Health A-Z

Clinical Definition Abdominoplasty is an elective procedure to remove excess fat and abdominal skin while tightening weakened or separated stomach muscles. In Our Own Words An abdominoplasty flattens, firms and slims the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin while tightening muscles in the abdominal wall. It is a major elective surgery that requires general…

Clinical Definition One type of knee surgery involves reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, or the ACL. The ACL is a band of connective tissue that provides stability to the knee. ACL injuries are very common, especially in sports that demand quick stops and starts or rapid changes in velocity, and are often treated surgically.…

Clinical Definition Acute coronary syndrome is an umbrella term for a group of coronary artery diseases associated with sudden blockage of the blood supply to the heart muscle. Acute coronary syndrome is a medical emergency. In Our Own Words Acute coronary syndrome is a medical emergency describing a group of conditions, including a possible heart…

Clinical Definition Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a developmental and behavioral disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While the exact causes have not been determined, research suggests that it has a strong neurobiological basis. Impairment of executive brain functions that activate, organize, integrate and manage relate to symptoms associated with ADHD. The disorder is…

Clinical Definition Acquired immune deficiency syndrome, most commonly called AIDS, is a serious infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV. The body cannot get rid of HIV. There are treatments but there is still no cure. The virus is transmitted when an infected person’s bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids or…

Clinical Definition Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence or alcohol abuse, is a chronic, progressive disease characterized by excessive intake of alcohol, impaired control over drinking and compulsive drinking, despite known adverse consequences of the behavior. The onset of withdrawal symptoms occurs with cessation of use. Treatment begins with ”detox.” In Our Own Words Alcoholism…

Clinical Definition Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic disorder, which causes insufficient production of the blood protein alpha1-antitrypsin. The protein, which is manufactured in the liver, travels through the bloodstream and protects the lungs from the enzyme neutrophil elastase. The lack of alpha1-antitrypsin allows the enzyme to accumulate and damage the lungs. As a result, conditions…

Clinical Definition Amblyopia is visual impairment in which the neural development for one eye is favored over the other. The vision in one eye thus becomes weaker, despite the absence of explanatory ocular abnormalities. Strabismus, commonly known as crossed eyes, is the most common cause. In Our Own Words Amblyopia, a common cause of vision…

Clinical Definition An aneurysm is an abnormal dilation, ballooning or bulging of the wall of an artery. It develops at a site of weakness. While aneurysms are more common in adults than children, they can occur at any age. Small aneurysms generally are not accompanied by symptoms, but those with a larger aneurysm may report…

Clinical Definition Angina, or chest pain, is the most common symptom of coronary artery disease. Caused by ischemia, angina is often due to a clot forming in a partially blocked coronary artery. Angina can be described as discomfort or heaviness in the chest. Too often, this acute and dangerous symptom is passed off as simple…

Clinical Definition Anorexia nervosa is a psychological eating disorder in which a person has an intense fear of gaining weight and limits calories to the point of near starvation to attain a below-normal body weight. In Our Own Words Individuals with anorexia nervosa suffer from a distorted body image, typically coupled with feelings of inadequacy…

Clinical Definition Anti-retroviral therapy, or ART, is treatment with drugs that hamper the ability of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or other types of retroviruses to replicate in the body. Combining several ART drugs, known as highly active ART or HAART, can reduce viral particles in the blood. In Our Own Words Anti-retroviral therapy or…

Clinical Definition Antihistamines inhibit the action of histamine, an important chemical in the body.  During seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis, histamines are part of a cascade of events that leads to nasal blockage, discharge, sneezing, itch and postnasal drip. Antihistamines have an antagonistic action at the H1 or H2 receptor sites. The medication may cause…

Clinical Definition Antioxidants are naturally occurring agents that prevent cellular oxidation, and may protect the body from molecules that damage cells (called free radicals). Common dietary antioxidants include vitamins A, C and E. In Our Own Words Antioxidants are natural or synthetic substances found in foods that may protect cells from the damaging effects of…

Clinical Definition Aortic insufficiency is a cardiac valve condition in which the aortic valve fails to close properly during ventricular diastole. The leaky valve creates a regurgitant flow of blood back into the left ventricle. Due to the backwards blood flow, left ventricular pressure can increase, possibly leading to hypertrophy of the myocardium. In some…

Clinical Definition Appendicitis is a common medical condition that involves inflammation of the appendix, usually due to a bacterial infection. Inflammation is thought to develop when stool, mucus or a parasite fills the interior of the appendix. In instances of acute appendicitis, if surgical intervention is delayed, complications such as peritonitis can develop. In Our…

