Dictionary

immunotherapy See biological therapy.

immunotherapy, allergy Stimulation of the immune system with gradually increasing doses of the substances to which a person is allergic. The aim of allergy immunotherapy is to modify or stop the allergy by reducing the strength of the IgE response. This form of treatment is very effective for allergies to pollen, mites, animal dander, and…

impact To lodge firmly or wedge in. For example, a molar tooth that is growing up and against an adjacent tooth is impacting the tooth next to it.

impaction, dental See dental impaction.

imperforate anus See anus, imperforate.

impetigo A skin infection caused by the staphylococcus or, less often, by the streptococcus bacterium. The first sign of impetigo is a patch of red, itchy skin. Pustules develop on this area, soon forming crusty, yellow-brown sores that can spread to cover entire areas of the face, arms, and other body parts. Most patients are…

implant, cochlear See cochlear implant.

implantable cardiac defibrillator See cardiac defibrillator, implantable.

implantable pacemaker See pacemaker, internal.

impotence See erectile dysfunction.

imprinting, psychological A remarkable phenomenon that occurs in animals, and theoretically in humans, in the first hours of life. The newborn creature bonds to the type of animals it meets at birth and begins to pattern its behavior after them. In humans, this is often called bonding, and it usually refers to the relationship between…

in. Abbreviation for inch.