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…
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, 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, 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…
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
bronchiolitis Inflammation of the bronchioles, usually due to viral infections.
bronchitis Inflammation and swelling of the bronchi. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic.
bronchitis, acute An infection of the bronchi of recent origin, typically characterized by cough, chest discomfort, and production of mucus (sputum). Acute bronchitis is treated with antibiotics.