Medical dictionary

What is lactose intolerance? Lactose intolerance is a food intolerance that occurs after the ingestion of lactose. Lactose is a sugar that’s found in milk and milk products. If you are lactose intolerant, your body is unable to break down this sugar.    What causes lactose intolerance?   To digest lactose, the body needs an enzyme called lactase. Lactose int

What is a lactose intolerance test?A lactose intolerance test measures the ability of the intestines to break down a type of sugar, known as lactose, found in milk and other dairy products, when it is suspected that the substance is not well digested and causes discomfort.  What does it consist of?There are two types of lactose intolerance tests: a blood test to detect the presence of bl

What is analysed in a test for lactose tolerance? The tests evaluate the intestines’ ability to break down lactose. How are these tests used? There are two types of lactose tolerance tests. A hydrogen breath test measures the amount of hydrogen gas in the breath before and after drinking a liquid containing lactose. This is the most common test. Then there is a blood glucos

What is a laminectomy? A laminectomy, also known as an open decompression, is an operation performed to remove the lamina, part of the bone of a spinal vertebra. The spine is a structure that protects the spinal cord and is composed of 33 vertebrae divided into the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccygeal regions. The vertebrae are separated by intervertebral discs. Why is it per

What is a language delay?   A language delay is a type of communication disorder where a child’s language abilities may be developing slower than other children’s. It could mean that they have trouble expressing themselves or understanding what others are saying. The normal age that children start saying their first words is between 12 and 18 months. However, in

What are language disorders? Language disorders are impairments which affect understanding of what is being said, and the ability to express thoughts and feelings, most commonly seen in children. The disorders can be of three types: Receptive language disorders: represent the inability to understand. Expressive language disorders: hinder the ability to express thoughts and ideas. Mixe

What is a hysterectomy? A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a woman's uterus (womb), and sometimes the ovaries are also removed. Why may a woman need to undergo a hysterectomy? What does it help to treat? A hysterectomy may be used to treat a variety of conditions, including heavy periods, fibroids or cancer. Often, a hysterectomy will be chosen when other less invasi

What is laparoscopy? Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique which allows the surgeon to operate without the need for deep or large incisions in the skin. This means the recovery period is generally shorter, there is less pain after the operation, and scarring is reduced significantly for the patient. This technique is also known as keyhole surgery.     Why

What is a laparotomy? Laparotomy is a surgical incision into the abdominal cavity. It is carried out to examine the organs and structures of the lower abdomen, such as the appendix, intestines, kidneys, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, bladder, uterus, etc. It is performed under general anaesthetic and may be merely exploratory or may include another surgical procedure if necessary, as i