Glossary
Health Meditations
Health Information for Body, Mind and Spirit
Health Information for Body, Mind and Spirit
- A Holistic Approach to Health
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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
This Health Glossary was compiled from a variety of sources and is not an exhaustive
list of health terms. Your doctor and other health professionals may use technical
terms to explain your medical condition or your test results. If your doctor uses health
terms that you don’t understand, ask her or him to explain in words you can understand.
A
acute — Acute often means urgent. An acute disease happens suddenly. It lasts a short
time. Acute is the opposite of chronic, or long lasting.
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices —The Advisory Committee on
Immunization Practices (ACIP) consists of 15 experts in fields associated with
immunization who have been selected by the Secretary of the U. S. Department of
Health and Human Services to provide advice and guidance to the Secretary, the
Assistant Secretary for Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) on the most effective means to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases.
The Committee develops written recommendations for the routine administration of
vaccines to the pediatric and adult populations, along with schedules regarding the
appropriate periodicity, dosage, and contraindications applicable to the vaccines. ACIP
is the only entity in the federal government which makes such recommendations.
allergen — a foreign substance to the body's immune system that may cause an
allergic reaction.
allergies — disorders that involve an immune response in the body. Allergies are
reactions to allergens such as plant pollen, other grasses and weeds, certain foods,
rubber latex, insect bites, or certain drugs.
alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) — AFP is protein made by the fetus’ liver, in the fetal
gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the yolk sac. During pregnancy, AFP crosses into the
mother's blood. The level of AFP in the mother's blood can be measured to screen for
disorders such as neural tube defects and Down syndrome. The mother’s AFP levels
tend to be high with neural tube defects such as anencephaly and Spina bifida, and low
with Down syndrome.
alpha-fetoprotein screening (AFP) — This blood test measures the levels of a
substance called alpha-fetoprotein in the mother's blood. Abnormal levels can indicate
a brain or spinal cord defect, the presence of twins, a miscalculated due date, or an
increased risk of Down syndrome.
alveoli cells — tiny glands in the breast that produce milk.
amniocentesis — If necessary, this test is performed between 15 and 20 weeks of
pregnancy and can indicate chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, or
genetic disorders such as Tay Sachs disease, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, and
others. It also can detect the baby's sex and risk of spina bifida (a condition in which the
brain or spine do not develop properly).
amniotic fluid — clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds the unborn baby (fetus)
during pregnancy. It is contained in the amniotic sac.
amniotic sac — During pregnancy, the amniotic sac is formed within the uterus and
encloses the fetus. This sac bursts normally during the birthing process, releasing the
amniotic fluid. A popular term for the amniotic sac with the amniotic fluid is the bag of
waters.
amputation — removal of part or all of a body part, except for organs in the body. It
usually takes place during surgery in a hospital operating room. It is done because of
injury to the body part or problems from diabetes, hardening of the arteries, or any other
illness that impairs blood circulation. It is also done to prevent the spread of bone
cancer. Many amputees are able to be fitted with an artificial limb.
anemia — a condition in which a person’s blood has a lower than normal number of
red blood cells. Or the red blood cells don’t have enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is
an iron-rich protein that gives the red color to blood and helps red blood cells carry
oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body. People with anemia feel tired and may
have other symptoms because their bodies are not receiving enough oxygen.
aneurysm — a thin or weak spot in an artery that balloons out and can burst.
angina — a recurring pain or discomfort in the chest that happens when some part of
the heart does not receive enough blood. It is a common symptom of coronary heart
disease, which occurs when vessels that carry blood to the heart become narrowed and
blocked due to atherosclerosis. Angina feels like a pressing or squeezing pain, usually
in the chest under the breast bone, but sometimes in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaws,
or back. Angina is usually is brought on by exertion, and relieved within a few minutes by
resting or by taking prescribed angina medicine.
angioplasty — a medical procedure used to restore blood flow through a narrowed or
blocked artery in the heart.
anorexia nervosa — an eating disorder caused by a person having a distorted body
image and not consuming the appropriate calorie intake resulting in severe weight loss.
anovulation — absence of ovulation.
antibiotics — drugs used to fight many infections caused by bacteria. Some antibiotics
are effective against only certain types of bacteria; others can effectively fight a wide
range of bacteria. Antibiotics do not work against viral infections.
antibodies — proteins made by certain white blood cells in response to a foreign
substance (antigen). Antibodies neutralize or destroy antigens.
antidepressants — a name for a category of medications used to treat depression.
antihistamines — drugs that are used to prevent or relieve the symptoms of hay fever
and other allergies by preventing the action of a substance called histamine, which is
produced by the body. Histamine can cause itching, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes,
and sometimes can make breathing difficult. Some of these drugs are also used to
prevent motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Since they may cause
drowsiness as a side effect, some of them may be used to help people go to sleep.
antimetabolites — anticancer drugs that can stop or slow down biochemical reactions
in cells.
anuria — a condition in which the body stops making urine.
anxiety disorder — serious medical illness that fills people's lives with anxiety and fear.
