Medicine

Diseases Database — a clinical reference for condition–symptom–medication relationships Diseases Database A concise guide to the Diseases Database, an online, free reference that links medical conditions, symptoms and medications for clinicians, students and educators.

Distress (medicine): failure to adapt to stress and its clinical features Distress (medicine) Distress in medicine denotes an inability to adapt to stress, producing maladaptive behaviour, negative feelings and health effects; it requires assessment and supportive coping st…

Disulfiram — medication for alcohol dependence and aversion therapy Disulfiram Disulfiram is a prescription medication that supports treatment of chronic alcohol dependence by producing unpleasant reactions if alcohol is consumed. It is used together with cou…

Diuretics — types, actions, uses and precautions Diuretic Diuretics are substances that increase urine production. This article explains how they work, main classes, clinical uses, side effects, herbal examples and important distinctions…

Diverticulitis: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and management Diverticulitis Diverticulitis is inflammation or infection of pouches (diverticula) in the intestinal wall. This article explains causes, signs, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and notable dist…

Doctor An overview of the title and role 'doctor': meanings, types (medical and academic), training paths, historical development, typical duties, and notable distinctions in use and regu…

Doctor of Medicine (MD): overview, training, and international distinctions Doctor of Medicine A concise, neutral guide to the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree: its forms, training pathways, professional role, historical distinctions, and how it differs across countries.

Doctor–Patient Relationship: Principles, Roles, and Practical Importance Doctor-patient relationship Overview of the doctor–patient relationship: its features, ethical and legal foundations, effects on care, common challenges, and practical guidance for better clinical interaction…

Donkey punch (assault myth associated with sexual activity) Donkey punch A slang term for a violent blow delivered during sexual activity. Described as an urban myth that it increases tightness; in reality it is dangerous, nonconsensual, and potentially…

Dorland's Medical Dictionary A longstanding English-language medical dictionary first published in 1890, now a branded series of illustrated and pocket reference works available in print and digital formats fo…

Down syndrome: overview, causes, features, diagnosis, and support Down syndrome Down syndrome is a common chromosomal condition caused by extra genetic material from chromosome 21. It affects physical development, learning, and health; outcomes vary widely and…

Drug: definition, types, uses, safety and regulation Drug Comprehensive overview of drugs: definition, therapeutic and recreational types, examples, dosing, side effects, pharmacology, development, legal status and public‑health considera…

Drug addiction (substance dependence): overview, causes, and treatment Drug addiction A concise, neutral article on drug addiction: definitions, symptoms, causes, common drug classes, withdrawal, treatment approaches, and social implications.

Drug tolerance: mechanisms, types, and clinical implications Drug tolerance Drug tolerance is a reduced response to a drug after repeated exposure. This article explains mechanisms, common types, examples, clinical consequences, measurement, and how it dif…

Drug withdrawal: causes, symptoms, timelines and management Drug withdrawal Overview of drug withdrawal: what it is, typical symptoms, timelines, risks, and approaches to safe tapering and medical treatment for different substances.

Drugs (substances that alter bodily function) Drugs Substances that change physiological or psychological processes. Covers medical uses, recreational and illegal drugs, mechanisms, administration, history, risks, dependence, and re…

Dry mouth (xerostomia): causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and management Dry mouth Dry mouth (xerostomia) is reduced saliva or altered saliva composition. Overview of causes (medications, disease, radiation), symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment options…

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) Duchenne muscular dystrophy Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an X‑linked genetic disorder causing progressive muscle weakness in boys from early childhood, caused by mutations in the DMD gene and loss of the pr…

Duodenal cancer: overview, causes, diagnosis and treatment Duodenal cancer Duodenal cancer is a rare malignancy of the first portion of the small intestine. This article explains anatomy, risk factors, symptoms, diagnostic steps, treatment options and key…

Dwarfism: causes, types, history, and social context Dwarfism Overview of dwarfism, including definitions, common causes such as achondroplasia, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment options, history, terminology and social issues affecting…

Dysentery: causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention Dysentery Dysentery is an intestinal infection causing severe, often bloody diarrhea. Caused by bacteria or parasites, it requires rehydration and targeted therapy; prevention relies on sani…

Dyspnea (Shortness of Breath): Causes, Evaluation, and Management Dyspnea Dyspnea is the subjective experience of breathing discomfort. This entry explains its mechanisms, common causes, clinical assessment, acute and chronic management, and key distinct…

E-cigarette (electronic cigarette): overview, components, uses and debate E-cigarette An electronic cigarette is a battery-powered device that creates an inhalable aerosol from a liquid—often containing nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin and flavorings—used as an…

Eating disorder: overview, types, causes, symptoms, and treatment Eating disorder An eating disorder is a mental health condition that disrupts eating behaviors and body image. This article explains common types, signs, causes, risks, health effects, and approac…

Ebers Papyrus: Ancient Egyptian Medical Treatise Ebers papyrus A summary of the Ebers Papyrus, its contents, historical background, medical and magical remedies, notable examples, and its significance for the history of medicine.

