Health, Wellness, Fitness, Diet and Alternative Medicine Glossary of Terms
We've collected hundreds of Health, Wellness, Diet and Alternative Medicine terms and definitions to create this Glossary. Simply click one of the letters below to view the glossary of terms
Health Terms beginning with "A"
Abdomen
Area between the chest and the hips that contains the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, gallbladder, pancreas and spleen.
Abdominal hernia
A hole or weakness in the abdominal muscle wall that allows whatever lies behind the muscle to push through.
Abdominal hysterectomy
A surgical procedure in which the uterus is removed through an incision in the abdomen.
Abnormal Pap smear
A Pap smear in which pre-cancerous or cancerous cells are identified.
Abnormal uterine bleeding
Abnormal uterine bleeding includes menorrhagia (menses too heavy), metrorrhgia (bleeding in between menses) and hypermenorrhea (menses too long). In general, AUB can be described as bleeding enough to interfere with normal activities.
Absence epilepsy
Epilepsy in which the person has repeated absence seizures.
Absence seizures
The type of seizure seen in absence epilepsy, in which the person experiences a momentary loss of consciousness. The person may stare into space for several seconds and may have some twitching or jerking of muscles.
Abusive relationship
Interpersonal violence (now dubbed IPV) occurs in many types of relationships and takes many forms. It can happen within marriages, among dating couples, in lesbian and gay relationships, or between parents and children, siblings, and roommates, as well as elders being abused by family members. Men are the abusers in the overwhelming majority of domestic violence incidents. The abuser may use a number of tactics other than physical violence to maintain power and control over his or her victim. There are three categories of abuse: physical, sexual and psychological.
Acanthosis nigricans
A furrowed irregular "piling up" of skin
Acetaminophen
The active ingredient in the non-anti-inflammatory pain reliever Tylenol and similar products. This drug does not irritate the stomach and is less likely than NSAIDs to cause long-term side effects. Research has shown that in many patients with osteoarthritis, acetaminophen relieves pain as effectively as NSAIDs. (Patients with liver disease and heavy alcohol drinkers should not use acetaminophen without first talking to a health care professional.)
Acetylcholine
A chemical in the brain that improves nerve communication. Most people with Alzheimer's disease show a deficiency in this chemical. It's believed that a handful of FDA-approved drugs can help increase the brain's supply of acetylcholine, which can potentially alleviate some symptoms of Alzheimer's.
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
Drugs used to treat the symptoms resulting from early to middle stage Alzheimer's disease. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors work by blocking the activity of an enzyme in the brain called cholinesterase. Cholinesterase breaks apart acetylcholine, which helps transmit nerve impulses. Therefore, by blocking the action of cholinesterase, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors make more acetylcholine available to nerve cells. Also called cholinesterase inhibitors.
Acinar cells
The site of fluid secretion in salivary glands. These cells are responsible for making and secreting more than 85 percent of the proteins that mediate the functions of saliva. Ductal cells cannot secrete fluid. In Sjögren's the acinar cells are dysfunctional; hence patients can't secrete salivary fluid.
Acne
This aggravating skin condition is common among teens and is believed to result from hormones, which increase during puberty and can cause glands to enlarge and make more sebum (oil). It can be mild with blackheads and whiteheads, moderate with red pimples or pustules (closed pus-containing pockets) or severe with large cysts or nodules.
Acne rosacea
Most common in fair-skinned women between ages 30 and 50, this skin condition begins as a slight flush on the forehead and nose and spreads across the cheeks and chin.
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
The most severe manifestation of infection with HIV. There are numerous opportunistic infections and neoplasms (cancers) that, in the presence of HIV infection, constitute an AIDS diagnosis. Persons with these late-stage infections can suffer attacks on the lungs, brain, eyes and other organs, as well as severe weight loss. A CD4 count of less than 200 also constitutes diagnosis of AIDS.
Acrophobia
The fear of heights.
