Clinical Definition Postnasal drip is the secretion of mucus into the nasal pharynx from the posterior nasal cavities. The condition is often chronic, with excessive or thick secretions. Allergies, sinusitis and upper respiratory tract infections may cause the condition. Postnasal drip is a common cause of sore throat and coughing. In Our Own Words Postnasal…
Postpartum Depression
Clinical Definition Postpartum depression is characterized by an emotional disturbance including depressed mood in the weeks to months following childbirth. It is distinct from postpartum blues, which is generally mild and resolves with a week or two after giving birth. The cause of postpartum depression is not known, but fluctuating hormones may alter brain chemistry…
Pre-Existing Condition
Clinical Definition A pre-existing condition is any diagnosis or treatment of a medical condition that occurred prior to enrollment in a healthcare plan. In the past, individual insurance companies may have put different time limits on pre-existing conditions for exclusion and rate purposes. In Our Own Words A pre-existing condition refers to a medical condition a…
Prebiotics
Clinical Definition Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients, typically carbohydrates, which benefit the host by stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or several select species of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. Potentially, prebiotics can be used to favor the growth and activity probiotic bacteria. In Our Own Words Prebiotics promote good bacteria. Prebiotics are defined…
Preeclampsia
Clinical Definition Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related hypertensive disorder that occurs most commonly in the second half of pregnancy. Preeclampsia is classified as a form of toxemia characterized by edema, hypertension and proteinuria. Risks for preeclampsia include renal disease, obesity and diabetes. The condition can progress to eclampsia if not treated promptly. In Our Own Words…
Premenstrual Syndrome
Clinical Definition Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is a condition affecting some women of reproductive age. During the days before the menstrual period starts, affected women experience physical symptoms and/or dramatic mood changes. If these occur month after month, and other criteria are present, the diagnosis is PMS. Believed to be related to fluctuating levels of…
Prenatal Care
Clinical Definition Prenatal care is the health care a woman receives during pregnancy. It involves monitoring and managing health issues, which may develop. Prenatal care is important in order to reduce incidences of miscarriage, low birth weight and improve maternal and infant outcomes. In Our Own Words To provide the best care for a pregnant…
Presbycusis
Clinical Definition Presbycusis is the gradual, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss associated with aging. Manifestation may include the inability to discriminate sounds. Several factors may contribute over a lifetime to age-related hearing loss including toxins, infections, diabetes, exposure to loud noises, and genetics. Prebycusis can vary in severity and range from mild to complete deafness. In…
Probiotics
Clinical Definition Probiotics are live microorganisms that may affect the host beneficially by improving intestinal microbial balance. While believed helpful, the role of probiotics, found in fermented dairy foods such as aged cheeses and yogurts as well as in other foods and in supplements, has not yet been established for most diseases and conditions. In…
Psoriasis
Clinical Definition Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with inflamed skin lesions. These inflamed skin lesions are covered with silver-white scabs of dead skin scales. In Our Own Words Psoriasis is a condition that affects millions of Americans and can take on many different forms. Plaque psoriasis is the most common, and raised red…
PTSD
Clinical Definition PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is classified as an anxiety disorder by the American Psychiatric Association. It is triggered by a severe traumatic event, which causes fear of injury or death. The exact reason why some individuals develop PTSD is not known. The theory is an adrenaline response during the initial trauma may…
Pulmonary Embolism
Clinical Definition A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the lungs main artery. It is usually caused by detached fragments from a thrombus in another part of the body. The thrombus moves through the bloodstream and lodges in the pulmonary artery, creating an occlusion. Due to restricted blood flow to the lungs, hypoxia and pulmonary…
Pulmonary Hypertension
Clinical Definition Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is high blood pressure in the lungs. In PH, the blood vessels in the lungs and the right side of the heart are sites of higher-than-normal pressure. It is different from regular hypertension, which affects the entire body. This significant pressure strains the heart’s right ventricle so much it may…
Q Fever
Clinical Definition Q fever is an infectious disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, which is a Gram- negative intracellular bacterium. Cattle, sheep and dogs may be reservoirs for the organism. Transmission to humans occurs through contact with excretions from infected animals. Breathing aerosols from contaminated barnyard dust can also lead to infection. Q fever may be either…