Some anxiety disorders include panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-
traumatic stress disorder, social phobia (or social anxiety disorder), specific phobias,
and generalized anxiety disorder.
apnea — temporary interruption or cessation of breathing.
ARDS — acute respiratory distress syndrome. Also called wet lung. Also called stiff
lung. A breathing failure that can occur in critically ill persons with underlying illnesses.
It is not a specific disease. It is a life-threatening condition that occurs when there is
severe fluid buildup in both lungs. The fluid buildup prevents the lungs from allowing
the transfer of oxygen from air into the blood and carbon dioxide from the blood into the
air.
areola — the dark-colored skin on the breast that surrounds the nipple.
arteries — blood vessels that carry oxygen and blood to the heart, brain and other parts
of the body.
arthritis — swelling, redness, heat and pain of the joints. There are over 100 types of
arthritis.
assisted reproductive technology — technology that involves procedures that handle a
woman's eggs and a man's sperm to help infertile couples conceive a child.
asthma — a chronic disease of the airways. The airways are the tubes that carry air in
and out of the lungs. If you have asthma, the inside walls of your airways are inflamed.
The inflammation makes the airways very sensitive and they tend to react to things that
you find irritating, like cigarette smoke. When the airways react, they get narrower and
less air flows through to the lungs. This narrowing causes symptoms like wheezing,
coughing, chest tightness and trouble breathing. Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be
controlled so that people with asthma can lead active lives. An asthma attack can be
mild, moderate or severe. A severe asthma attack is a medical emergency and can
cause death.
atherosclerosis — a disease in which fatty material is deposited on the wall of the
arteries. This fatty material causes the arteries to become narrow and it eventually
restricts blood flow.
atrial septal defect (ASD) — A hole in the wall (septum) that separates the two upper
chambers of the heart. The heart has four chambers. The two upper chambers are
called atria.
autoimmune — an immune response by the body against one of its own tissues, cells,
or molecules.
autoimmune disease — disease caused by an immune response against foreign
substances in the tissues of one's own body.
This Health Glossary was compiled from a variety of sources and is not an exhaustive
list of health terms. Your doctor and other health professionals may use technical
terms to explain your medical condition or your test results. If your doctor uses health
terms that you don’t understand, ask her or him to explain in words you can understand.
A
acute — Acute often means urgent. An acute disease happens suddenly. It lasts a short
time. Acute is the opposite of chronic, or long lasting.
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices —The Advisory Committee on
Immunization Practices (ACIP) consists of 15 experts in fields associated with
immunization who have been selected by the Secretary of the U. S. Department of
Health and Human Services to provide advice and guidance to the Secretary, the
Assistant Secretary for Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) on the most effective means to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases.
The Committee develops written recommendations for the routine administration of
vaccines to the pediatric and adult populations, along with schedules regarding the
appropriate periodicity, dosage, and contraindications applicable to the vaccines. ACIP
is the only entity in the federal government which makes such recommendations.
allergen — a foreign substance to the body's immune system that may cause an
allergic reaction.
allergies — disorders that involve an immune response in the body. Allergies are
reactions to allergens such as plant pollen, other grasses and weeds, certain foods,
rubber latex, insect bites, or certain drugs.
alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) — AFP is protein made by the fetus’ liver, in the fetal
gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the yolk sac. During pregnancy, AFP crosses into the
mother's blood. The level of AFP in the mother's blood can be measured to screen for
disorders such as neural tube defects and Down syndrome. The mother’s AFP levels
tend to be high with neural tube defects such as anencephaly and Spina bifida, and low
with Down syndrome.
alpha-fetoprotein screening (AFP) — This blood test measures the levels of a
substance called alpha-fetoprotein in the mother's blood. Abnormal levels can indicate
a brain or spinal cord defect, the presence of twins, a miscalculated due date, or an
increased risk of Down syndrome.
alveoli cells — tiny glands in the breast that produce milk.
amniocentesis — If necessary, this test is performed between 15 and 20 weeks of
pregnancy and can indicate chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, or
genetic disorders such as Tay Sachs disease, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, and
others. It also can detect the baby's sex and risk of spina bifida (a condition in which the
brain or spine do not develop properly).
amniotic fluid — clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds the unborn baby (fetus)
during pregnancy. It is contained in the amniotic sac.