Actinic keratoses
Precancerous lesions that affect approximately 10 million people in the U.S. These lesions appear as rough, crusty bumps on sun-exposed skin on the backs of the hands, the face, ears, neck, lips and forearms. They may itch or feel tender.
Activities of daily living
Term used to describe generally the daily functional activities that often become more difficult for people with Alzheimer's to handle on their own. These activities include dressing, brushing teeth, bathing and preparing food.
Acupuncture
A traditional Chinese method of pain relief in which a medically qualified acupuncturist places needles in certain sites. Researchers believe that the needles stimulate deep sensory nerves that tell the brain to release natural painkillers (endorphins). Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, but pressure is applied to the acupuncture sites instead of using needles.
Acute
Having a sudden onset, sharp rise and short course.
Acute pain
A signal to the body that it's being damaged in some way that needs immediate attention. Usually lasts for a short time and can be treated with rest and over-the-counter medication. Toothaches, sprains, backaches or a broken bone are common sources of acute pain.
Acute renal failure
A condition in which the kidneys suddenly stop working. In most cases, kidneys can recover from almost complete loss of function.
Acute sinusitis
Swelling of the sinuses with symptoms that begin suddenly about one week after a cold.
Acyclovir
The generic name of the first antiviral drug approved for treating herpes. It is manufactured as Zovirax.
Adderall
A stimulant medication used in the treatment of ADHD. Available as a once-daily extended release formulation, it is also approved for the treatment of ADHD in adults.
Addiction
Compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance such as heroin, nicotine or alcohol characterized by tolerance and by symptoms of withdrawal.
Adefovir
The newest oral antiviral agent for the treatment of hepatitis B.
Adenocarcinoma
A type of carcinoma (cancer) derived from glandular tissue, or in which the tumor cells form glandular structures.
Adenosis
Overgrowth of the breast glands. On a mammogram, this process, which is one of the elements of fibrocystic condition, can give a distinctive appearance.
Adhesions
Painful scar tissue; tissues abnormally united by fibrous tissue resulting from an inflammation.
Adjustment
Correcting misalignments of the spine; restoring correct vertebral alignment to correct structural abnormalities and/or to remove interference from the nervous system (subluxation).
Adjuvant therapy
Anticancer chemotherapy or radiation therapy that is done after surgery to help treat cancer. Can decrease a woman's risk of relapse after surgery.
Adrenal glands
Two identical endocrine glands perched on each kidney. They produce a variety of hormones, including testosterone and DHEA-S.
Adrenaline
Also known as epinephrine, this hormone is released into the body by the adrenal glands and is synthesized in times of stress. It can increase heart rate, sweating and metabolism.
Adult day-care center
A facility, much like a traditional day-care center, that offers meals and activities, usually for older adults. Some may offer basic health services and transportation.
Adult onset asthma
Asthma symptoms that first appear in adulthood rather than in childhood. Though adults may develop asthma at any time, it is not uncommon for a first attack to develop after age 50.
Advance directives
A statement about a person's future wishes about treatment in the event that he or she is unable to make competent decisions. Examples include living wills, health care proxies, do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders and durable powers of attorney for health care.
Adverse reaction
A harmful and unintended response to a drug or medication.
Aerobic
Sustained activity that increases the heart rate, strengthening the cardiovascular system.
Aerobic exercises
Sustained activity that increases the heart rate, strengthening the cardiovascular system.
Aerobics
A form of aerobic exercise, usually done in a class setting with an instructor, or with a video at home, that incorporates repetitive dance-like moves and music.
Affective flattening
This refers to a flattening in the spectrum of emotional expression that an individual with schizophrenia had previously exhibited. These might include facial expressions, tone of voice, eye contact and body language.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
A term for macular degeneration based on the greatest risk factor for the disease, older age.
Agoraphobia
The fear of public places or open spaces; agoraphobics try to avoid being in situations from which they think escape would be difficult or help and safety are not readily available; often diagnosed in conjunction with panic disorder.