Clinical Definition Arthritis is acute or chronic inflammation of one or more joints, typically causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes loss of movement. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, but rheumatoid arthritis is also a common form of arthritis. In Our Own Words The word arthritis literally means joint inflammation, and is used…

Clinical Definition Asperger syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder on the autistic spectrum. The condition is considered present from infancy. Individuals with Asperger syndrome may vary in clinical presentation. In general, the disorder may cause nonverbal communication difficulties, repetitive behavior, social impairment and problems with sensory input. In Our Own Words Asperger syndrome (AS), also…

Clinical Definition Asymptomatic is a medical term used to describe an individual who is a carrier of an infection or a disease, but is clinically silent or not experiencing symptoms. Asymptomatic conditions may cause a delay in the diagnosis of said infection or disease. Being asymptomatic does not indicate the seriousness of a condition. In…

Clinical Definition Atelectasis is a partial lung collapse, or, less commonly, collapse of the entire lung. The cause is blockage of the bronchus or bronchioles or pressure outside the lung. Hospitalized patients and post-op patients are vulnerable. Symptoms include respiratory difficulty, cough, chest pain and low-grade fever. Treatments are aimed at relieving the blockage. In…

Clinical Definition Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a contagious infection caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments. Symptoms include erythema, vesicles and burning. Diagnosis is by clinical exam, biopsy or examination of the skin culture. Treatment includes self-care with over-the-counter antifungal products, good hygiene or prescribing of antifungal medications. In Our…

Clinical Definition Autism is the most common condition in a complex collection of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders (ASP). Those afflicted with this sometimes disabling and lifelong condition exhibit social, verbal and behavioral challenges. In Our Own Words Autism is a collection of behavioral disorders that affects individuals differently, depending on severity…

Clinical Definition A bacterial infection is an illness due to pathogenic bacteria that gain entrance to the body through various means, including the digestive system, the respiratory system and the skin. Once inside the body, the bacteria reproduce, which may lead to various symptoms and illnesses. Bacterial infections are often treated with antibiotics. In Our…

Clinical Definition Bacterial pneumonia is an acute or chronic infection of one or both lungs, with inflammation and varying degrees of fluid filling the air sacs (alveoli) causing respiratory dysfunction. Some types of pneumonia can be seen on chest x-ray as areas of density in the infected parts of the lungs. In Our Own Words…

Clinical Definition Benign, the opposite of malignant, is often used to describe a tumor that is non-cancerous and typically does not metastasize. In Our Own Words In describing tumors, the term benign means “not malignant.” Benign tumors are growths that do not spread or take over like cancer does. While benign growths might be harmless,…

Clinical Definition Benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH is a condition marked by a non-cancerous proliferation of cells, both smooth muscle and epithelial, in the prostate gland’s transition zone. Lower urinary tract symptoms accompany the hyperplasia. Diagnosis is made by medical history, physical exam, and tests, including urinalysis. Treatments include watchful waiting, medication and surgery. In…

Clinical Definition In the body, bile acids are fatty substances formed from cholesterol and secreted by the liver to help the body digest fats and fatty acids. In Our Own Words Bile acids are weak acids, formed in the body from cholesterol. Bile ducts carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and then, when…

Clinical Definition Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder characterized by pathological mood swings from mania to depression. There is no clear cause for the disorder, although there appears to be a genetic link, and scientists are trying to understand differences in brain development, connections and activity in affected individuals. The disorder is often treated with…

Clinical Definition Blood poisoning, known medically as septicemia, is a condition that occurs when disease-causing organisms are living in the bloodstream, often having travelled from an infection elsewhere in the body, such as the lungs, abdomen or urinary tract. Chills and high fever are often early symptoms. Blood poisoning is serious and potentially life-threatening and…

Clinical Definition Blood pressure is the force or tension applied to arterial walls of the heart during systematic circulation. Blood pressure measurement includes systolic pressure, which occurs during contractions of the myocardium, and diastolic pressure, which occurs when the heart is between beats. A normal adult blood pressure reading is: Systolic less than 120mmHg and…

Clinical Definition Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are outgrowths of bone that are typically found on the bones of joints, such as the ankle or vertebrae. Bone spurs can be indicative of a condition such as arthritis, and may also contribute to painful symptoms on their own.Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are outgrowths of bone that are…

Clinical Definition Borderline personality disorder, or BPD, is considered a serious mental illness. It’s one of a group of conditions under the umbrella term of personality disorders. Those with BPD have often intense, unstable emotions and engage in risky behaviors such as overspending, unsafe sex or abusing drugs and alcohol. In Our Own Words Borderline…

