Acne

A skin condition that occurs due to overproduction of oil by the glands of the skin producing pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads on the surface of the skin.

AIDS

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is the final and most serious stage of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus which causes severe damage to the immune system.

Allergies

An immune system reaction to a typically harmless substance. The immune system is treating an allergen as an unwanted invader and thus has an allergic reaction.

allergy / ent / otolaryngology

allergy / ent / otolaryngology

allergyallergy & immunology

allergy

Alzheimer's

A slowly progressive form of dementia, which is a progressive, acquired impairment of intellectual functions. Memory impairment is a necessary feature for diagnosis.

Amnesia

A condition characterized by a loss of memory for long or short intervals of time. May be caused by injury, shock, senility, severe illness, or mental disease.

anatomic pathology and clinical pathology

anatomic pathology and clinical pathology

Anemia

A lower than normal number of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the blood, usually measured by a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin.

anesth pain management

Anthrax

An infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. Humans get skin(cutaneious anthrax), gastrointestinal tract, or the lungs.

Appendicitis

A sudden inflammation of the appendix, a small, finger shaped tube that branches off the large intestine. Usually causing emergency abdominal surgery.

Arteriosclerosis

The thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of the walls of the blood vessels causing the passageways through the vessels to narrow.

Arthritis

Joint inflammation that is painful, warm to the touch, possibly red, swollen, and associated with a loss of function. May be affected by 100 or more different conditions.

Asthma

A condition that affects the air passages of the lungs. The air passages inflame, becoming red and swollen and become over extra sensitive to a number of things.

Autism

A complex developmental disorder that usually appears in the first 3 years of life. It affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills.

autism center

Autoimmune diseases

Caused by an immune response against the body's own tissues. The immune response may be inappropriate, excessive, or lacking.

Back Pain

Caused by a number of factors from injuries to the effects of aging. May be a sprain, or strain causing either Neuropathic pain or Nociceptive pain.

Bad breath

Halitosis, maybe caused by poor oral hygiene, gum disease, eating certain foods, tobacco and alcohol products, dry mouth, systemic diseases like cancer, diabetes...

Baker's cyst

An accumulation of joint fluid (synovial fluid) that forms behind the knee.

Bell's Palsy

Named after Sir Charles Bell, a Scottish surgeon - a condition that causes the facial muscles to weaken or become paralyzed, and is not permanent.

Bipolar disorder

A chronic disease causing pathological mood swings from mania to depression, with a pattern of exacerbation and remission that are sometimes cyclic.

Bladder dysfunction

Also called Urinary Incontinence - Loss of bladder control, common in older people but not caused by age. Women are more likely to have this treatable condition.

Blindness

The definition for Legal Blindness is used to determine who can get government services for the blind. Only 1 in 10 people who are legally blind see nothing at all.

Breast cancer

Cancer affecting the breast mostly in women, occasionally in men. Cells in the breast tissue that change or grow out of control and function are called tumors.

Breathing difficulties

A sensation of difficult or uncomfortable breathing or a feeling of not getting enough air. Other forms are Wheezing, Rapid breathing, Apnea and lung diseases.

Bronchitis

An inflammation of the bronchi- the main air passages to the lungs. Acute bronchitis follows viral respiratory infections, while chronic cases are long term and excessive.

Cataract

A cloudy or opaque area in the lens of the eye. Adult cataracts are classified as immature, mature, and hyper mature.

Cavities

Tooth decay. There are three basic types; Coronal cavities (on chewing surfaces), Root cavities, and Recurrent decay (forms around existing fillings and crowns).

Cervical cancer

Caused by the abnormal growth and division of cells that make up the cervix (the narrow, lower end of the uterus 'womb').

Chronic fatigue syndrome

A condition of prolonged and severe tiredness or weariness (fatigue) that is not relieved by rest and is not caused by other conditions.

Cold

Slang term to describe a viral upper respiratory infection resulting from inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity.

Cold sores

Herpes labialis is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, an eruption of small and usually painful blisters on the lips, mouth, gums and around the mouth.

Colitis

Also known as Ulcerative colitis. A condition affecting the large intestine- the rectum and colon. Inflammation occurs and ulcers develop causing a list of symptoms.

Congestive heart failure

General term describing heart failure, referring to the fluid in the lungs or body that results from the heart's inability to pump.

Constipation

Passage of small amount of hard, dry bowel movements, usually fewer than three times a week. Having bowel movements may be difficult and painful.

