Diseases & conditions A-Z List
Diseases & Conditions A-Z List - «N»:
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Nabothian cyst
A nabothian cyst is a mucus-filled lump on the surface of the cervix.
Causes
The cervix is lined with glands and cells that release mucus. The glands can become covered by a type of skin cells called squamous epithelium. When this happens, the secretions build up in the plugged glands. They form a ...
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Nail abnormalities
Nail abnormalities are problems with the color, shape, texture, or thickness of the fingernails or toenails.
Considerations
Just like the skin, the fingernails tell a lot about your health.
Beau's lines are depressions across the fingernail. These lines can occur after illness, injury to the nail,...
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Nail care for newborns
Newborn fingernails and toenails are usually soft and flexible, but can cause injuries to the infant. Newborn infants do not yet have control of their arm, hand, finger, leg, or foot movements, and may inadvertently claw at their face. Nails that are ragged or extend beyond the tip of the finger can...
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Naproxen sodium overdose
Naproxen sodium is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve mild to moderate aches and pains. Naproxen sodium overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.
This is for information only and not for...
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Narcissistic personality disorder
Narcissistic personality disorder is a condition in which there is an inflated sense of self-importance and an extreme preoccupation with one's self.
Causes
The cause of this disorder is unknown. Narcissistic personality disorder usually begins by early adulthood.
Symptoms
A person with narcissisti...
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Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes excessive sleepiness and frequent daytime sleep attacks.
Causes
Narcolepsy is a nervous system disorder, not a mental illness. Anxiety does not cause narcolepsy.
Experts believe that narcolepsy is caused by reduced amounts of a protein called hypocretin, w...
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Nasal congestion
Nasal congestion refers to a stuffy nose.
Considerations
Many people think that a nose gets congested (stuffy) from too much thick mucus. However, in most cases, the nose becomes congested when the tissues lining it become swollen. The swelling is due to inflamed blood vessels.
Newborn infants must...
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Nasal CPAP
CPAP stands for "continuous positive airway pressure." CPAP is a treatment that delivers slightly pressurized air during the breathing cycle. This keeps the windpipe open during sleep and prevents the episodes of blocked breathing in persons with obstructive sleep apnea and other respiratory problem...
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Nasal discharge
Nasal discharge is any mucous-like material that comes out of the nose.
Considerations
Nasal discharge is common, but rarely serious. Drainage from swollen or infected sinuses may be thick or discolored.
Excess mucous may run down the back of your throat (postnasal drip) or cause a cough that is us...
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Nasal flaring
Nasal flaring is the enlargement of the opening of the nostrils during breathing. It is often a sign that increased effort is needed to breathe.
Considerations
Nasal flaring is seen mostly in infants and younger children.
Any condition that causes the infant to work harder to breathe can cause nas...
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Nasal mucosal biopsy
A nasal mucosal biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue from the lining of the nose so that it can be checked for disease.
How the Test is Performed
A painkiller is sprayed into the nose. In some cases, a numbing shot may be used. A small piece of the tissue that appears abnormal is remove...
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Nasal polyps
Nasal polyps are sac-like growths of inflamed tissue lining the nose (nasal mucosa) or sinuses.
See also: Sinusitis
Causes
Nasal polyps typically start near the ethmoid sinuses (located at the top of the inside of the nose) and grow into the open areas. Large polyps can block the sinuses or nasal ...
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Nasogastric feeding tube
A nasogastric tube, or NG tube, is a special tube that carries food and medicine to the stomach through the nose. It can be used for all feedings or just, sometimes, for giving your child extra calories.
It’s important to take good care of the feeding bag and tubing so that they work properly...
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Nasopharyngeal culture
Nasopharyngeal culture is a sample of secretions from the uppermost part of the throat, behind the nose, to detect organisms that can cause disease.
How the Test is Performed
You will be asked to cough before the test begins and then tilt your head back. A sterile cotton-tipped swab is gently passe...
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Natal teeth
Natal teeth are teeth that are already present at the time of birth. They are different from neonatal teeth, which grow in during the first 30 days after birth.
Considerations
Natal teeth are relatively uncommon, appearing in about one in every 2,000 to 3,000 births. Although most natal teeth are i...