Clinical Definition A neoplasm in the intracranial region of the central nervous system is referred to as a brain tumor. It can develop due to a mutation in cell DNA that leads to abnormal cell growth and mass formation. Brain tumors can be either benign or malignant and are also considered either primary or secondary.…

Clinical Definition Breakthrough pain is a flare of pain that occurs in cancer patients even if they are taking pain reliever medication on a regular schedule as part of their cancer treatment. The term originates because it ”breaks through” the pain relief expected from the scheduled pain medicine. Breakthrough pain is very unpredictable, typically comes…

Clinical Definition A bronchodilator is any drug, medicine or substance that causes the bronchial tubes of the respiratory tract to dilate, relaxing the bronchial muscles and increasing oxygenated airflow to the lungs. In Our Own Words Bronchodilators are most commonly referred to as types of medications that help relax and widen (or “dilate”) the air…

Clinical Definition Bruxism is considered a type of movement disorder, which involves the unintentional act of clenching the jaw or vigorously grinding your teeth, usually during sleep. In Our Own Words Bruxism is the medical term for grinding your teeth during sleep or unconsciously during stressful situations. Grinding involves sliding the teeth back and forth…

Clinical Definition Bursitis is pain and swelling of the bursae, the small fluid-filled pads in or near the joints. Bursae help cushion any tissues that rub against or slide over hard bone. Pain and swelling are common symptoms of bursitis, and a person can have trouble moving his or her joints. Often caused by repetitive…

Clinical Definition The original definition of a calorie was the quantity of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water from 0 to 1 degree Celsius. Now, it is commonly used as a unit for measuring the amount of energy contained in food. In Our Own Words A calorie is the unit…

Clinical Definition Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are painful oral sores that are typically red in color but sometimes with a white, yellow or gray center. Traditionally less than a millimeter in diameter, they appear on the inside of the lips, inside the cheeks, under the tongue or at the base of the…

Clinical Definition This macronutrient is an organic compound that is made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen molecules. The structure of the molecules dictates whether it is a monosaccharide (glucose, galactose and fructose), disaccharide (sucrose, lactose and maltose) or polysaccharide (starch and glycogen). In Our Own Words Carbohydrates are nutrients the body needs in relatively…

Clinical Definition Caregiver’s stress is a state of exhaustion – physical, mental and emotional – that occurs when those who attend to others with chronic medical conditions do not get the help they need, or stretch themselves too thin physically or financially. When anxiety progresses to a feeling of recurring burnout, research shows that caregivers’…

Clinical Definition Carpal tunnel syndrome is a compression neuropathy that occurs when increased pressure of the median nerve in the proximal forearm develops. The median nerve, which extends from the forearm to the hand, provides motor and sensory function to the thumb and three of the fingers. When compression occurs, hand function can be compromised.…

Clinical Definition Normally, the lens in the eyes are clear or transparent. However, a cataract is an abnormal clouding or opacity of the eye’s crystalline lens. The opacity can lead to a decrease in vision and possibly blindness. Cataracts are thought to develop as a result of age-related degenerative alterations to the proteins in the…

Clinical Definition A cavity is the progressive demineralization of the structure of the tooth, causing a hollow space. Acid from dental plaque damages the tooth and leads to destruction of the tissue. A cavity starts by invading the enamel, but can progress into deeper structures including the dentin and cementum. In Our Own Words A cavity…

Clinical Definition Cervical cancer originates in the uterine cervix, and is primarily either squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma. The majority are squamous cell carcinomas, although some have characteristics of both types and are known as mixed carcinoma. Early symptoms are atypical. Risk factors include lack of screening with a Pap smear, infection with human papillomavirus…

Clinical Definition Chagas disease is an infection transmitted by insects, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and common in South and Central America. In acute phases, symptoms may be non-existent or mild, such as fever and malaise. In the chronic phase, which may take 20 years to develop, arrhythmias, tachycardia and enlarged lymph nodes may occur. In…

Clinical Definition Chemotherapy refers to chemicals used to treat cancer, and commonly involves use of antineoplastic drugs used to treat neoplastic disease. The drugs have a cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often used as a systematic treatment for various forms of malignant neoplasms. In Our Own Words Chemotherapy is a form of cancer…

Clinical Definition Cholesterol is a fat-like substance produced by the liver; it is also an animal sterol found in all foods from animal products. While it is an essential cellular component, cholesterol can cause atherosclerosis (i.e., arterial plaque buildup) when too much exists in the blood stream, leading to heart disease and stroke. In Our…

Clinical Definition COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a term used to refer to a group of diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. All these diseases involve airflow obstruction and breathing-related problems. The typical course of COPD is gradual progression, with airflow lung function worsening. Because COPD adds to the work of the heart,…