Agranulocytosis
A rare blood disorder that occurs in less than two percent of patients who take clozapine for schizophrenia. This disorder can be reversed if detected early but can prove fatal if not treated immediately.
Ahimsa
A Sanskrit word that means non-violence.
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)
The most severe manifestation of infection with HIV. There are numerous opportunistic infections and neoplasms (cancers) that, in the presence of HIV infection, constitute an AIDS diagnosis. Persons with these late-stage infections can suffer attacks on the lungs, brain, eyes and other organs, as well as severe weight loss.
Albuminuria
More than normal amounts of a protein called albumin in the urine; may be a sign of kidney disease.
Alcohol/substance abuse
A pattern of drinking or taking drugs that is accompanied by one or more of the following situations within a 12-month period: failure to fulfill major work or home responsibilities; drinking or taking drugs in situations that are physically dangerous, such as while driving a car or operating machinery; recurring alcohol- or drug-related legal problems, such as being arrested for driving under the influence; continued drinking or taking drugs despite having ongoing relationship problems that are caused or worsened by the affects of alcohol or drugs.
Alcohol/substance dependence
Also known as alcoholism or addiction, this is a chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. The disease is often progressive and fatal. It is characterized by continuous or periodic: impaired control over drinking or taking drugs; preoccupation with the drugs or alcohol; use of alcohol or drugs despite adverse consequences; and distortions in thinking, most notably denial.
Alendronate
(Fosamax) A bisphosphonate medication, approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to treat and prevent osteoporosis.
Allergen
A substance that causes no harm to most people but triggers an array of symptoms in sensitive individuals ranging from mildly annoying to life-threatening. Common allergens include dust mites, mold, pollen, animal dander, cockroach droppings, insect bites, foods such as peanuts and drugs such as penicillin.
Allergist
A physician who has been trained in diagnosing and treating allergies. Board-certified allergists are first trained and certified in internal medicine or pediatrics.
Allopathic medicine
Conventional Western medicine that uses surgery and synthetic drugs. "Allo" means "other." This was a term in the late 1800s to early 1900s that recognized Western medicine as the "other" medicine in addition to the popular homeopathic and naturopathic practitioners of the day.
Alogia
A dramatic decrease in the range of speech a person with schizophrenia uses. Sometimes this can be detected through empty or disinterested replies to questions.
Alopecia
Hair loss. Women with hyperandrogenism may suffer androgenic alopecia, which is similar to male pattern baldness.
Alpha-adrenergic agonists
A class of drugs in drop form used to treat glaucoma by reducing the amount of aqueous humor the eye.
Alpha fetoprotein
A type of fetal protein measured via a prenatal test called maternal serum screening. Abnormal levels of the protein in the mother's blood suggest elevated risk of certain genetic disorders; a follow-up amniocentesis can provide a more definitive result.
Alport syndrome
An inherited condition that results in kidney disease. It generally develops during early childhood and is more serious in boys than in girls. The condition can lead to end-stage renal disease, as well as hearing and vision problems. The common symptom of this condition is the chronic presence of blood and protein in the urine.
Amantadine
An antiviral medication that works by interfering with viral replication and is effective against type A influenza.
Amenorrhea
Absence of menstrual periods.
Amitriptyline
Antidepressant better known under the brand names Elavil and Endep. Also used to treat migraines, the drug alone or in combination with fluoxetine (see separate entry), helps alleviate pain and sleeplessness in some cases of fibromyalgia.
Amniocentesis
This test enables your health care professional to look at fetal cells in the amniotic fluid for signs of certain birth defects. A normal result does not guarantee the birth of a normal baby. During this diagnostic procedure, a needle is inserted into the amniotic sac and a small amount of fluid is removed. It is performed between the 14th and 18th week of pregnancy. If you are 35 or older at the time of delivery, there's a good chance your health care professional will recommend this test, because women over 35 have a higher risk of having a baby with Down's syndrome. It's also recommended if you've already had a child with a birth defect or if you have a family or personal history that puts you at risk for an inherited disease.