amniotic sac — During pregnancy, the amniotic sac is formed within the uterus and
encloses the fetus. This sac bursts normally during the birthing process, releasing the
amniotic fluid. A popular term for the amniotic sac with the amniotic fluid is the bag of
waters.
amputation — removal of part or all of a body part, except for organs in the body. It
usually takes place during surgery in a hospital operating room. It is done because of
injury to the body part or problems from diabetes, hardening of the arteries, or any other
illness that impairs blood circulation. It is also done to prevent the spread of bone
cancer. Many amputees are able to be fitted with an artificial limb.
anemia — a condition in which a person’s blood has a lower than normal number of
red blood cells. Or the red blood cells don’t have enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is
an iron-rich protein that gives the red color to blood and helps red blood cells carry
oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body. People with anemia feel tired and may
have other symptoms because their bodies are not receiving enough oxygen.
aneurysm — a thin or weak spot in an artery that balloons out and can burst.
angina — a recurring pain or discomfort in the chest that happens when some part of
the heart does not receive enough blood. It is a common symptom of coronary heart
disease, which occurs when vessels that carry blood to the heart become narrowed and
blocked due to atherosclerosis. Angina feels like a pressing or squeezing pain, usually
in the chest under the breast bone, but sometimes in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaws,
or back. Angina is usually is brought on by exertion, and relieved within a few minutes by
resting or by taking prescribed angina medicine.
angioplasty — a medical procedure used to restore blood flow through a narrowed or
blocked artery in the heart.
anorexia nervosa — an eating disorder caused by a person having a distorted body
image and not consuming the appropriate calorie intake resulting in severe weight loss.
anovulation — absence of ovulation.
antibiotics — drugs used to fight many infections caused by bacteria. Some antibiotics
are effective against only certain types of bacteria; others can effectively fight a wide
range of bacteria. Antibiotics do not work against viral infections.
antibodies — proteins made by certain white blood cells in response to a foreign
substance (antigen). Antibodies neutralize or destroy antigens.
antidepressants — a name for a category of medications used to treat depression.
antihistamines — drugs that are used to prevent or relieve the symptoms of hay fever
and other allergies by preventing the action of a substance called histamine, which is
produced by the body. Histamine can cause itching, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes,
and sometimes can make breathing difficult. Some of these drugs are also used to
prevent motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Since they may cause
drowsiness as a side effect, some of them may be used to help people go to sleep.
antimetabolites — anticancer drugs that can stop or slow down biochemical reactions
in cells.
anuria — a condition in which the body stops making urine.
anxiety disorder — serious medical illness that fills people's lives with anxiety and fear.
Some anxiety disorders include panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-
traumatic stress disorder, social phobia (or social anxiety disorder), specific phobias,
and generalized anxiety disorder.
apnea — temporary interruption or cessation of breathing.
ARDS — acute respiratory distress syndrome. Also called wet lung. Also called stiff
lung. A breathing failure that can occur in critically ill persons with underlying illnesses.
It is not a specific disease. It is a life-threatening condition that occurs when there is
severe fluid buildup in both lungs. The fluid buildup prevents the lungs from allowing
the transfer of oxygen from air into the blood and carbon dioxide from the blood into the
air.
areola — the dark-colored skin on the breast that surrounds the nipple.
arteries — blood vessels that carry oxygen and blood to the heart, brain and other parts
of the body.
arthritis — swelling, redness, heat and pain of the joints. There are over 100 types of
arthritis.
assisted reproductive technology — technology that involves procedures that handle a
woman's eggs and a man's sperm to help infertile couples conceive a child.
asthma — a chronic disease of the airways. The airways are the tubes that carry air in
and out of the lungs. If you have asthma, the inside walls of your airways are inflamed.
The inflammation makes the airways very sensitive and they tend to react to things that
you find irritating, like cigarette smoke. When the airways react, they get narrower and
less air flows through to the lungs. This narrowing causes symptoms like wheezing,
coughing, chest tightness and trouble breathing. Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be
controlled so that people with asthma can lead active lives. An asthma attack can be
mild, moderate or severe. A severe asthma attack is a medical emergency and can
cause death.
atherosclerosis — a disease in which fatty material is deposited on the wall of the
arteries. This fatty material causes the arteries to become narrow and it eventually
restricts blood flow.
atrial septal defect (ASD) — A hole in the wall (septum) that separates the two upper
chambers of the heart. The heart has four chambers. The two upper chambers are
called atria.
autoimmune — an immune response by the body against one of its own tissues, cells,
or molecules.
autoimmune disease — disease caused by an immune response against foreign
substances in the tissues of one's own body.
| Dr Deborah White Email: drdwhite@healthmeditations.com |
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