Medical dictionary

What is dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)? Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). It was developed with a focus on treating borderline personality disorder (BPD) but can also be effective in treating other mental health disorders that involve feeling intense emotions: e.g. self-harm, eating disorders, attempted suicide and/or&

What is dialysis? Dialysis is a treatment that extracts toxins and excess water from the blood. It acts as a substitute for the kidneys in patients whose own kidneys are not working. The main function of the kidneys is to remove toxins and liquid from the blood, as the accumulation of waste products in the blood is dangerous. During dialysis, the machine helps the kidneys perform their funct

What is diarrhoea?Diarrhoea is characterised by a greater fluidity and volume of bowel movements. These stools can sometimes contain blood, mucus, pus, and undigested food. When diarrhoea lasts for many days, it can be a sign of a more serious problem. Chronic diarrhoea that lasts for at least four weeks can be a symptom of a chronic disease.  What symptoms does it present?The

What is diathermocoagulation? Diathermocoagulation, also known as rhizolysis or rhizotomy, is a process that primarily involves applying heat to a specific point. With the application of this heat, the nerves in charge of transmitting the pain stop doing so. This treatment is performed under local anaesthesia and on an outpatient basis.   Why is diathermocoagulation performed?

What is dietetics? Dietetics is the study of food and nutrition. Dieticians study how our bodies process food and absorb nutrients (fats, vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, water, and minerals). Dietetics helps to understand a person’s eating habits and analyses what diet would be best for them, whether they are a healthy individual or they have a long-term condition that could affect

What is diet therapy? Diet therapy is a broad term for the alteration or adoption of a diet to prevent or treat a disease or to simply promote optimum health. In some cases, an alternative dietary lifestyle plan may be developed to eliminate certain foods to reclaim health. An incorrect diet can cause not only weight gain and skin conditions but may promote exhaustion and fatigue. Depending

What are digestive diseases? A digestive disease, or disorder, involves something going wrong with one of the organs in the digestive system. The digestive system is a tube made up of the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine, which leads to the back passage. It also contains organs such as the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Each part of this system has a

What is digital dentistry?Digital dentistry is the use of digital methods in place of traditional techniques for dental procedures, so digital tools are used in place of electrical or mechanical tools.   From digital radiography to e-scriptions, computerised presentations to CAD/CAM restorations and digital "surgical guides", to imaging for implant placement, digital technology

What is a digital dental impression? A dental impression is an accurate mould of a person’s teeth. Traditionally, this is done by using one of a number of possible casting materials to create a negative imprint of the teeth, which can then be used to create a positive replica. Modern advances in technology mean that dentists can now create virtual impressions of the har