Amniotic sac
The sac surrounding the baby that is filled with amniotic fluid. During an amniocentesis, a small amount of fluid is removed using a needle inserted into the amniotic sac.
Amphetamine
A central nervous system stimulant; in the past used to promote weight loss, but found to be dangerous due to side effects and potential for dependence.
Amputation
Surgical removal of a limb or portion of a limb; above knee, below knee, or partial foot are some varieties.
Amsler grid
A chart similar to graph paper containing a pattern of horizontal and vertical intersecting lines used to detect vision changes that may result from wet macular degeneration.
Amyloid precursor protein (APP)
A protein found in the heart, brain, kidneys, lungs, spleen, and intestines. The normal function of APP in the body is unknown. In people with Alzheimer's disease, APP is abnormally processed and converted to beta amyloid protein, the protein deposited in amyloid plaques.
Anabolic steroids
A class of performance-enhancing drugs used by athletes; these synthetic substances related to male sex hormones (androgens) are also commonly abused.
Anaerobes
Microorganisms that can live without air.
Anaerobic bacteria
Bacteria that require no oxygen to live.
Analgesic
An agent that alleviates pain without causing loss of consciousness.
Analgesic nephropathy
damage to one or both kidneys caused by overexposure to mixtures of medications, especially over-the-counter pain remedies (analgesics).
Anal incontinence
Inability to hold feces and gas in the rectum due to failure of voluntary control over the anal sphincter.
Anaphylaxis
An extreme form of allergic reaction characterized by any or all of the following: redness of skin, hives, swelling, coughing, difficulty breathing, convulsions, loss of consciousness and, in some cases, death.
Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock
An extreme form of allergic reaction characterized by any or all of the following: redness of skin, hives, swelling, coughing, difficulty breathing, convulsions, loss of consciousness and, in some cases, death.
Androgen
A naturally occurring sex hormone that is produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands and other tissues. Androgen plays a key role in regulating certain bodily functions, including the growth spurt at puberty. It is believed to regulate the function of many organs, including the reproductive tract, kidneys, liver and muscles. Androgen levels begin to drop in a woman's twenties. By the time she reaches menopause, they are half of what they were in her early 20s. This can result in, among other things, a decreased sex drive. Androgen also can promote male characteristics, such as hair formation and a deepening voice.
Androgens
Naturally occurring sex hormones that are produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands and other tissues. Androgens play a key role in regulating certain bodily functions, including the growth spurt at puberty. They are believed to regulate the function of many organs, including the reproductive tract, kidneys, liver and muscles. During menopause, androgen levels drop by more than 50 percent, which can result in, among other things, a decreased sex drive. Androgens also can promote male characteristics, such as hair formation and a deepening voice.
Anemia
A condition in which the blood is deficient in red blood cells, in hemoglobin, or in total volume often caused by iron deficiency. It may cause fatigue, difficulty breathing, dizziness, headache, insomnia, pale skin, loss of hunger and irregular heart beat.
Anesthesia
Anesthesia refers to the drugs and gases used during an operation to relieve pain. These drugs work by blocking messages to the brain so that all or part of the body becomes insensitive to pain and feeling for as long or as short a time as needed. The three types are local anesthesia, regional anesthesia and general anesthesia. Their effects range from a short-lived numbness, to temporary paralysis or unconsciousness, depending on the blend of products used and how they are administered. Local anesthesia is injected directly into a tissue to numb it. It is used for minor surgeries and may be coupled with a mild sedative. There are few, if any, side effects. Regional anesthesia blocks sensation in a region of the body, such as from the waist down. The two main types are spinal and epidural. Both are injected near the spinal cord. An epidural is administered through a thin plastic tube or catheter and can be given continuously during surgery. After surgery the catheter can be left in to provide post-operative pain relief. Spinal anesthesia acts faster and produces more numbness than an epidural but cannot be given continuously. Spinal anesthesia is often associated with headaches as it wears off. General anesthesia includes a group of agents that block pain, relax the muscles and produce unconsciousness. It can also shut down memory function. Typically, general anesthesia agents are given by mouth or intravenously, then followed with gas. Temporary side effects of general anesthesia may include nausea, vomiting, muscle pain or sore throat.
