BLSBasic life support (BLS) includes CPR and may include use of an AED, but does not include advanced monitoring or interventions such as use of airway equipment. More advanced support is provided by ALS. |
BMAThe British Medical Association (BMA) is the trade union and professional association for doctors and medical students in the UK. |
BMDBone mineral density (BMD) is the amount of bone mineral in bone tissue, and can be measured using DEXA. |
BMIBody mass index (BMI) is defined as the body mass divided by the square of the body height (kg/m²). BMI classifies people as underweight (BMI less than 18.5), healthy weight (18.5-24.9), overweight (25-29.9) and obese (30-39.9). |
BNFThe British National Formulary (BNF) is a UK pharmaceutical reference source (publication/App) that contains information and advice on prescribing and pharmacology for medicines available on the NHS. |
BNFcThe BNF for Children (BNFc) is the paediatric version of the adult BNF. |
BPHBenign prostatic hyperplasia/hypertrophy (BPH) is an enlargement of the prostate gland (benign prostate enlargement, BPE) common in elderly men. BPH can cause a number of LUTS (lower urinary tract symptoms), such as increased frequency and poor stream. |
bpmBeats per minute |
BPPVBenign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is an inner ear disorder. BPPV causes repeated, brief periods of vertigo with movements such as turning in bed or changing position. N&V are common. Diagnosis can be made with the Dix–Hallpike test and BPPV can be treated with the Epley manoeuvre. |
BSEBovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, or "mad cow" disease) causes variant CJD. |