Dictionary

rhythm method See natural family planning.

RhoGAM RhO(D) immune globulin, an injectable drug that is used to protect an Rh+ fetus from antibodies in an Rh- mother’s blood and to prevent Rh allergy in the mother.

rhinoplasty Plastic surgery on the nose, known familiarly as a nose job. Rhinoplasty is a facial cosmetic procedure that is usually performed to enhance the appearance of the nose. During this type of rhinoplasty, the nasal cartilage and bones are modified, or tissue is added. Rhinoplasty is also performed to repair nasal fractures and other…

rhinophyma A condition characterized by a bulbous, enlarged red nose and puffy cheeks. There may also be thick bumps on the lower half of the nose and the nearby cheek areas. Rhinophyma occurs mainly in men, and it is a complication of the common skin disease rosacea. See also rosacea.

rhinitis, vasomotor Inflammation of the nose due to abnormal neuronal (nerve) control of the blood vessels in the nose. Vasomotor rhinitis is not an allergic reaction as is allergic rhinitis. It is brought on by irritation of the nose, frequently by cool temperatures.

rhinitis, chronic Inflammation of the nose that lasts for weeks to months. Chronic rhinitis may be caused by bacterial infection, allergy, nasal irritants, structural issues, or physiological problems.

rhinitis, acute Inflammation of the nose that occurs for only a few days. Typically, acute rhinitis is caused by a virus (a cold).

rhinitis Irritation of the nose.

rheumatology A subspecialty of internal medicine that involves the nonsurgical evaluation and treatment of rheumatic diseases and conditions.

rheumatologist, pediatric A rheumatologist who specializes in caring for children with rheumatic diseases. Pediatric rheumatologists are pediatricians who have completed an additional 2 to 3 years of specialized training in pediatric rheumatology and are usually board certified in pediatric rheumatology. They have special interests in unexplained rash, fever, arthritis, anemia, weakness, weight loss, fatigue, muscle…

rheumatologist A physician specialist in the treatment of rheumatic illnesses, especially forms of arthritis. There is a subspecialty board for rheumatology certification, the American College of Rheumatology, which can offer board certification to approved rheumatologists. See also rheumatologist, pediatric; rheumatology.

rheumatoid nodule A firm lump in the skin of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid nodules usually occur at pressure points of the body, most commonly the elbows.