Anesthesiologist
A doctor who specializes in anesthesia.
Aneurysm
A weak or thin spot on an artery wall that has stretched or ballooned out from the wall and filled with blood, or pooling of blood between the layers of the blood vessel walls caused by damage to an artery.
Angina
If not enough oxygen-carrying blood reaches the heart, the heart may respond with pain called angina pectoris. Episodes of angina occur when the heart's need for oxygen increases beyond the oxygen available from the blood nourishing the heart. The pain is a pressing or squeezing pain, usually felt in the chest or sometimes in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaws or back. Angina is usually relieved in a few minutes by resting or taking a prescribed angina medicine, such as nitroglycerin. If the symptoms do not go away, you may be having a heart attack.
Angina pectoris
The medical term for chest pain that occurs when the heart doesn't get enough blood and oxygen. Angina is a sign that you are at risk for heart attack.
Angiogram
An x-ray of blood vessels which can be seen because the patient receives an injection of dye to outline the vessels on the x-ray.
Angiography
The x-ray of vessels after injecting a contrasting fluid that shows up on x-ray images.
Angiopathy
A disease of the blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries) that occurs when someone has diabetes for a long time. There are two types of angiopathy: macroangiopathy and microangiopathy. In macroangiopathy, fat and blood clots build up in the large blood vessels, stick to the vessel walls and block the flow of blood. In microangiopathy, the walls of the smaller blood vessels become so thick and weak that they bleed, leak protein and slow the flow of blood through the body. Then the cells, for example, the ones in the center of the eye, do not get enough blood and may be damaged.
Angioplasty
A procedure that widens arteries narrowed by arterial disease. A catheter with a tiny deflated balloon is threaded through the narrowed artery to the afflicted part and then inflated to break the plaque and expand the artery.
Angiotensin
A hormone that ultimately helps the body decrease its sodium loss. Angiotensin also causes your small blood vessels to constrict, increasing blood pressure
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors)
These drugs stop production of ACE, a chemical that makes blood vessels narrow. ACE inhibitors are used for high blood pressure and heart muscle that has been damaged.
Angle-closure
A form of glaucoma in which the angle between the iris and the cornea inside the eye is closed, stopping drainage of the aqueous humor fluid and producing pressure that compresses and damages the optic nerve. Angle-closure glaucoma occurs in two forms, acute and chronic. The acute version can be a painful attack requiring emergency treatment. The chronic version occurs over time, producing no recognizable symptoms.
Anorexia nervosa
A mental disorder involving a preoccupation with weight and thinness. An individual may lose excessive amounts of weight by avoiding food completely, basically starving themselves and/or exercising to excess.
Anosmia
A loss of the sense of smell; a side effect of blocked anterior ethmoid sinuses.
Anovulation
When your ovaries don't release an egg and you don't ovulate. It's one of the most common hormone-related problems causing abnormal uterine bleeding and can result in the production of too much androgen, which is a male hormone. When this happens, your ovaries may develop many cysts, a condition known as polycystic ovarian disease.
Anterior chamber
A space inside the eye bordered by the cornea, iris, pupil and lens.
Antibiotics
Medications that kill bacteria or prevent their growth.
Antibodies
specialized proteins that lock onto and destroy infections or other foreign invaders.
Anticholinergic
The action of certain medications that inhibit the transmission of parasympathetic nerve impulses, thereby reducing smooth muscle spasms (for example, in the bladder).
Anticoagulants
Drugs that prevents the formation of blood clots by inhibiting the coagulating actions of the blood protein thrombin; some common antithrombotics include warfarin and heparin.
Anticonvulsant
Medication used to prevent seizures.
Antidepressant drugs
These prescription drugs reduce depression by the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain and alter the pain messages reaching the brain. When a woman is depressed and in pain, these medications can reduce pain and improve mood. Certain types of antidepressants help restore the body's normal perception of pain and may be recommended even when a patient isn't depressed.