Quadrantanopia
Clinical Definition Quadrantanopia is a partial defect in the visual field. It involves blindness or decreased vision in a quarter section of the visual field. It may occur unilaterally or bilaterally. Quadrantanopia is often due to a stroke, head trauma or a lesion on the occipital lobe. In Our Own Words Quadrantanopia is the loss…
Quadriceps
Clinical Definition The quadriceps is a group of four muscles that covers the femur anteriorly. The four named parts of the quadriceps are vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, vastus medialis and the rectus femoris. These muscles arise from the proximal femur and ilium, and fuse together at the patellar tendon to insert upon the tibial tuberosity.…
Quadricepsplasty
Clinical Definition Quadricepsplasty is a surgical procedure performed on the quadriceps femoris in order to improve range of motion in the knee. It involves releasing adhesions, which may have developed due to a previous injury. Adhesions may prevent normal flexion of the knee. Once scar tissue is removed, it may increase mobility and improve the…
Quadriplegia
Clinical Definition Quadriplegia is paralysis of both arms and legs, which occurs when motor and/or sensory function in the cervical spinal segments is impaired or lost due to spinal cord damage. The result is paralysis of the upper limbs, lower limbs, trunk and pelvic organs, which may occur after a high spinal cord accident or a…
Quarantine
Clinical Definition Quarantine is a public health practice that involves imposing separation and the restriction of movement on a person who may have a communicable disease. It is done to prevent the transmission of a contagious disease. A quarantine can also be imposed on someone who has been exposed to a contagious disease to determine…
Quiet Sleep
Clinical Definition Non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) sleep is one of two basic states or phases of sleep. Because it is a time of reduced brain activation, its also referred to as quiet sleep. Non-REM sleep includes stages 1 and 2, which are light sleep, and 3 and 4, which are deep sleep. Quiet sleep contrasts…
Quinine
Clinical Definition Quinine sulfate is a prescription medication approved for use as an anti-malarial treatment. It is one of several remedies to treat malaria, an infection transmitted by mosquitoes that carry the parasite Plasmodium falciparum. In Our Own Words In the early 17th century, Spanish Jesuit missionaries learned from Indian tribes about a medicinal tree bark. After…
Radiation Therapy
Clinical Definition Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to damage or alter cellular DNA in order to treat malignancies or disease. Once genetic material in cancer cells is damaged, cells are unable to divide, and tumors shrink or may be eradicated. The dose of radiation given will vary based on the malignancy and specific site treated.…
Radon
Clinical Definition Radon is a colorless, radioactive gas that occurs from the breakdown of uranium. It is classified as a carcinogen and can be found in rocks, soil and ground water. In Our Own Words Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that naturally occurs as the radioactive element uranium decays in rocks and…
Rebound Headache
Clinical Definition Rebound headaches are the escalation of headache pain after the discontinuation of analgesics. Rebound headaches often occur frequently, even daily. The exact physiology of what causes rebound headaches is not completely understood. It is theorized that headache medication may alter or interfere with a particular individuals brain chemistry and affect how pain pathways…
Renal Failure
Clinical Definition Renal failure is either a level of glomerular filtration rate of less than 15 mL/min/1.73m2, or a need to initiate kidney replacement therapy, either dialysis or transplantation, for complications of decreased GFR. GRF levels used in defining renal failure are viewed as arbitrary in potential need of modification based on kidney replacement therapy…
Respiratory infection
Clinical Definition A respiratory infection is considered an infectious disease, such as pneumonia, influenza and the common cold, which affects the respiratory tract. Respiratory infections may affect the upper respiratory tract, lower respiratory tract, or both. A respiratory infection may be caused by a viral or bacterial pathogen and may range from mild to severe.…
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Clinical Definition Respiratory syncytial virus is an infection caused by the virus from the Pneumovirus genus. Although healthy adults can become infected, it usually results in a mild respiratory infection. In young children, it tends to cause inflammation of the bronchioles. In some cases, it may also lead to bronchopneumonia and respiratory failure. The infection…
Restless legs syndrome
Clinical Definition Restless legs syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by intense urges to move the legs, typically in supine positions and accompanied by uncomfortable periodic prickling sensations. Exact cause is unknown, but several underlying conditions are thought to be associated with restless leg syndrome, including iron deficiency, kidney failure and peripheral nerve disease. In…
