Barium Enema

Discusses barium enema, a procedure used to help diagnose problems in the large intestine (colon and rectum). Covers why it's done, how it's done, and how to prepare. Looks at risks. Covers possible results.

Barium enema

A barium enema, or lower gastrointestinal (GI) examination, is an X-ray examination of the large intestine (colon and rectum). The test is used to help find problems that affect the large intestine. To make the intestine visible on an X-ray picture, the colon is filled with a white barium contrast material. The contrast...

Barium Enema X-Ray

A well-lubricated enema tube is inserted gently into the rectum. Then barium contrast material is slowly put into the colon. At certain times, X-ray pictures called spot films are taken of different areas of the colon.

barium sulfate (oral/rectal)

Barium sulfate is a contrast agent. Barium sulfate works by coating the inside of your esophagus, stomach, or intestines which allows them to be seen more clearly on a CT scan or other radiologic (x-ray) examination. Barium sulfate is used to help diagnose certain disorders of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines...

Barium Swallow

Courtesy of Intermountain Medical Imaging, Boise, Idaho. All rights reserved. This person is drinking liquid barium before having a barium swallow study. The radiologist watches a video screen to follow the movement of the barium through the esophagus and to know when to take an X-ray picture.

Barium Swallow Pictures

Courtesy of Intermountain Medical Imaging, Boise, Idaho. All rights reserved. Figure 1 shows the lower end of a normal esophagus with a smooth connection between the lower esophagus and stomach. Figure 2 shows the lower end of the esophagus with a small hiatal hernia, which occurs when a small portion of the stomach...

Barking Coughs in Children

If your child has a barking cough: Hold your child in a calming manner. Keep your child quiet, if possible. Crying can make breathing more difficult. Try rocking or distracting your child with a book or game. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. Don't use a hot vaporizer. Use only water in the humidifier. Hold...

Barrett's esophagus

In Barrett's esophagus, also called Barrett's syndrome, the cells that line the inside of the esophagus are replaced by cells like those that line the inside of the stomach. This change in the type of cell may occur with long-term exposure of the esophagus to stomach juices, such as from chronic gastroesophageal reflux...

Barrier Methods of Birth Control

Barrier methods keep sperm from entering the uterus and reaching the egg. In general, barrier methods are less effective but have fewer side effects than hormonal methods or IUDs. Barrier methods include condoms (male and female), diaphragms, cervical caps, and contraceptive sponges. A male condom is a thin, flexible...

Barriers to Psychological Care

Many people hesitate to get help for mental health problems. It can be hard to take that first step. Here are some common barriers and ideas for other ways that you might think about them. Maybe you'll see yourself in one of these. Reasons people might not get help for mental health problems, and possible solutions...

Bartholin gland

On each side of the opening to the vagina, there is a Bartholin gland. These two glands produce fluid to lubricate the vagina and the vulva.

Bartholin gland cyst

On each side of the opening to the vagina, there is a Bartholin gland. These glands produce fluid to lubricate the vagina and vulva. If a Bartholin gland duct becomes blocked, fluid builds up inside the gland, causing a cyst.

Bartholin Gland Cyst

Discusses cysts that form in the Bartholin gland, which is in a woman's genital area. Covers symptoms that include a lump under the skin in the vulva. Covers treatment with sitz bath, nonprescription pain medicine, or surgery.

Basal and squamous cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma usually affects the face, head, and trunk of the body. The nose is the most common site. Signs of basal cell carcinoma can include skin changes such as a: Firm, pearly bump with tiny blood vessels that look spidery (telangiectasias). Red, tender, flat spot that bleeds easily. Small, fleshy bump with...

Basal body temperature

The basal body temperature (BBT) is a person's at-rest temperature. Natural cyclic changes in female hormones usually cause a woman's basal body temperature to go down slightly just before an egg is released (ovulation) and then go up sharply 24 hours after ovulation. By carefully measuring BBT every morning before...

Basal cell skin cancer

Basal cell skin cancer (carcinoma) is the most common type of skin cancer. It grows slowly and usually doesn't spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. If not treated, it can damage the skin and deeper tissues where it started growing. When it's found early and treated, most basal cell skin cancer can be cured...

Basal Cell Skin Cancer

What is basal cell skin cancer? Basal cell skin cancer is the most common type of skin cancer. It grows slowly and usually doesn't spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. But if this cancer isn't treated, it can damage the nearby skin and deeper tissues. When it's found and treated early, it is almost always...

Basal Cell Skin Cancer: Should I Have Surgery?

Guides you through decision to treat low-risk basal cell skin cancer with surgery or nonsurgical treatments. Explains types of surgery and types of nonsurgical treatments. Covers benefits and risks of both. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Basal metabolic rate (BMR)

Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the average daily amount of energy (calories) that is used by a body when it is at rest. Heredity, height, body composition, and age determine a person's basal metabolic rate. It is also known as basal energy expenditure (BEE). The energy in a person's BMR is used to keep body temperature...

Basic Dental Care

Provides info on basic dental care like brushing and flossing regularly, seeing your dentist or dental hygienist for regular checkups and cleanings, and eating mouth-healthy foods. Offers info on dental care for children.

Basic Dental Care From Birth to 16 Years

All children need early and regular dental care. During well-child visits the doctor will check your child's dental health. A visit to a dentist is recommended within 6 months of when your child's first tooth comes in but no later than your child's first birthday. Some parents may worry about their child's first visit...

Basic Metabolic Panel

Briefly discusses basic metabolic panel, a blood test that measures your sugar (glucose) level, electrolyte and fluid balance, and kidney function. Provides links to more info on specific tests such as blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and potassium tests.

Basic muscle-conditioning exercises

Here are a few exercises you can do to begin increasing your strength. Increase your activity level slowly, following the suggestions in each exercise. Wall push-ups Stand facing a wall, about 12 to 18 inches away. Place your hands on the wall at shoulder height. Slowly bend your elbows and bring your face toward the...

Basil

Botanical names: Ocimum basilicum How It Works Basil contains a strong-scented volatile oil composed primarily of terpenoids, particularly eugenol, thymol, and estragole. Basil also has what are known as chemotypes, minor variations among plants that contain significantly different mixes of constituents. The exact...

basiliximab

Basiliximab is used with other medications to prevent organ rejection after a kidney transplant. Basiliximab weakens your immune system to prevent your body from "rejecting" the transplanted kidney. Basiliximab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Basiliximab Injection (BASILIXIMAB - INJECTION)

This medicine should only be used by a person who has been trained to recognize when and how it should be used. This medicine is to be given continuously. Contact your doctor or home care provider right away if the medicine is interrupted. It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if...

bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens

Bazedoxifene blocks estrogen from reaching certain cells in the uterine lining, to protect against overgrowth of uterine tissue. Estrogen is a female sex hormone produced by the ovaries. Conjugated estrogens are a mixture of estrogen hormones. Bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens is a combination medicine used...

Pages