Category: B

Techniques that minimize the amount of blood lost during a surgical procedure and make blood transfusions from outside donors unnecessary. Bloodless surgery was developed to meet religious objections to transfusions and to address concerns about the safety of the blood supply following the spread of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and hepatitis. Bloodless techniques are used…

Tumors occurring in bladder tissue. Bladder tumors may be benign (noncancerous) or malignant. Examples of a benign bladder tumor include transitional cell papilloma, which is very rare and occurs in the lining of the bladder, and nephrogenic adenoma, which is a rare, tumorlike lesion of the bladder.  

The control of urination and the passage of feces. Many factors, ranging from diet to muscle and nerve coordination, contribute to proper bladder and bowel management. People who experience problems such as fecal or urinary incontinence need to see a doctor for medical evaluation and treatment.  

Dark discoloration of the tongue accompanied by an overgrowth of papillae (tiny, circular bumps) on the upper surface of the tongue. The condition is not considered medically serious and may be caused by any one of several factors. Antibiotic treatment, especially tetracycline, can cause the bacteria normally present in the mouth to multiply and accumulate…

A bronchodilator prescribed for the treatment of asthma and bronchospasm. Bitolterol (Tornalate) works by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle, relieving bronchospasm and reducing airway resistance.  

Facilities that provide a broad range of care at a single location for pregnant women who are at low risk for having complications in labor. Traditionally operated by nurse-midwives or physicians in freestanding locations, birthing centers typically offer prenatal education and care, a site for labor and delivery, and postnatal care in a single location,…

The application of mechanical laws and engineering principles to explain the function of the human body and to treat disorders. For example, biomechanical engineering may involve the examination of the range of motion around a joint or the reaction of bones to stress. Its practical applications are varied, ranging from the design of exercise programs…

An antiacne medication. Benzoyl peroxide is the active ingredient in many lotions and creams available without prescription to spread on infected skin. Benzoyl peroxide works by causing skin to shed cells more quickly than usual, thus preventing pores form closing around the built-up oily secretion associated with acne infection. A topical agent used for the…

A human growth factor drug. Becapiermin (Regranex) is produced in a laboratory and is used to stimulate wounded tissue to heal faster, such as in person who has diabetes and ulcers on the lower limbs and feet. Becapiermin is available by prescription as a gel and is applied to the wound in a thin layer…

A live vaccine derived from a strain of Mycobacterium bovis, a form of bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB). BCG vaccination is used to immunize against strains of tuberculosis that are resistant to the medications isoniazid and rifampin. Once BCG vaccine is administered, it reduces the ability of tuberculin skin tests to detect TB infection. Therefore,…