Antidepressants
These prescription drugs change the levels of neurotransmitters and alter the pain messages reaching the brain. When a woman is depressed and in pain, these medications can reduce pain and improve mood. Certain types of antidepressants help to restore the body's normal perception of pain and may be recommended as a treatment option when a patient isn't depressed.
Antidiarrheals
Medicines that help control diarrhea.
Anti-dsDNA
This test measures an autoantibody that targets double-stranded DNA. It is a good indicator of systemic lupus erythematosus, because it is found in 60 to 70 percent of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and is not found in patients with similar diseases. This test is often used to monitor patients with lupus, since higher levels are associated with increased disease activity. This autoantibody is also associated with higher risk of lupus-related kidney disease.
Antifungal drugs
Drugs from this class, which includes nystatin and clotrimazole, may be used to treat oral candidiasis.
Antigen
Any substance that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies and an immune response.
Antihistamines
A class of drugs used to counter the effects of histamine, a chemical produced by the body when an allergen is present, and one that causes many allergy symptoms. Can be used to relieve sneezing and itchy eyes, nose and throat and to control nasal swelling and draining. Available in both over-the-counter and prescription forms. Can also be used to treat some insomnia.
Anti-La
This test measures autoantibodies that target RNA, which is related to DNA and is critical to cells' ability to make the proteins they need. Anti-Ro is linked to light sensitivity and is found in 30 percent of systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Anti-La is found in 15 percent of lupus patients. Positive tests do not necessarily point to a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus, however, because these autoantibodies are more prevalent in Sjögren's syndrome patients.
Anti-Leukotrienes
Anti-leukotriene medications are a new form of anti-inflammatory medication used to treat chronic asthma. Leukotrienes are chemicals produced by the cells in the lung lining and are part of the chain reaction that causes inflammation and constriction of the airways. Anti-leukotriene medications fight this allergic response by blocking the lung's recognition of the allergen and thereby decreasing inflammation. These medications are taken orally in pill form.
Antinuclear antibody test
This test is standard for assessing systemic lupus erythematosus because it is positive in almost 100 percent of patients with the disease. However, ANA is also positive for other conditions, such as systemic sclerosis, mixed connective tissue disease and rheumatoid arthritis. A diagnosis of lupus can be made with a positive ANA plus four of the 11 clinical criteria listed by the American Rheumatism Association.
Antiphospholipids
These autoantibodies go after phospholipids and related compounds, and are found in 30 to 40 percent of lupus patients. A third of those patients—or 10 to 15 percent of all lupus patients—have APL syndrome, diagnosed by a positive APL test plus blood clots, recurrent miscarriages or a condition called thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). These autoantibodies are detected through three tests: a syphilis test (false positives are common among lupus patients); an anticardiophilin antibody test; and blood coagulation tests.
Antiplatelet agents
Drugs that prevent the formation of blood clots by preventing the accumulation of platelets. Some common antiplatelet agents include aspirin, clopidogrel, dipyridamole and ticlopidine (see anticoagulants).
Antiprogesterone agents
When these agents, such as mifepristone or RU-486, are given to women, fibroids may get smaller and decrease in prevalence.
Antipsychotic drugs
This class of prescription drugs sometimes is prescribed to reduce some of the more severe behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, such as delusions and paranoia.
Antiretroviral
These drugs are used to treat HIV, which is a retrovirus. There are two main classes of these drugs—reverse transcriptase inhibitors and protease inhibitors.
Anti-Ro
This test measures autoantibodies that target RNA, which is related to DNA and is critical to cells' ability to make the proteins they need.
Anti-Smith
This test measures anti-Sm autoantibodies, which attack a protein called Sm that is found in cell nuclei. If you test positive, it is almost certain you have systemic lupus erythematosus. However, only 30 percent of patients with SLE test positive, so absence of anti-Sm does not necessarily mean you don't have lupus.