Rett-Syndrome
Clinical Definition Rett syndrome is a pediatric neurodevelopmental disorder predominantly affecting females. The nervous system disorder leads to developmental reversals, especially in expressive language and use of the hands. Breathing problems, floppy limbs and seizures may occur In Our Own Words Rett syndrome is a genetic disorder affecting the nervous system. The gene thought to…
Reyes-Syndrome
Clinical Definition Reyes syndrome is a rare, acute illness that produces a buildup of fat in the bodys organ systems. It primarily causes encephalopathy and brain damage, along with fatty degenerative liver failure. Typically, it affects children under the age of 15. The specific cause is not known, but an association with ingestion of salicylates…
Rh factor blood test
Clinical Definition Rh factor blood test detects a protein, Rh factor, which can be present on the surface of erythrocytes. The majority of the population have the Rh factor and so test ”Rh positive.” When the blood test does not detect Rh factor, the result is Rh negative. Pregnant women are tested not only for…
Rheumatism
Clinical Definition Rheumatism is defined as the pain and stiffness of soft tissues in and around the joints. It refers to more than 100 collective conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system (which consists of the joints, muscles, bones and tendons). Among the most common rheumatic conditions are osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and scleroderma. In Our…
Rhinitis
Clinical Definition Rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Rhinitis is usually classified as either infectious, allergic or non-allergic. The mucus membranes may become irritated and inflamed due to allergies, viruses and bacteria. Allergic rhinitis is the most common type of rhinitis. In Our Own Words Rhinitis is an inflammation and irritation of the mucus…
Rhinophyma
Clinical Definition Rhinophyma is a condition, which is thought to be a severe form of rosacea. It is characterized by hypertrophy and redness of the lower portion of the nose. It is a result of hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands in the nose. The condition may also spread to the adjacent cheeks. In Our Own…
Rickets
Clinical Definition Rickets is a deficiency disease resulting from a lack of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphorus, all crucial for normal growth and development of bones. Stooped posture may be a symptom; contributing factors include poor diet, lactose intolerance, low calcium intake, lack of sun exposure and long-term breastfeeding, as breast milk has low levels…
Ringworm
Clinical Definition Ringworm, known medically as tinea, refers to a highly contagious skin infection that is not caused by a worm but by several types of fungi. Tinea corporis is ringworm on the body, for example, and tinea capitis targets only the scalp. These fungi specially thrive on the skin between the toes and in the groin because…
Rosacea
Clinical Definition Rosacea is a common skin disorder that most often affects facial skin. Some experts believe that rosacea may be related to a vascular disorder because of its association with flushing, redness and visible blood vessels. Sometimes called adult acne, rosacea causes redness that appears on the chin, nose, cheeks and forehead. As the…
Rotator Cuff
Clinical Definition The rotator cuff refers to parts of the capsule of the shoulder joint, reinforced by four tendons that connect to the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis muscles. The rotator cuff helps keep the upper arm (humerus) stable in the shoulder socket. In Our Own Words The rotator cuff is made of four…
Rotavirus
Clinical Definition Rotavirus is caused by a group of RNA viruses in the reoviridae family. It is a common cause of gastroenteritis. It is highly contagious and found in the stool of infected individuals. Although anyone can become infected with rotavirus, it is the leading cause of severe diarrhea in children. Vaccines are available to…
Rubella
Clinical Definition Rubella is an infectious, exanthematous disease caused by the rubivirus, a member of the togavirus family. It is characterized by a red rash and mild flu-like symptoms. The disease is usually mild in children and adults; in pregnant women, however, it can lead to fetal birth defects. Immunization is available to prevent rubella.…
Ruptured Disc
Clinical Definition Family practice, Orthopedics, Physical medicine & rehab In Our Own Words In between each vertebra in the spine is a disc that acts as a cushion. Each disc is made up of two parts. The outer ring of the disc is a ligament connecting the vertebrae called the annulus. The center of each…
Salmonella
Clinical Definition Salmonella is a type of bacteria and a common cause of foodborne illness, or food poisoning. The infection associated with Salmonella is called salmonellosis. In Our Own Words Salmonella bacteria are one of the most common causes of food poisoning. Gastroenteritis with diarrhea and cramping is the most common presentation. Symptoms can last…
Salmonellosis
