Health, Wellness, Fitness, Diet and Alternative Medicine Glossary of Terms
We've collected hundreds of Health, Wellness, Diet and Alternative Medicine terms and definitions to create this Glossary. Simply click one of the letters below to view the glossary of terms
Health Terms beginning with "D"
Daily Reference Values
(DRV) Government guidelines for daily intake of fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, sodium and potassium. You can find out the DRVs of a food by reading the nutrition label.
Dander
Microscopic particles of skin, hair or feathers that are shed and then become a component of dust. The major allergen from animals is not their fur, but proteins secreted by skin glands that are found in dander; proteins in the saliva that stick to fur when the animal licks itself; and proteins found in the animal's urine.
Dandruff
Mistakenly attributed to dryness because of the flaking it causes, dandruff is actually caused by excessive oil in the scalp.
Debilitating
To weaken or make feeble, to impair your ability to act normally.
Declaration
As part of a living will, a legal document that describes what type of care you would like, should you be unable to decide for yourself in the future.
Decongestants
A class of over-the-counter drugs that can be taken by nose or mouth to clear nasal passages and relieve congestion and swelling, promote drainage and reduce sinus discomfort. Often recommended along with an antihistamine to relieve allergy symptoms.
Deductible
The amount of money you must pay each year to cover your medical care expenses before your insurance company starts paying.
Deep breathing
A relaxation technique of slowly breathing in through the nose, feeling the stomach and abdomen—but not the chest—swell, then exhaling slowly through the nose or mouth.
Deep vein thrombosis
An abnormal blood clot within the deep veins of the legs.
Definite Alzheimer's
This diagnosis can only occur after death with the aid of an autopsy. Brain tissue is examined under a microscope to determine whether the classic plaques and tangles in the brain of someone with Alzheimer's are present.
Delusions
Persistent false beliefs regarding one's self or persons or objects outside the self.
Dementia
A general term used to describe the loss of cognitive or intellectual function. It's a medical condition that interferes with normal activity of the brain.
Demyelination
The loss of myelin in the white matter of the brain and spinal cord. Myelin helps the nerves receive and interpret messages from the brain; when myelin is lost, the nerve endings can't function properly, leaving patches of scarring, or "sclerosis," which gives multiple sclerosis (MS) its name. Demyelination causes many of the symptoms of MS.
Denial
A psychological defense mechanism in which confrontation with a personal problem or with reality is avoided by denying the existence of the problem or reality.
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
The chemical contained in the cell nucleus that encodes genetic information. DNA consists of pairs of bases (held together by a sugar-phosphate structure) whose sequence determines genetic instructions. Genes are made of DNA.
Depressed feelings
Feelings of sadness or hopelessness that are less severe in intensity and duration than a true depressive disorder.
Depression
A serious but common mental disorder that can affect anyone, including children, teens, women, men and the elderly. Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, weight gain or loss, trouble concentrating and sleeping, or sleeping too much and a general disinterest in things that used to be enjoyable are hallmark symptoms. Physical symptoms may include persistent headaches, stomach distress and general malaise for which there are no apparent cause.
Deprivation
The act of withholding or taking something away from someone. Deprivation is a tactic used by abusers that falls into the category of psychological abuse. The abuser may withhold physical or economic resources from the victim.
Derivatives
A substance that can be made from another substance. Opium, as well as the narcotics morphine and codeine, are derived from, or made from, the opium poppy plant.
Dermabrasion
A procedure that sands away layers of skin to produce a smoother complexion. It is especially effective on scars and deeper wrinkles.
Dermis
The lower layer of skin that contains a combination of blood vessels, hair follicles and sebaceous or oil glands.
Desiccated thyroid
The dried and powdered thyroid glands of animals, used in the past as a treatment for hypothyroidism. It is no longer recommended by most health care professionals.
Desipramine
A type of tricyclic antidepressant, sometimes prescribed to treat cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations and sleep paralysis.
Detoxification
Related to nutrition, detoxification seeks to rid the body of toxins.
Developmental and behavioral pediatrician
A developmental and behavioral pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in behavior and development in children. Acting as a liaison with primary care physicians and other medical specialists, they provide comprehensive developmental, medical and behavioral assessments; education for parents and professionals regarding various medical/developmental diagnoses; and medical management of ADHD and other neurobehavioral disorders. Pediatricians specializing in developmental and behavioral issues have completed continuing education beyond their pediatric residency as required by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Dexedrine
Brand name for dextroamphetamine. Belongs to a group of medicines called central nervous system stimulants. Dexedrine works by increasing attention and decreasing restlessness in children and adults who are overactive, cannot concentrate for very long or are easily distracted, and are impulsive.