Echocardiography (Cardiac Ultrasound) Echocardiography Echocardiography is a noninvasive imaging technique that uses ultrasound to visualize heart structure and function, including 2D, 3D and Doppler methods used in diagnosis and patie…

Eczema: causes, types, symptoms, and management Eczema Eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition causing dry, itchy, red patches. This article explains its types, causes, diagnosis, treatments, and practical self-care measures.

Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18) Edwards syndrome Edwards syndrome, or trisomy 18, is a chromosomal condition caused by an extra chromosome 18. It produces multiple congenital anomalies, serious developmental impairment, and a low…

Elder abuse: types, signs, causes, prevention and response Elder abuse Elder abuse is harm or neglect of older adults by action or omission. This article outlines forms, common signs, who is involved, causes, and practical prevention and response step…

Electroconvulsive therapy: overview, procedure, history, uses and ethical issues Electroconvulsive therapy Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a supervised psychiatric treatment that induces controlled seizures to treat severe mood and psychotic disorders. It is effective but has risks a…

eMedicine — online clinical reference and textbook collection eMedicine Comprehensive online clinical reference founded in 1996, with thousands of specialist-authored articles organized into subspecialty textbooks and updated regularly for clinicians a…

Emergency contraception (methods, timing, and access) Emergency contraception Methods used after unprotected intercourse to reduce the risk of pregnancy; describes types, how they work, timing, effectiveness, access, safety, and common misconceptions.

Emergency department (ED) Emergency department A hospital unit that provides immediate care for urgent injuries and sudden illness, operating continuously and organized to prioritize, stabilize, diagnose and either treat or arr…

Emergency Medical Dispatcher — Role, Responsibilities, and Importance Emergency medical dispatcher A professional who receives medical emergency calls, triages urgency, dispatches ambulance resources, and provides pre‑arrival instruction. Covers duties, skills, history and disti…

Emergency medical services (EMS) Emergency medical services Prehospital systems that provide urgent medical care and transport. EMS includes dispatch, ambulances, trained clinicians (EMTs, paramedics, physicians), and protocols to stabilize…

Emergency medical services in the United Kingdom Overview of NHS emergency medical services across the UK: organisation by devolved nations, ambulance trusts and boards, access (999/111), workforce, air ambulances, voluntary part…

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Role, training, and responsibilities Emergency medical technician Overview of emergency medical technicians: duties, training levels, common procedures, history, equipment, and distinctions from other prehospital providers.

Emergency medicine: role, practice, training, and history Emergency medicine Emergency medicine is the medical specialty focused on immediate assessment, stabilization and treatment of acute illness and injury in the emergency department and prehospital set…

Emphysema: causes, mechanisms, symptoms, diagnosis and management Emphysema Emphysema is a chronic lung condition in which alveoli are damaged, most often from smoking. This article explains causes, how it alters breathing, common symptoms, diagnosis and c…

Encephalitis: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention Encephalitis Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain that can cause fever, confusion, seizures and lasting neurological damage. This article describes causes, diagnosis, treatments, preventio…

Encephalopathy: overview, causes, diagnosis, and treatment Encephalopathy Encephalopathy is a general term for brain dysfunction with many causes. This article explains types, common causes, symptoms, diagnostic approaches, treatments, and distinctions f…

Endocarditis: causes, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention Endocarditis Endocarditis is inflammation of the heart's inner lining or valves, usually from infection. This article explains causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and notable fa…

Endocrinology: hormones, glands, functions, disorders, and clinical practice Endocrinology Comprehensive overview of endocrinology: glands, hormone actions, mechanisms, common disorders, diagnostics, treatments, research areas, and links to introductory resources and spe…

Endometrial cancer: causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis Endometrial cancer A clear, concise overview of endometrial cancer — tumour of the uterine lining — covering causes, symptoms, diagnosis, staging, treatment options, prevention and noteworthy distinc…

Endometriosis — causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and management Endometriosis Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing pain, menstrual problems and sometimes infertility. Diagnosis a…

Endorphins: natural opioid peptides that reduce pain and influence mood Endorphins Endorphins are endogenous opioid peptides produced by the nervous system that lessen pain and affect mood. They are released during injury, exercise, laughter, sex and other stimul…

Endoscopy: internal visualization and minimally invasive procedures Endoscopy Endoscopy is the medical practice of examining internal body structures with an endoscope. It enables diagnosis and many treatments through natural openings or small incisions with…

Epidemic: causes, detection, control, and public health significance Epidemic An epidemic is a rapid increase in disease cases in a community or region. This article explains what epidemics are, how they develop, how public health responds, and how they diff…