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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
IBD
See: Inflammatory Bowel Diseae (IBD)
IDDM
See: Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
Idiopathic
describing a disease of unknown cause
lleocolitis
Irritation of the lower part of the small intestine (ileum) and colon.
Immunity
natural or acquired resistance provided by the immune system to a specific disease.
Immunization
the process of inducing immunity by administering an antigen (vaccine) to allow the immune system to prevent infection or illness when it subsequently encounters the infectious agent.
Immunodeficiency
a condition resulting from a defective immune system.
Immunogen
a agent capable of provoking an immune response. Also called an antigen.
Immunocopetent
capable of developing an immune response.
Immunosuppressive Drugs
Drugs that supresses the body's ability to fight infection or foreign substances.
Impaction
The trapping of an object in body's passage.
Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT)
Blood glucose (sugar) levels higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes.
Imperforate Anus
A birth defect in which the anal canal fails to develop.
Impotence
Unable to have an erect penis and to emit semen.
Infarct
An area of dead tissue due to local ischemia resulting from obstruction of circulation to the area.
Infarction
The formation of an infarct.
Infectious Diarrhea
Diarrhea caused by infection from bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
Infiltate
material deposited as a result of filtration
Inflammtion
Reaction of tissues to injury or disease. It is associated with swelling, redness, heat, and pain.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Irritation and ulcers in the GI tract. The most common disorders are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Inguinal Hernia
A small part of the large or small intestine or bladder that protrudes into the groin.
Insulin
A hormone that helps the body use glucose (sugar) for energy. The beta cells of the pancreas produce the insulin.
Insulin Allergy
An allergic or bad reaction to taking insulin made from pork or beef or from bacteria.
Insulin Antagonist
Something that opposes or fights the action of insulin.
Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM)
A chronic condition in which the pancreas makes little or no insulin because the beta cells have been destroyed. To treat the disease, the person must inject insulin, follow a diet plan, exercise daily, and test blood glucose several times a day.
Insulin Pump
A device that delivers a continuous supply of insulin into the body.
Insulin Resistance
Many people with noninsulin-dependent diabetes produce enough insulin, but their bodies do not respond to the action of insulin. Because the person is overweight with too many fat cells, which do not respond well to insulin. As people age, their body cells lose some of the ability to respond to insulin. Insulin resistance is also linked to high blood pressure and high levels of fat in the blood. Another kind of insulin resistance may happen in some people who take insulin injections. They may have to take very high doses of insulin every day (200 units or more) to bring their blood glucose (sugar) down to the normal range. This is also called "insulin insensitivity.
Insulin Shock
A severe condition that occurs when the level of blood glucose (sugar) drops quickly.
Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction
A disorder that causes symptoms of blockage, but no actual blockage. Causes constipation, vomiting, and pain.
Intolerance
Allergy to a food, drug, or other substance.
Intramuscular Injection
Giving liquid medicine into a muscle with a needle and syringe.
Intravenous Injection
Giving fluid into a vein with a needle and syringe.
Intussusception
A part of the intestines folds into another part of the intestines, causing blockage.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Nerves that control the muscles in the GI tract are too active. The GI tract becomes sensitive to food, stool, gas, and stress. Causes abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation or diarrhea. Synonyms: spastic colon or mucous colitis.
Ischemic Colitis
Decreased blood flow to the colon. Causes fever, pain, and bloody diarrhea.