Dextroamphetamine sulfate
A central nervous system stimulant sometimes prescribed for narcolepsy.
DHEA
Dehydroepiandosterone. Though a prescription version is still in clinical trials, some lupus patients use over-the-counter DHEA, available as a nutritional supplement, to help treat lupus. Lupus patients have below-normal levels of DHEA, a naturally occurring hormone, and researchers hope that adding a synthetic supplement to the lupus regimen will reduce dependence on prednisone (see separate entry).
Dhyana
The meditation aspect of Hatha yoga.
Diabetes
A disease that occurs when the body is not able to use sugar as it should. The body needs sugar for growth and energy for daily activities. It gets sugar when it changes food into glucose (a form of sugar). A hormone called insulin is needed for the glucose to be taken up and used by the body. Diabetes occurs when the body cannot make use of the glucose in the blood for energy because either the pancreas is not able to make enough insulin or the insulin that is available is not effective. The beta cells in areas of the pancreas called the islets of Langerhans usually make insulin. There are two main types of diabetes mellitus: Type 1 (insulin-dependent): the pancreas makes little or no insulin, because the insulin-producing beta cells have been destroyed. Treatment consists of daily insulin injections or use of an insulin pump, a planned diet, regular exercise and daily self-monitoring of blood glucose. Type 2: the pancreas might make some insulin, but it is not effective (see Insulin Resistance). Type 2 is controlled by diet and exercise and daily monitoring of glucose levels. Sometimes oral drugs that lower blood glucose levels or insulin injections are needed.
Diabetes insipidus
A disease of the pituitary gland or kidney, not diabetes mellitus. Diabetes insipidus is often called “water diabetes" to set it apart from "sugar diabetes." The cause and treatment are not the same as for diabetes mellitus. "Water diabetes" has diabetes in its name because most people who have it show most of the same signs as someone with diabetes mellitus—they have to urinate often.
Diabetes mellitus
A disease that occurs when the body is not able to use sugar as it should. The body needs sugar for growth and energy for daily activities. It gets sugar when it changes food into glucose (a form of sugar). A hormone called insulin is needed for the glucose to be taken up and used by the body. Diabetes occurs when the body cannot make use of the glucose in the blood for energy because either the pancreas is not able to make enough insulin or the insulin that is available is not effective. The beta cells in areas of the pancreas, called the islets of Langerhans, usually make insulin. There are two main types of diabetes mellitus: Type 1 (insulin-dependent): the pancreas makes little or no insulin because the insulin-producing beta cells have been destroyed. Treatment consists of daily insulin injections or use of an insulin pump, a planned diet, regular exercise and daily self-monitoring of blood glucose. Type 2 (noninsulin-dependent): the pancreas makes some insulin, sometimes too much. The insulin, however, is not effective (see Insulin Resistance). Type 2 diabetes is controlled by diet and exercise and daily monitoring of glucose levels. Sometimes oral drugs that lower blood glucose levels or insulin injections are needed.
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Severe, out-of-control diabetes (high blood sugar) that needs emergency treatment. DKA happens when blood sugar levels get too high. This may happen because of illness, taking too little insulin, or getting too little exercise. The body starts using stored fat for energy, and ketone bodies (acids) build up in the blood. Signs include nausea and vomiting, which can lead to loss of water from the body, stomach pain, and deep and rapid breathing. Other signs are a flushed face, dry skin and mouth, a fruity breath odor, a rapid and weak pulse, and low blood pressure. If the person is not given fluids and insulin right away, ketoacidosis can lead to coma and even death.
Diabetic retinopathy
A disease of the small blood vessels of the retina of the eye. When retinopathy first occurs, the tiny blood vessels in the retina become swollen, and they leak a little fluid into the center of the retina. The person's sight may be blurred. This condition is called background retinopathy. About 80 percent of people with background retinopathy never have serious vision problems, and the disease never goes beyond this first stage. However, if retinopathy progresses, the harm to sight can be more serious. Vessels may break and bleed into the clear gel that fills the center of the eye, blocking vision. Scar tissue may also form near the retina, pulling it away from the back of the eye.
Diabetologist
A doctor who sees and treats people with diabetes mellitus.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
(DSM) A diagnostic reference book that contains specific guidelines for the diagnosis of disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Dialysis
The process of cleaning wastes from the blood artificially. This job is normally done by the kidneys. However, if the kidneys fail, the blood must be cleaned artificially with special equipment. The two major forms of dialysis are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Diaphragm
A soft cup that fits over the cervix to block sperm. Women who want to use a diaphragm must have it specially made to fit them exactly. They are made from rubber, latex or silicone.
