Abdominal distress 04/25/2008
Diseases or problems with any of the organs inside the abdominal cavity can lead to pain as well as other symptoms such as a change in bowel habits, nausea, or vomiting. Abdominal pain may be: Acute (sudden) or chronic (ongoing) Crampy or sharp Associated with abdominal rigidity (board-like stiffness) Rigidity suggests peritonitis and may be due to a ruptured organ (such as the appendix).
Abdominal girth 10/31/2007
Review Date: 10/31/2007 Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, M.D., Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio, and physician in the Primary Care Clinic, Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Abdominal pain diagnosis 04/25/2008
Abdominal pain can represent many different types of problems besides a simple stomachache. It can even be due to pain in the pelvis (such as menstrual cramps), back (such as kidney stones ), or chest (such as a heart attack or heartburn).
Acute 10/20/2008
Review Date: 10/20/2008 Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.
Adolescent development 02/14/2007
During adolescence, children develop the ability to: Comprehend abstract content, such as higher mathematic concepts, and develop moral philosophies, including rights and privileges Question old values without a sense of dread or loss of identity Move gradually towards a more mature sense of identity and purpose Establish and maintain satisfying personal relationships by learning to share intimacy without inhibition or dread PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT Adolescence is characterized by dramatic physical changes moving the individual from childhood into physical maturity.
Adolescent test or procedure preparation 04/25/2008
There are a number of ways to help an adolescent prepare for a medical test or procedure. First, provide detailed information and explain reasons for the procedure. Let your child participate in making as many decisions as possible.
Adrenal glands 03/18/2008
Adrenal glands are triangle-shaped glands located on top of the kidneys. The outer part of the adrenal gland is called the cortex and produces steroid hormones such as cortisol , aldosterone , and testosterone . The inner part of the adrenal gland is called the medulla and produces epinephrine and norepinephrine , which are commonly called adrenaline and noradrenaline. When the glands produce more or less hormones than your body needs, you can become sick.
Advanced care directives 11/13/2007
Advanced care directives allow patients to make their own decisions regarding the care they would prefer to receive if they develop a terminal illness or a life-threatening injury. Advanced care directives can also designate someone the patient trusts to make decisions about medical care if the patient becomes unable to make (or communicate) these decisions.
Aerobic 10/20/2008
Review Date: 10/20/2008 Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M.
Aging changes in body shape 10/27/2008
Many people are concerned with changes in their body shape as they age. Although some changes inevitably occur with aging, your lifestyle choices may slow or speed up these changes. The human body is made up of fat, lean tissue (muscles and organs), bones, water, and other substances. As we age, the amount and distribution of these materials will change. Fat tissue may increase toward the center of the body, including around the abdominal organs.