Clinical Definition Claustrophobia is a persistent, irrational fear of enclosed spaces. The phobia, a type of anxiety disorder, triggers reactions and anxiety symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and tachycardia, which results in avoidance of situations or objects that trigger it. Desensitization, medication and cognitive therapy can help. In Our Own Words Claustrophobia is fear of…

Clinical Definition Colitis is a medical condition that exhibits inflammation of the colon, whether caused by an inflammatory bowel disease, infection, or some other process. In Our Own Words Colitis is characterized by inflammation of the colon. There are many different kinds of colitis, including infectious colitis, ulcerative colitis, diverticular colitis, and radiation colitis. In…

Clinical Definition The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, usually involving a sore throat, runny nose, sneezing and coughing. Symptoms often last for up to two weeks. In Our Own Words More than 200 different viruses are known to cause the common cold, but most often, it’s a rhinovirus. When…

Clinical Definition Congestion is an excessive accumulation of bodily fluids, such as mucus or blood, in an organ, vessel or body part. It may develop in a part of the body due to obstruction in normal fluid movement or an increased influx of fluid. The term most commonly refers to nasal congestion, but can also…

Clinical Definition Congestive heart failure refers to a decrease in the heart’s ability to pump blood, which in turn is associated with congestion and edema in the tissues, potentially including the lungs. Heart failure may be associated with symptoms such as shortness of breath, edema, vein distension in the neck’s (jugular) veins or an enlarged…

Clinical Definition Coronavirus is a genus in the family Coronaviridae. It is a causative agent of upper respiratory tract infections, which may range from the common cold to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Less commonly, coronavirus may also cause gastroenteritis, pancreatitis and infectious peritonitis. It may be transmitted through inhalation of respiratory droplets from an…

Clinical Definition Corticosteroids are synthetic compounds that produce physiological effects similar to the chemicals produced by the human adrenal cortex. Corticosteroids decrease the inflammatory process and the immune system response, which may have a therapeutic effect on a variety of diseases. In Our Own Words Corticosteroids are a type of medication made to induce some…

Clinical Definition Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a rare neurodegenerative disease that occurs due to prion proteins, which are even smaller than viruses. The disease is classified as a spongiform encephalopathy due to the formation of vacuoles in the gray matter of the brain. The condition causes rapid deterioration of brain function and is fatal. There are…

Clinical Definition Crohn’s disease is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract most often in the ileum and large intestine. Inflammation can lead to abscesses and ulcers, and chronic symptoms may result in fibrosis, stenosis and bowel obstruction. In Our Own Words Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory gastrointestinal disease of unknown cause that affects…

Clinical Definition A deep venous thrombosis refers to a stationary blood clot, or thrombus formation, inside a vein. It usually develops in proximal veins of the lower extremities, and elements believed to contribute to thrombus formation include vascular injury, blood stasis and hypercoagulability. A pulmonary embolism is a serious complication of deep venous thrombosis. In…

Clinical Definition A defibrillator is a medical device that can administer a therapeutic, electrical impulse to the myocardium of the heart. It is used to eradicate life-threatening arrhythmias and re-establish a normal contraction rhythm of the heart. In Our Own Words A defibrillator is a device used to deliver an electrical shock to the heart…

Clinical Definition Dehydration is a lack of adequate water in the body that can be hazardous and even life-threatening, often occurring due to inadequate fluid intake during hot weather, exercise, fever, diarrhea or vomiting. Older adults and those on diuretic medications for hypertension are also prone to dehydration.  Symptoms may include dry mouth, dry cough,…

Clinical Definition Dementia is not a specific disease but a descriptive term for a collection of symptoms severe enough to interfere with daily life, such as a decline in memory, judgment or other thinking skills. These symptoms occur in many different disorders. Dementia is not a normal part of aging but is common in very…

Clinical Definition Dermatitis is an umbrella term that describes an epidermal inflammation that can manifest as a range of skin irritations and rashes, ranging from mild to severe. In Our Own Words There are several common types of dermatitis (i.e., an irritation of the skin that can manifest in redness, irritation, itchiness and rashes), including…

Clinical Definition Diarrhea is the frequent discharge of loose bowel movements consisting of semisolid or fluid fecal matter. Diarrhea has many potential causes and may be acute or chronic. In Our Own Words Diarrhea, sometimes called ”the runs,” is a watery, loose stool that can be a nuisance due to frequent trips to the toilet.…

Clinical Definition Diverticulitis is a condition that results when one or more diverticula become inflamed and infected. When the pouches become blocked with waste materials and bacterial buildup, the site then becomes inflamed and infected.  Cramps, abdominal tenderness, chills and fever can occur as the infection progresses. While the condition may resolve on its own,…