Dictionary

bursitis, calcific Chronic bursitis with calcification of the bursa. The calcium deposition can occur as long as the inflammation is present.

bursitis, aseptic Bursitis that is not due to an infectious condition. Treatment of noninfectious bursitis includes rest, ice, and medications for inflammation and pain. Sometimes local cortisone injections are given to quiet inflammation.

bursitis Inflammation of a bursa, causing pain and tenderness. See also bursa; bursitis, aseptic; bursitis, calcific; bursitis, elbow; bursitis, hip; bursitis, knee; bursitis, septic; bursitis, shoulder.

bursa A closed, fluid-filled sac that functions as a gliding surface to reduce friction between tissues of the body. When a bursa becomes inflamed, the condition is known as bursitis.

burp 1 Gas brought up from the stomach through the mouth, producing a guttural noise. 2 As a verb, to bring up gas from the stomach through the mouth. Also, to help a baby bring up gas after feeding, by rubbing or patting its back. Also known as eructation.

burning mouth syndrome An intense burning sensation on the tongue, often at the tip of the tongue. Burning mouth syndrome tends to develop in “supertasters”—people with an unusually large density of taste buds, each surrounded by pain fibers—and in postmenopausal women, who may lose their ability to sense bitter tastes as a result of burning…

burn, third degree A burn in which the damage has progressed to the point of skin death. The skin is white and without sensation. In extreme cases damage may extend beyond the skin and into underlying tissue. In these cases the skin may be blackened or burned away. Unless skin grafts are feasible, loss of…

burn, second degree A burn severe enough to cause blistering of the skin. The pain of a seconddegree burn is usually somewhat more intense than the pain of a first-degree burn.

burn, first degree A superficial burn with similar characteristics to a typical sunburn. The skin is red in color, without blistering, sensation is intact, and the burn is usually somewhat painful.

burn Damage to the skin or other body parts caused by extreme heat, flame, contact with heated objects, or chemicals. Burn depth is generally categorized as first, second, or third degree. The treatment of burns depends on the depth, area, and location of the burn, as well as additional factors, such as material that may…

Burkitt lymphoma A type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that most often occurs in young people between the ages of 12 and 30. Burkitt lymphoma usually causes a rapidly growing tumor in the abdomen and, less often, tumors in the testis, sinuses, bone, lymph nodes, skin, bone marrow, or central nervous system. Burkitt lymphoma is a tumor…

bunion A localized, painful swelling at the base of the big toe due to new bone formation. The affected toe is often curved outward. Bunions are frequently associated with inflammation of the nearby bursa (bursitis) and degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis). Bunions most commonly affect women, particularly those who wear tight-fitting shoes and high heels. Treatment…