical condition.
Dysmenorrhea in Adolescents Dysmenorrhea is a menstrual condition marked by severe and frequent menstrual cramps and pain. Dysmenorrhea can be either lifelong or caused by another medical condition.		Dysmetabolic Syndrome Most people who have metabolic syndrome have insulin resistance. This may be a beginning of the development of type 2 diabetes.
Dysphagia Detailed information on dysphagia, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment		Dysthymia Dysthymia is a mood disorder similar to major depression. It has less severe symptoms than depression, but the symptoms linger for several years.
Dysthymia in Children Detailed information on dysthymia, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

St. John Providence Health System

Health Library

Health Library: D