Health A to Z

Diabetic retinopathy

Damage to the blood vessels of the retina. The leading cause of sight loss in working-age adults, and screening prevents most of it.

Dietetics

Also called Dietitian, Nutrition support

The only nutrition professional whose title is protected by law. Referral is under-used, and malnutrition is far more common than anybody expects.

22q11 deletion syndrome

Also called DiGeorge syndrome, Velocardiofacial syndrome

The commonest chromosome deletion after Down's syndrome. Heart, immune system, calcium, speech, and a substantial psychiatric risk.

Dislocated shoulder

The most commonly dislocated joint. In a young person the first dislocation predicts more, and in an older one it often comes with a rotator cuff tear.

Diverticular disease

Also called Diverticulitis, Diverticulosis

Small pouches in the bowel wall. Usually harmless, occasionally an emergency.

Down's syndrome

Also called Down syndrome, Trisomy 21

An extra copy of chromosome 21. A learning disability, a set of health risks worth watching, and a person.

Dry eye

Also called Dry eye disease, Blepharitis

Extremely common, chronically under-treated, and drops alone usually miss the actual cause.

Dupuytren's contracture

The tissue in the palm thickening and pulling fingers into the hand. Painless, gradual, and the timing of surgery matters.

Dysarthria

Also called Slurred speech, Difficulty speaking

Speech that is hard to produce because the muscles are weak, not because the words are lost. Intelligence and understanding are unaffected.

Dyscalculia

A specific difficulty with number. As common as dyslexia, and almost nobody gets identified.