Clinical Definition Salmonellosis is an infectious illness, which causes a type of gastroenteritis. It occurs in all parts of the world and is due to ingestion of food contaminated with the bacteria salmonella. The period from ingesting foods contaminated with the bacteria and symptoms is generally 8 to 72 hours. The illness is usually characterized…
Sarcoidosis
Clinical Definition Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease caused by an exaggerated inflammatory response by the immune system after environmental stimuli. The response causes the formation of granulomas. Although granulomas may develop anywhere on the body, they commonly occur in the lungs causing interstitial fibrosis. There may be a genetic predisposition, but the etiology is unknown.…
SARS
Clinical Definition Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral infectious disease that results in a serious respiratory infection. The causative agent is a SARS-associated coronavirus. SARS often causes pneumonia-like symptoms to develop, which can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). It is most often spread through respiratory droplets. The viruss incubation period (from…
Scabies
Clinical Definition In Our Own Words Scabies is a treatable skin condition caused by a small itch mite that tunnels under the skin and lays eggs. Highly contagious, this condition can be spread by close, skin-to-skin contact. Common sites of infestation include between the fingers, behind the knee and the groin area. Treatment involves symptom…
Schizophrenia
Clinical Definition Schizophrenia is a chronic and disabling mental illness. Those affected may report hearing voices that others do not hear, believe people are reading their minds or controlling their thoughts, and may feel as if strangers are trying to harm them. The first delusions or breaks with reality typically occur in adolescence or young…
Scleroderma
Clinical Definition Scleroderma refers to a group of disorders of unknown etiology that involve skin sclerosis. Scleroderma may be a limited, localized disease of the skin or a more widespread, systemic condition with organ involvement. In some instances, blood vessels, muscles, joints and organs including the lungs, heart and kidneys are affected. In Our Own…
Scoliosis
Clinical Definition Family practice, Orthopedics, Pediatrics In Our Own Words Typically, the backs vertebrae are stacked on top of each other. If the spine is viewed from the back, the vertebrae should be in a straight line from the neck to the tailbone. Scoliosis is a medical condition in which the spine has an abnormal sideways…
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Clinical Definition Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder can affect adults or infants. In adults, it can be mild and asymptomatic or more involved. Dandruff, which presents with white or yellow greasy scales on the scalp that flake off, is a form of seborrheic dermatitis. In children, seborrheic dermatitis is known as cradle…
Secondhand Smoke
Clinical Definition Secondhand smoke is the unintentional inhalation of smoke from a pipe, cigar or cigarette by nonsmokers. Secondhand smoke contains carcinogens and respiratory irritants, which over time can have consequences such as lung cancer and possibly COPD. The two forms of secondhand smoke include mainline smoke and sidestream smoke. Mainstream smoke is smoke exhaled.…
Separation Anxiety
Clinical Definition Separation anxiety can occur in children or adults. In children, it is a normal developmental stage, with anxiety occurring when separated from a primary caregiver, typically the mother. It typically disappears by age 2. Adults can also suffer from separation anxiety. In both adults and children, the condition may be classified as a…
Septicemia
Clinical Definition Septicemia is bacteremia that occurs especially with severe infections of the lungs, abdomen and urinary tract. It may occur before or with osteomyelitis, meningitis, endocarditis or other infections. Chills, high fever, rapid heart rate and respirations are common at the onset, progressing to petechiae and ecchymosis, shock and confusion. Diagnosis is by blood culture,…
Serotonin
Clinical Definition Serotonin is a neurotransmitter made from the amino acid tryptophan. It plays a role in the regulation of sleep, appetite, mood and pain. Serotonin is made and released naturally. Some antidepressant medications act by increasing the availability of serotonin for central signaling to positively affect mood in depressed patients. In Our Own Words…
Sexual Transmitted Diseases
Clinical Definition STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, are infections that spread through sexual activity with someone who is already infected. They may be transmitted by mouth, anus, vagina or penis. Many of these infections can be treated with antibiotics. In Our Own Words Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections and viruses spread through unprotected oral,…
Shin Splints
Clinical Definition Shin splints is an inflammation of the periosteum, tendons and bones around the tibia, which causes pain. It usually occurs around the medial portion of the tibia and is related to exercise and overuse. Activities, such as running, place a high degree of force on the tibia bone and often lead to the…
Shingles