Diarrhea
An increase in the number, amount or liquid content of bowel movements, as compared to the usual pattern for a particular person.
Diastolic blood pressure
A blood pressure reading records a systolic pressure—the highest pressure measured when the heart contracts with each beat — and a diastolic pressure—the lowest pressure measured in the arteries when the heart relaxes between beats. Desired ranges are below 120/80.
Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs)
A new family of nutrient reference values developed by the government to replace the older, RDA (now RDI) values. They are intended to evaluate the diets of individuals and groups.
Dietitian
A health care professional primarily concerned with the prevention and treatment of illnesses through proper dietary care. Dietitians and nutritionists evaluate the diets of clients suffering from medical disorders, including obesity, and suggest ways of fighting health problems by modifying the intake of certain foods. They usually have a bachelor's degree with a major in dietetics, food and nutrition or a related subject.
Dietitian
A health care professional primarily concerned with the prevention and treatment of illnesses through proper dietary care. Dietitians and nutritionists evaluate diets of clients suffering from medical disorders, including obesity, and suggest ways of fighting health problems by modifying the intake of certain foods. They usually have a bachelor's degree with a major in dietetics, food and nutrition or a related subject.
Diffuse systemic sclerosis
The more severe of the two forms of systemic sclerosis, in which skin manifestations are more widespread and internal organs are more likely to be damaged. These patients may produce the anti-topoisomerase antibody.
Diffuse toxic goiter
A condition caused by antibodies in the blood that stimulate growth of the thyroid and the overproduction of thyroid hormone. It's also known as Graves' disease.
Digestion
Process the body uses to break down food into simple substances for energy, growth and cell repair.
Digestive system
Organs in the body that break down and absorb food and expel waste: the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus.
Digitalis
Drug that makes the heart contract harder and is used when the heart's pumping function has been weakened; it also slows some fast heart rhythms.
Digital rectal exam (DRE)
An exam to detect abnormalities that can be felt from the rectum, including tumors of the rectum. The doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum and feels for any abnormalities.
Dihydrotestosterone
An active form of testosterone.
Dilation and curettage (D&C)
In this diagnostic procedure, your cervix is opened wider and tissue from the lining of your uterus is removed through a gentle scraping technique or a suction method. The findings are analyzed under a microscope.
Dioxin
A chemical pollutant that has been found in our environment. It's believed to be a potential underlying cause to the increase in endometriosis cases over the last few decades.
Diphenhydramine
A type of antihistamine sometimes prescribed for insomnia.
Discoid lupus erythematosus
Also called cutaneous lupus erythematosus, DLE is the mildest form of lupus and is characterized by a skin rash only. Lesions are patchy, crusty, sharply defined skin plaques that may scar; they are usually seen on the face or other sun-exposed areas.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
These strong drugs may slow the course of rheumatoid arthritis. In the past, doctors often hesitated to prescribe them until the disease had become relatively advanced. But this approach is changing, especially for those who suffer from severe, rapidly progressing rheumatoid arthritis. DMARDs are also called slow-acting antirheumatic drugs or second-line drugs. The class includes therapeutic gold and antimalarials and all the immunosuppressive agents.
Disorganized schizophrenia
Schizophrenia with significant incoherence of speech and disorganization of behavior.
Distension
Bloating or swelling of the abdomen.
Diuretic
Refers to a group of drugs that help eliminate fluid from the body, but their prolonged use can cause fatigue because they contribute to potassium loss.
DNA sequencing
A procedure that determines the order of base pairs in DNA. Some genetic tests rely on sequencing to find areas of a gene that deviate from the norm (mutations) and may cause disease.
Dominant
Genes come in pairs, and if one gene tends to override the instructions of another it is said to be dominant. Some diseases are the result of dominant mutations, and an individual with such a mutation has a 50 percent chance, with each pregnancy, of passing the disease on to the child.
Donor egg
An option for women who cannot produce eggs or for whom quality is an issue. Another woman donates her eggs to be used for an in-vitro fertilization procedure. A woman using a donor egg becomes the birth mother to the offspring but doesn't share the child's genetic makeup. However, if the male partner's sperm was used in the fertilization process, the child shares his genetic background.
Donor sperm
This assisted reproductive technology procedure uses donated sperm as the male gamete source. If the inseminated woman's eggs were used, then the genetic makeup of a resulting offspring shares the mother's genetic makeup, but not the male partner's.
