Bma Illustrated Medical Dictionary

Buerger’s diseaseA rare disorder, also
called thromboangiitis obliterans, in
which the arteries, nerves, and veins
in the legs, and sometimes those in the
arms, become severely inflamed. Blood
supply to the toes and fingers becomes
cut off, eventually causing gangrene.
The disease is most common in men
under the age of 45 who smoke heavily.
bulimiaAn illness that is characterized
by bouts of overeating usually followed
by self-induced vomiting or excessive
laxative use. Most sufferers are girls or
women between the ages of 15 and 30.
In some cases, the symptoms coexist
with those of anorexia nervosa. Repeat-
ed vomiting can lead to dehydration and
loss of potassium, causing weakness
and cramps, and tooth damage due to
the gastric acid in vomit. Treatment
includes supervision and regulation of
eating habits, and sometimes, antide-
pressant drugs and/or psychotherapy.
bulk-forming agentA substance that
makes stools less liquid by absorbing
water: a type of antidiarrhoeal drug.
bullaA large air- or fluid-filled bubble,
usually in the lungs or skin. Lung bullae
in young adults are usually congenital.
In later life, lung bullae develop in
patients with emphysema. Skin bullae
are large, fluid-filled blisterswith a var-
iety of causes, including the bullous
disease pemphigus.
bumetanideA powerful, short-acting
loop diuretic drugused to treat oedema
(fluid retention) resulting from heart
failure, nephrotic syndrome, or liver cir-
rhosis. It may be given by injection for
emergency treatment of pulmonary
oedema. Adverse effects can include
rash and muscle pain.
bundle branch blockSee heart block.
bunionA thickened pad of tissue or a
fluid-filled bursa overlying a deformed
big-toe joint. The underlying cause is
an abnormal outward projection of the
big toe called a hallux valgus. Small
bunions are remedied by wearing well-
fitting shoes and a special toe pad to
straighten the big toe. Large bunions
may require surgery to realign the joint
and relieve the pressure.
buphthalmosA large, prominent eye-
ball in an infant as a result of increased

pressure inside the eyeball due to con-

genital glaucoma. Treatment of the

condition usually involves surgery to

reduce the pressure, otherwise the

child’s sight is progressively damaged.

bupivacaineA long-acting local anaes-

thetic often used as a nerve block,

particularly during labourand in epidur-

al anaesthesiaand spinal anaesthesia.

Side effects of bupivacaine are uncom-

mon, but high doses may cause blood

pressure to fall excessively.

buproprionAlso known as amfebuta-

mone, a drug used, in combination with

self-help measures, as an aid to stop-

ping smoking. Taken as tablets, the drug

has a number of side effects, including

dry mouth, gastrointestinal disturban-

ces, and headache. Some people may

find impairment in their ability to

undertake activities such as driving.

Burkitt’s lymphomaA cancer of lymph

tissues that is characterized by tumours

within the jaw and/or abdomen. It is

confined almost exclusively to children

living in low-lying, moist, tropical regions

of Africa and New Guinea. Anticancer

drugsor radiotherapygive complete or

partial cure in about 80 per cent of

cases. (See also lymphoma.)

burnsTissue damage resulting from

contact with heat, electricity, chemicals

or radiation. Burns are classified accor-

ding to the severity of damage to the

skin. A 1st-degree burn causes reddening

BUERGER’S DISEASE BURNS

B

BURNS

A 2nd-degree

burn extends

to the dermis

A 3rd-degree

burn extends

to the fatty

layer

A 3rd-degree

burn may also

extend to the

muscle layer

A 1st-degree

burn affects

the epidermis

CLASSIFICATION OF BURNS