Clinical Definition Shingles is an infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The condition causes inflammation of the ganglia and is characterized by a skin rash and postherpetic pain. Shingles usually develops after a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, due to a primary chickenpox infection. In Our Own Words Shingles is a viral infection…
Sickle Cell Disease
Clinical Definition Sickle cell disease is a group of hereditary disorders of erythrocytes, typically diagnosed in neonates with a blood test. Homozygous and compound heterozygous individuals have symptomatic disease, while heterozygous individuals have sickle cell trait, a generally benign condition. SCD is characterized by anemia, pain, potentially life-threatening complications such as bacterial septicemia, acute chest…
Sigmoid Colon
Clinical Definition Sigmoid colon is the section of the colon that leads to the rectum and anus. It makes an S-shaped curve. The colon’s other segments are the cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, and descending colon, with the entire length typically about six feet. In Our Own Words The sigmoid colon is the part of…
Sinusitis
Clinical Definition Sinusitis is an infection or inflammation of the mucus membranes of the sinuses. Swelling of the membranes can obstruct normal drainage, which can lead to the growth of bacteria and development of an infection. Sinusitis may be allergic, bacterial, viral, and/or may involve structural abnormalities. Clinical presentation of acute sinusitis usually includes headache,…
Spinal Stenosis
Clinical Definition Spinal stenosis is a degenerative condition, which occurs due to narrowing of the spinal canal. The facet joint may also become enlarged. The narrowing or compression of the canal causes pressure on the nerve roots and spinal cord. Multiple areas of the spine can be involved including the cervical and lumbar area. Although it can be congenital, spinal…
Staph Infection
Clinical Definition Staph infection is caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium. Staph, as it’s often called, is prevalent and frequently found on the skin or in the nose of people who are healthy. Infections can range from minor to more serious ones that can affect wounds, the bloodstream or the lungs. Some staph bacteria, called MRSA for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus…
Subdural Hematoma
Clinical Definition A subdural hematoma (SDH) is an intracranial blood clot between the dura mater and arachnoid layer of the meninges. The hematoma often develops due to shearing of the bridging veins, a breakage caused by head trauma. A subdural hematoma often causes an increase in intracranial pressure, which may result in damage to the…
Sympathetic Nervous System
Clinical Definition The sympathetic nervous system is a division of the autonomic nervous system. It consists of nerves, which originate in the thoracic region of the spinal cord and extends to the lumbar area. In response to a stimulus the body senses is dangerous, the neurons of the sympathetic nervous system release norepinephrine and then…
Synovial Fluid
Clinical Definition Synovial fluid is the clear, viscous fluid secreted by the membranes in tendon sheaths and joint cavities. It functions as a lubricant between articulating joints, which reduces friction during movement. Synovial fluid is considered a shear thickening fluid because it increases in viscosity under applied pressure. The increase in viscosity provides shock absorption,…
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
Clinical Definition Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a cardiac condition that causes a weakening of the left ventricle. It is usually precipitated by a severe emotional stressor. The theory is adrenaline, which is produced in response to stress, may trigger a change in the coronary arteries of the myocardium. The change reduces the efficiency of the left…
Tendinitis
Clinical Definition Tendinitis is the inflammatory response or microscopic tearing of fibrosis tissue, which connects the muscle to bone. This condition is often due to repetitive motions, and is a common cause of soft tissue pain and strain. In Our Own Words Tendinitis is the irritation or inflammation of any tendon in the body, and…
Tension Headache
Clinical Definition Tension headaches, sometimes called tension-type headaches, are the most prevalent type of head pain experienced by adults. Patients vary with frequency of symptoms, and the pain may be mild or moderate and feel like a band of pressure squeezing the head. In Our Own Words Tension headaches, or tension-type headaches, are not migraines,…
Testicular Cancer
Clinical Definition Testicular cancer originates in the testicles, usually affecting a single testicle. Risk factors include having an undescended testicle, Klinefelter’s syndrome, being of Caucasian race and having a family history of testicular cancer. Scrotal edema, testicular lumps or swelling and groin aches are possible symptoms. Diagnosis is by ultrasound, serum tumor markers and physical…
Thromboembolism
Clinical Definition A thromboembolism is the occlusion of blood flow in a vessel due to a thrombus. It can occur if a fragment of a thrombus travels through the bloodstream from the original site of formation and lodges in a blood vessel. The thrombus obstructs blood flow in the vessel. Various consequences, such as tissue death…