Do not resuscitate order (DNR)
Tells health care professionals such as doctors, nurses and emergency medical personnel not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A DNR order is a decision only about CPR and does not relate to any other treatment.
Dopaminergic agents
Drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease that also are effective for many people with restless legs syndrome.
Doppler
A diagnostic tool that uses low-intensity ultrasound to detect blood flow velocity in arteries or veins. It can also be attached to a transducer during a fetal monitoring test. Doppler enables the healthcare professional to record a baby's heart rate.
Double-blinded or double-masked study
A study in which neither participants nor the study staff know which participants are receiving the experimental treatment and which are getting either a standard treatment or a placebo. Double-blinding is used so neither the participants' nor the health care professionals' expectations about the experimental drug can influence the outcome.
Double-blind study
A study that ensures impartiality by not disclosing to either the subject or the researcher whether the substance being administered is placebo, standard treatment or experimental treatment.
Double depression
Suffering from both major depression and dysthymia (milder and often more chronic symptoms of major depression).
Down syndrome
Also called Trisomy 21. An extra copy of chromosome 21 causes Down syndrome, which is characterized by mental retardation, certain facial features and sometimes heart defects. Excluding inherited forms, Down syndrome is the most frequent cause of mental retardation.
Drop attacks
Seizures that cause sudden falls; another term for atonic seizures.
Drug and alcohol dependency
Because very few women who abuse alcohol or drugs fit the addict stereotype, it is difficult for the addicted woman to see herself as an addict. If you suspect you may have an addiction problem, you might want to ask yourself the following questions (known as the CAGE Questionnaire): Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking or drug use? Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking or drug use? Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking or drug use? Have you ever had a drink or drug first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover (known as an eye opener)? If your answers bother you, contact a health care professional for help.
Drug-induced systemic lupus erythematosus
Drug-induced SLE can arise if you take certain drugs, such as chlorpromazine, hydralazine, isoniazid, methyldopa and procainamide. This condition is characterized by inflammation of tissue surrounding the heart, fever, rash and arthritis, but the symptoms go away gradually when you stop taking the drug responsible. The most common drugs that can cause lupus are procainamide, which is used for heart problems; hydralazine, which is used for high blood pressure; and dilantin, which is used for seizures.
Drug resistance
The ability of some disease-causing microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and mycoplasma, to adapt themselves, grow and multiply even in the presence of drugs that usually kill them.
Drusen
Tiny, yellow-colored deposits of cellular waste in the retina.
Dry eye syndrome
A group of disorders affecting the film of tears over the eye.
Dry macular degeneration
An eye disease in which light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down, resulting in a gradual loss of central vision. Also called atrophic macular degeneration.
Duct
The thin tube that connects the milk-producing portion of the breast (the gland) with the nipple.
Ductal carcinoma
Breast cancer arising from the duct. Most breast cancers arise from the ducts, or more specifically, the terminal ductal lobular unit.
Duodenum
The beginning portion of the small intestine extending from the lower portion of the stomach.
Duplex Doppler ultrasound
A diagnostic imaging technique in which an image of an artery can be formed by bouncing sound waves off the moving blood in the artery and measuring the frequency changes of the echoes.
Durable power of attorney for health care
A legal document that lets a person name a third party (called a health care proxy) to make medical decisions if he or she becomes incapacitated.
Dust
House dust is a mixture of potentially allergenic materials. It may contain fibers from different types of fabrics, lint, stuffing materials, animal dander, bacteria, mold and fungus spores, food particles, bits of plants and insects and other materials particular to the individual home.
Dust mite
Microscopic-sized bugs that are a common cause of year-around allergies. They reside throughout the home, but particularly in bedding and rugs. It is difficult to rid a home of dust mites.
Dust mites
Microscopic organisms that live in the dust that is found in all dwellings and workplaces. They live in bedding, upholstered furniture and carpets. It is their waste products, which are proteins, that cause allergic reactions.
DXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry)
A type of bone mineral density test that measures bone density at the spine, hip, or total body.
Dysmenorrhea
Refers to severe menstrual pain that typically begins at the onset of menstruation and disappears by the end of flow. These cramps are not considered a symptom of PMS. If the pain is severe enough to interfere with daily life, you should see your health care provider.
Dyspareunia
Pain during or after vaginal penetration.
Dysplasia
A benign but possibly precancerous condition that occurs when normal cells on the cervical surface are replaced by abnormal cells.
Dysthymia
A milder and often more chronic symptom of major depression. People with dysthymia never quite feel happy or "good." Symptoms may temporarily become increasingly severe.