Clinical Definition A decongestant is a medication that causes vasoconstriction of the blood vessels lining the nasal cavity or sinuses. This action may reduce tissue swelling and decrease congestion in the nose. Due to their vasoconstriction action, decongestants may cause hypertension as a side effect. In Our Own Words Decongestants are used to treat nasal…
Deep Venous Thrombosis
Clinical Definition A deep venous thrombosis refers to a stationary blood clot, or thrombus formation, inside a vein. It usually develops in proximal veins of the lower extremities, and elements believed to contribute to thrombus formation include vascular injury, blood stasis and hypercoagulability. A pulmonary embolism is a serious complication of deep venous thrombosis. In…
Defibrillator
Clinical Definition A defibrillator is a medical device that can administer a therapeutic, electrical impulse to the myocardium of the heart. It is used to eradicate life-threatening arrhythmias and re-establish a normal contraction rhythm of the heart. In Our Own Words A defibrillator is a device used to deliver an electrical shock to the heart…
Degenerative Disc Disease
Clinical Definition Degenerative disc disease is the deterioration of one or more of the intervertebral discs in a person’s spine. The condition reduces the disc’s ability to handle mechanical stress, such as twisting and bending, leading to back pain. Aging, drying out and wear of a disc, which reduces the disc’s ability to absorb shock,…
Dehydration
Clinical Definition Dehydration is a lack of adequate water in the body that can be hazardous and even life-threatening, often occurring due to inadequate fluid intake during hot weather, exercise, fever, diarrhea or vomiting. Older adults and those on diuretic medications for hypertension are also prone to dehydration. Symptoms may include dry mouth, dry cough,…
Dementia
Clinical Definition Dementia is not a specific disease but a descriptive term for a collection of symptoms severe enough to interfere with daily life, such as a decline in memory, judgment or other thinking skills. These symptoms occur in many different disorders. Dementia is not a normal part of aging but is common in very…
Depression
Clinical Definition Depression is characterized by a dejected mood and a cluster of other symptoms that persist throughout the majority of each day, in a time span of 2 weeks or more. These symptoms include five or more of the following tendencies: sleep changes, eating and appetite changes, low energy, poor concentration, agitation, slowness, thoughts…
Dermatitis
Clinical Definition Dermatitis is an umbrella term that describes an epidermal inflammation that can manifest as a range of skin irritations and rashes, ranging from mild to severe. In Our Own Words There are several common types of dermatitis (i.e., an irritation of the skin that can manifest in redness, irritation, itchiness and rashes), including…