Thrombosis
Clinical Definition Cardiology, Emergency medicine, Internal medicine In Our Own Words Thrombosis refers to the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) either in a blood vessel or in one of the heart’s chambers. Often, this clot will develop in a vein deep in the body, called deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. Normally these clots occur…
Thumb Arthritis
Clinical Definition Thumb arthritis is a musculoskeletal condition, which usually affects the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb. It is usually caused by osteoarthritis. It develops when the smooth cartilage, which covers the ends of the bones, becomes thinner. This causes friction between the bones, which leads to pain and possible basal joint deformity. In Our…
Thyroid
Clinical Definition The thyroid is a small, soft gland inferior to the larynx in the anterior of the neck. The tissue of the gland is comprised of parafollicular and follicular cells. The thyroid secretes several hormones including triiodothyronine and thyroxin, which regulates metabolic rate. Diseases of the thyroid may develop if excess or insufficient hormone…
Tinnitus
Clinical Definition Tinnitus is perceiving ringing in the ears or other sounds (such as hissing, clicking or whooshing) that have no external cause. Sufferers hear ringing, ocean waves or a frustrating variety of other sounds sometimes referred to as head noise. The wordtinnitus comes from Latin, originally meaning “to ring or tinkle like a bell.” Nearly…
Trichotillomania
Clinical Definition Trichotillomania is an impulse control disorder that may present as alopecia with an irregular pattern. Typically affecting the scalp, it can also be evident on the eyebrows and eyelashes. Depression, anxiety and behaviors such as nail biting and skin-picking may co-exist. Diagnosis is based on clinical findings and patient input. Etiology is largely…
Triglycerides
Clinical Definition Triglycerides are fatty compounds that consist of glycerol and fatty acids. They are synthesized from foods digested and circulate in the bloodstream as a cellular energy source. Excess triglycerides are stored in the adipose tissue of the body. If hypertriglyceridemia is present, it can lead to an increased risk of coronary artery disease.…
Tuberculosis
Clinical Definition Tuberculosis, or TB, is caused by a bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria are spread from infected persons through the air, typically tainting the lungs. However, the bacteria can also affect the kidneys, spine and brain. Skin tests and blood tests are used to detect TB infection, while medications are used to treat the debilitating disease.…
Tuberous Sclerosis
Clinical Definition Tuberous sclerosis is a group of two genetic disorders with a spectrum of clinical expressions, including dermatological, neurological, renal and cardiac, and commonly accompanied by epilepsy, autism, developmental delay and skin birthmarks. Mutations in the genes TSC1 or TSC2 are responsible for most cases. Symptoms include patchy red skin or white skin, seizures,…
Tumor
Clinical Definition A tumor is any kind of swelling or enlargement of tissues involving abnormal growth anywhere in the body. A tumor can be cancerous or noncancerous (benign). However, benign tumors can still cause problems. In Our Own Words A tumor is an abnormal growth. Normally, cells in your body grow, divide and then die.…
Type 1 Diabetes
Clinical Definition Type 1 diabetes is an endocrine-based disease that occurs when the human pancreas produces insufficient amounts of insulin, or none at all. The result is a buildup of abnormally high levels of sugar (i.e., glucose) in the blood. In Our Own Words Type 1 diabetes (formerly juvenile diabetes) is a disease of the…
Type 2 Diabetes
Clinical Definition Type 2 diabetes is an endocrine disease that occurs when the pancreas produces insulin; however, the insulin does not act (i.e., the body does not respond) as it should or there is not enough of it to get sugar or glucose into the cells for the body to process and use as energy.…
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Clinical Definition Type 2 diabetes is an endocrine disease that occurs when the pancreas produces insulin, however, the insulin does not act (the body does not respond) as it should or there is not enough of it to get sugar or glucose into the cells for the body to process and use as energy. This…
Ulcerative Colitis
Clinical Definition Ulcerative colitis is a common and chronic gastrointestinal disorder classified as an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The other common type of IBD is Crohns disease. In IBD, the immune system is thought to have an abnormal response to food, bacteria and other materials in the intestine, mistaking them for foreign substances and attacking…
Unstable Angina
Clinical Definition Unstable angina is a cardiac condition, causing acute chest pain. The chest pain occurs due to decreased blood flow to the myocardium. The most common underlying cause of unstable angina is atherosclerosis. Unstable angina characteristically does not have a pattern and may occur without physical exertion. In Our Own Words Unstable angina is…
Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome
Clinical Definition Upper airway resistance syndrome is a sleep breathing disorder in which resistance to airflow in the upper airway occurs and causes increased workload and frequent respiratory effort-related arousals. It is also one cause of daytime somnolence. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, it does not cause periods of hypoxia or apnea. In Our Own Words…
Urethra
Clinical Definition The urethra is the tube that transports urine (and semen, in males) out of the body. The urethra begins at the bladder in men and extends through the prostate gland, perineum and the length of the penis. In females, the urethral length is shorter and extends from the bladder to just in front…
Urethritis
Clinical Definition Urethritis is inflammation and swelling of the urethra, a tube that transports urine from the bladder to outside the body. In men, the urethra carries urine from the bladder to the penis to void urine. In women, the urethra’s opening is in front of the vagina. The urethra can become inflamed due to…
Urgent Care
Clinical Definition Urgent care is a category of medical services intended to treat acute and chronic medical problems. Considered ambulatory care, it is delivered on a walk-in basis. It differs from an emergency room in the seriousness of illnesses, injuries and conditions treated. Staff in the urgent care setting treat patients who require immediate medical…
Urticaria
Clinical Definition Urticaria, commonly called hives, is a vascular reaction to histamine in the upper dermis layers characterized by itching and patches of dermis that are redder than surrounding tissue. In Our Own Words Urticaria is commonly known as hives. Hives are itchy, raised, red splotches caused by a reaction to histamine, which the body…
Uterine Polyps
Clinical Definition Uterine polyps are growths that occur in the endometrium, or the inner lining of the uterus, formed by the overgrowth of endometrial tissues. Hormones and estrogen level variations may be involved in their growth. In Our Own Words Uterine polyps are growths in the inner lining of the uterus. While the exact cause…
Uterus
Clinical Definition The uterus, or womb, is the female organ that carries the fetus. When a woman becomes pregnant, fertilization normally takes place in the fallopian tube; next the fused egg and sperm travel to the lining of the uterus, implant and grow. Menstruation is the monthly shedding of the uterine lining; the monthly flow…
Vacuum-assisted delivery
Clinical Definition Vacuum-assisted delivery is a type of obstetrical intervention used to deliver a fetus vaginally. A suction device, referred to as a vacuum, is attached to the skull to assist with vaginal delivery. A vacuum-assisted delivery may be implemented in cases of fetal distress in order to deliver the baby quickly. Possible complications of…
Vaginitis
Clinical Definition Vaginitis is a condition affecting the vagina brought on by bacteria, yeast or viruses that cause infection or inflammation. Symptoms vary depending on the cause of the infection. In Our Own Words Vaginitis is an infection or inflammation of the vagina. Often there is a change in the balance of the microscopic flora…
Valley Fever
Clinical Definition Valley fever is a pulmonary infection that develops due to inhalation of spores from the fungus Coccidioides immitis. Native to Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States, this fungus makes spores which are found in the soil of low rainfall areas. The spores become lodged in the alveoli, which leads to inflammation…
Valve Disease
Clinical Definition Valve disease, or valvular heart disease, occurs when the cardiac valves (mitral, tricuspid, aortic, pulmonic) do not function correctly, either due to valvular stenosis or valvular insufficiency. Valvular disease can be congenital or acquired. Cardiovascular imaging can evaluate the severity and type of valvular disease. Medication may help, or valvular surgery can repair…
Varicella
Clinical Definition Varicella is an infectious childhood disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, also known as the human herpes virus-3, characterized by an itchy rash that can last up to 10 days. In Our Own Words Chickenpox is the common name for varicella, which is caused by a strain of herpes known as the varicella-zoster…
Varicose Veins
Clinical Definition Varicose veins are abnormal, dilated blood vessels caused by a weakening in the vessel wall or valve. They most often appear on the legs and in the pelvic areas as blue or purple vein clusters and are more common in women. In Our Own Words Varicose veins are a common condition that occur…
Vasodilator
Clinical Definition A vasodilator is a pharmacological agent that causes relaxation of the smooth muscle cells within the walls of the vessels. The relaxation results in dilation of the blood vessels. Vasodilators allow an increase in circulation and are used to treat conditions like hypertension. In Our Own Words Some types of medical conditions cause…
Venous thromboembolism
Clinical Definition A venous thromboembolism is a medical condition, which includes a pulmonary embolism and a deep vein thrombosis. It occurs when a thrombus develops in a vein in the body and obstructs blood flow. Thrombus formation can occur due to several factors, such as venous stasis, inactivity and damage to the vessel walls. In…