Category: C

Removal of tissue from one or more sites on the cervix during colposcopy in order to examine it for abnormal cells. Colposcopy may be done on an outpatient basis, without the use of anesthesia. Most women experience some cramping during the biopsy and spotty bleeding thereafter.  

A controversial procedure intended to flush toxic substances from the bowel. Colon cleansing, which is also called colonic irrigation, is a method of detoxification based on the idea that impacted fecal material can stick to the lining of the colon instead of being excreted in the normal manner. Colon cleansing is accomplished by administering through…

Placing a natural protein substance under the skin to fill in the wrinkles, creases, furrows, and other changes in the skin caused by aging or sun damage. Collagen injections can also be used to add fullness to lips and cheeks or to fill in shallow areas, including certain kinds of scars. They may be used…

Prescription or nonprescription medications that relieve some of the symptoms of the common cold. Cold remedies cannot prevent or cure the viral infections that cause the cold, but they can sometimes make the person who has a cold feel more comfortable. These cold remedies fall into several general categories: antihistamines; decongestant drugs; nose sprays, which…

An abnormal and potentially serious physical condition that is caused by exposure to cold temperatures. Cold injuries range from frostbite and pernio to hypothermia. Frostbite occurs when tissue freezes. Blood vessels are deprived of oxygen, leading to edema (swelling] and necrosis (tissue death). Treatment is with gentle warming, such as immersion into warm bath water.…

An organism that causes an acute inflammation of the colon. Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is found in dust, soil, vegetation, and the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals. A pathogenic strain of this bacteria produces toxins that cause diarrhea and COLITIS, often after antibiotic treatment. A species that causes watery diarrhea, fever, anorexia, and abdominal…

A symptom of temporomandibular joint or TMJ syndrome, which involves an irregular functional relationship between the jaw joints and the supporting muscles and ligaments. Other possible symptoms of TMJ syndrome include limited jaw movement, headache, and facial pain.  

Birth defects in which the lip or the roof of the mouth fail to close. Cleft lip and palate can occur in combination or separately. A baby born with a cleft lip has an elongated opening where parts of the upper lip have not fused. This opening can vary from a small notch at the…

A complex mineral important for converting carbohydrates and fat into energy and maintaining normal blood sugar levels. Chromium picolinate is naturally present in whole grains, brewer’s yeast, nuts, and dried beans. Only trace amounts are required by the body. Supplement of chromium picolinate have become popular in recent years for weight loss and for managing…

In pregnancy, inflammation of the amniotic membranes typically after their rupture. The cause is an infection by bacteria that reach the uterus through the vagina. Symptoms in the mother include fever, abdominal pain and cramping, a drop in blood pressure, and tenderness of the uterus. Symptoms in the fetus include a higher than normal heart…