Antispasmodic anticholinergics
Medicines that reduce pain or discomfort and diarrhea from increased intestinal contractions.
Antithrombotics
Drugs used to prevent the formation of blood clots that can become lodged in cerebral arteries and cause strokes.
Antithyroid antibodies
Antibodies are proteins that are formed to attack foreign substances in the body. Antithyroid antibodies attack the body's own thyroid tissue, believing it is foreign.
Antiviral drugs
Drugs that inhibit either the life cycle or replication of viruses, resulting in a decrease in the severity and duration of a viral illness.
Anxiety
A sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physical symptoms, such as sweating, tension and increased heart rate.
Anxiety disorders
A group of serious yet treatable health problems affecting one in 10 Americans. Anxiety disorders are caused by a combination of biological and environmental factors.
Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule
A test health care professionals can use to determine the cause, type, severity and frequency of anxiety.
Anxiolytic drugs
These medications are prescribed to help alleviate some of the more severe behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, such as anxiety and agitation.
Apneic events
For those suffering from sleep apnea, periods during which breathing is interrupted.
Apoplexy
A historical but obsolete term for a cerebral stroke, most often intracerebral hemorrhage, that was applied to any condition that involved disorientation and/or paralysis.
Appointment of a health care agent
Also called a durable power of attorney for health care, health care proxy or medical power of attorney, this is a legal document in which you name a person as your "health care agent" to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to make your own. Unless you formally appoint someone to decide for you, many health care providers and institutions will make critical decisions for you that might not be based on your wishes. In some situations, a court may have to appoint a guardian unless you have already done so.
Aqueous
The middle, watery layer of tear film on the eye that makes up most of what we normally consider tears, and nourishes the cornea, cleanses the eye and washes away foreign particles or irritants.
Aqueous humor
Fluid in the anterior chamber of the eye that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the cornea and lens and helps maintain the shape of the eyeball.
Areola
The dark tissue that surrounds the breast nipple.
Arteries
Blood vessels that transport oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Arteriogram
An x-ray used to determine specific arterial blockages in the body; the procedure involves inserting into the artery a small catheter that injects dye.
Arteriography
An X-ray of a brain artery taken when an iodine contrast dye is injected into the artery.
Arteriovenous malformation
A congenital disorder characterized by a complex tangled web of arteries or veins or both.
Arthritis
This term literally means joint inflammation and refers to more than 100 conditions that can cause joint pain.
Arthroscopy
A procedure performed with an arthroscope (a small, flexible tube that transmits the image of the inside of a joint to a video monitor). Arthroscopy is used for diagnosis and treatment of some types of joint injury. The arthroscope is inserted through a small incision near the affected joint.
Artificial hydration
Medical intervention to supply hydration by tube, catheter or needle to patients who cannot drink.
Artificial nutrition
For people who are unable to swallow, are paralyzed, have tubes in their lungs or are brain injured, tubes can be place through the nose and into the stomach or directly into the stomach so the patient can be given nutrition, which is basic to sustaining life.
Asana
A Sanskrit (the classical language of India) word that translates as "seat."
Ashkenazi
Of Eastern European descent; many Ashkenazi Jews are at greater risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Aspirin
An anti-inflammatory medication that can lower fever and reduce pain. It is used primarily for acute pain conditions and not for chronic pain because it can cause gastrointestinal side effects if used for a long period of time. Aspirin relieves pain by interfering with the production of prostaglandins - chemicals that irritate nerve fibers and increase the sensation of pain. Bayer is a brand of aspirin.
Assisted hatching
A form of embryo micromanipulation that involves the thinning and creation of an opening in the outer covering of the embryo to help the embryo implant.
Assistive devices
Equipment to help the infirmed or disabled function more independently, such as canes, raised toilet seats, walkers, hearing aids.
Asthma
A condition that is marked by continuous labored breathing accompanied by wheezing, by a sense of constriction in the chest and often by attacks of coughing or gasping.
