Beau’s lines Transverse lines or grooves across the fingernails, or transverse depressions in the nail plate, from temporary disturbance of cell division where the nail develops. The condition may be caused by local disease or injury of the nail fold, or from a generalized condition such as an illness or a drug, for example, chemotherapy.
bedbug A blood-sucking bug in the Cimex family that lives hidden in bedding or furniture and comes out at night to bite its victims.
bedsore A painful, often reddened area of degenerating, ulcerated skin that is caused by pressure and lack of movement and is worsened by exposure to urine or other irritating substances. Untreated bedsores can become seriously infected or gangrenous. Bedsores are a major problem for patients who are confined to a bed or wheelchair, and they…
bedwetting Involuntary urination in bed after the usual age of toilet training. Also known as nighttime enuresis and nocturnal enuresis. It may be caused by incomplete development of bladder control, a sleep or arousal disorder, bladder or kidney disease, neurological problems, or psychological causes (such as fear of the dark that prevents the child from…
bee sting An area of skin affected by piercing from the stinger of a bee. A bee sting can trigger an allergic reaction, including life-threatening anaphylactic shock. Avoidance and prompt treatment are essential for those who are allergic to bee stings. Self-injectible adrenaline can be carried by persons known to be allergic when in risk…
bee sting, Africanized A sting from an Africanized (“killer”) bee, a species of large honey bees found in South and Central America, as well as in some parts of the US. This species of bees has an unusual and dangerous natural defense mechanism when disturbed. A loud noise or vibration, such as a barking dog…
balloon angioplasty Coronary angioplasty that is accomplished by using a balloon-tipped catheter inserted through an artery in the groin or arm, to enlarge a narrowing in a coronary artery. Angioplasty is commonly successful in opening coronary arteries. Recurrent narrowing at the site of balloon inflation can still develop following successful coronary angioplasty. See also coronary…
balloon tamponade A procedure in which a balloon is inflated within the esophagus or stomach, to apply pressure on bleeding blood vessels, compress the vessels, and stop the bleeding. It is used in the treatment of bleeding veins in the esophagus (esophageal varices) and stomach. Also known as esophagogastric tamponade.
banding of chromosomes Treatment staining of chromosomes to reveal characteristic patterns of horizontal bands. Thanks to these banding patterns, which resemble bar codes, each human chromosome is distinctive and can be identified without ambiguity. Banding also permits the detection of chromosome deletions (lost segments), duplications (extra segments), and other structural abnormalities.
barbiturate A class of drugs that depresses activity in the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system), including many sleeping pills, sedatives, antispasmodics, and anesthetics. Barbiturates are addictive, carry a high risk of overdose, and should never be used with alcohol or with other nervous system depressants.
bariatric surgery Surgery on the stomach and/or intestines to help a person with extreme obesity lose weight. Bariatric surgery is an option for people who have a body mass index (BMI) above 40. It is also an option for people with a BMI between 35 and 40 who have health problems like type 2 diabetes…
bariatrician A physician who specializes in bariatrics. See bariatrics.