Asymptomatic
No symptoms.
Asymptomatic shedding
An episode resulting from herpes virus reactivating and traveling to the skin or mucous membranes. When shedding is asymptomatic, there are no visible symptoms even though enough virus is produced for transmission to occur.
Atherosclerosis
A process in which fatty substances build up inside the walls of blood vessels. Blood components also stick on the surface inside vessel walls. The vessels narrow and "harden," becoming less flexible (atherosclerosis literally means hardening of the artery). The build-up, or "plaque," may break open and suddenly produce a blood clot; when blood flow to the heart is reduced, chest pain (angina; see separate entry) can result. If blood flow is nearly or completely blocked a heart attack can occur and cause muscle cells in the heart to die, resulting in permanent damage.
Atonic seizures
Seizures that cause a sudden loss of muscle tone; also called drop attacks.
Atrial fibrillation
Among heart diseases, atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disturbance that causes the small chambers of the heart to beat irregularly, allowing blood clots to form, is the most important. It is present in up to 10 percent of elderly people. It is important to recognize atrial fibrillation, because strokes can be prevented by using a blood-thinning medication to prevent clots from forming in the heart.
Atrophic macular degeneration
Another term for dry macular degeneration.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
A mental disorder with onset before age seven characterized by fidgeting, difficulty in concentrating, easy distractibility, inability to follow instructions and other disruptive behavior.
Atypical antipsychotic drugs
A category used to describe newer antipsychotic medications that have been introduced since 1990 for schizophrenia. These medications have fewer side effects than traditional medications for schizophrenia.
Atypical ductal hyperplasia
A change in the cells lining the ducts of the breast. Considered precancerous.
Atypical lobular hyperplasia
A change in the cells lining the glands (lobules) of the breast. Considered precancerous.
Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance
A Pap smear that is not clearly normal or abnormal. This usually indicates there is potential for cells to alter and requires additional testing. It is one of four classifications for abnormal Pap smears. This classification is at the lowest end of the danger scale but indicates that over time these cells could develop into precancerous cells in some women.
Auras
Bright spots or uneven, unstable lines moving before the eyes.
Autoantibodies
The immune system normally produces antibodies to attack viruses and bacteria, but sometimes it produces antibodies against the body's own healthy tissue. These antibodies, one of the hallmarks of autoimmune diseases, are called autoantibodies.
Autoimmune disease
A disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissues, leading to inflammation, pain and sometimes organ damage. Lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, Sjögren's syndrome and insulin-dependent diabetes are examples of autoimmune diseases.
Autologous blood donation
Donating your own blood prior to surgery for use if you need a blood transfusion during surgery.
Autologous reconstruction
Breast reconstruction using a woman's own tissue.
Autonomic nervous system
The part of the nervous system that regulates vital functions of the body that are involuntary or not consciously controlled; it includes the activity of the heart, the smooth muscles and the glands.
Autosomal dominant
Genes are paired, with one contributed by each parent. A dominant gene is one whose instructions, even if defective, can override those of the other gene in the pair. The child of a parent with an autosomal dominant genetic disorder, such as Huntington disease, has a 50 percent risk of inheriting the disorder.
Avolition
A noticeable reduction or difficulty in initiating or pursuing goal-oriented behavior in patients with schizophrenia. It's often mistaken for a disinterested outlook.
Axillary lymph node
Lymph nodes located within the axilla (armpit).
Axillary node dissection
The surgical removal of axillary lymph nodes to evaluate for possible cancer cells associated with a tumor found in the breast.
Ayurvedic medicine
Founded in India, this health care system focuses on the individual's overall health and on restoration of harmony and balance.
Azapirones
A class of drugs showing promise for treating generalized anxiety disorder.
Azathioprine
A cytotoxic drug that suppresses the immune system and is sometimes prescribed for lupus. Side effects include potential blood abnormalities, low white-blood-cell count and possible increased cancer risk.
Azithromycin
An antibiotic that stays in the body so long that a single dose can cure most chlamydia infections.