Coronary artery disease

A disease that develops when one or more of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrower than they used to be.

Cough

A sudden, often involuntary, forceful release of air from the lungs. If producing and expelling something it is "productive" and usually should not be suppressed by drugs.

craniofacial pain

craniofacial pain

Cysts

A closed pocket or pouch of tissue. It can be filled with air, fluid, pus, or other material and may form within any tissue in the body.

Deafness

Hearing loss is often classified in various categories such as Mild, Moderate, Severe, and Profound which is measured in decibels ranging from approx. 25db to 95db+.

Dementia

A group of symptoms involving progressive impairment of all aspects of brain function. Few are treated and most are progressive, irreversible, degenerative conditions.

Diabetes

A problem with the body's fuel system. It is caused by lack of insulin, a hormone made in the pancreas (an organ that secretes enzymes needed for digestion).

Diarrhea

Loose watery stools occurring more than 3 times a day and usually lasting a day or two - may cause dehydration but generally goes away on its own.

Dyslexia

Having difficulty processing information "difficulty with words". It affects the skills needed for learning to read, write and spell.

Ear ache

Generally caused by a Middle Ear Infection (Otitis media) accompanied by achiness, fever, sleeplessness, redness of the eardrum, and fluid behind the eardrum.

Eczema

Atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin disorder categorized by scaly and itching rashes. A hypersensitivity reaction occurs in the skin, causing chronic inflammation.

Edema

Swelling involves the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body structures caused by excessive buildup of fluid in the tissues and can be generalized or localized.

Emphysema

A lung disease which involves damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. Unable to completely deflate, therefore unable to fill with fresh air to ensure adequate oxygen.

Endometriosis

A condition in which the tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrial) grows in other areas of the body, causing pain, irregular bleeding, and frequently infertility.

Epilepsy

A disorder involving repeated seizures of any type. Seizures (fits) are episodes of disturbed brain function that causes changes in attention and/or behavior.

Fainting

A temporary loss of consciousness due to a drop in blood flow to the brain. The episode is usually brief and is followed by rapid and complete recovery.

Fever

Normal body temperature varies with an average of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 Centigrade), 99-100 degrees Fahrenheit maybe low-grade fever, 100+ is a classified fever.

Flu

A common viral infection of the nose, throat and lungs which often occurs in the winter. There are three main viruses, Influenza A, B, and C.

Gas

Intestinal gas, is the exhaust fume of digestion and is produced by bacteria in the colon and is made up of hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and methane.

Gingivitis

An inflammation of the gums - is the initial stage of gum disease and the easiest to treat. Caused by plaque- a bacteria that forms constantly on the teeth and gums.

Glaucoma

A name for a group of diseases that can destroy the optic nerve, the main nerve of the eye and may lead to irreversible blindness (almost always preventable).

Gout

Acute Gouty Arthritis is the attack of a metabolic disease marked by uric acid deposits in the joints. Painful arthritis, especially in the joints of the feet and legs.

Gum disease

Earliest stage, your gums might swell and bleed easily. At worst, you might lose your teeth. Two main stages are Gingivitis and Periodontitis, both need attention.

Hair loss

Most common is (androgenetic alopecia) male pattern baldness, other types are (alopecia areata) patchy hair loss, and (telogen effluvium) temporary hair loss.

Hay fever

Seasonal allergic rhinitis "hay fever" is an inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the nose, causing sneezing, itching, runny nose and nasal congestion.

Headaches

Any pain in the head associated with any cause. Muscle contraction and vascular problems usually cause tension headaches and cluster (migraine) headaches.

Heart attack

Occurs when there is sudden blockage of blood flow to a portion of the heart resulting in severe chest pain, sweating, nausea, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Heart disease

A variety of disorders and conditions that can affect the heart. Most common is coronary heart disease.

Hemorrhoids

A condition where the veins around the anus or lower rectum are swollen and inflamed. Strain, pregnancy, age, and chronic bowel conditions are contributing causes.

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver caused by infections with various organisms, including bacteria, viruses (Hepatitis A, B, C, etc.), or parasites.

Hernia

An inguinal hernia is when a loop of intestine enters the inguinal canal, a tubular passage through the lower layers of the abdominal wall.

High blood pressure

"Hypertension", a disorder generally including systolic blood pressure ( the "top" number of your blood pressure measurement, the pressure when the heart beats).

High cholesterol

Too much cholesterol, a waxy material found in all parts of the body, can cause heart disease by building up on the artery walls and block blood flow to the heart.

Hip fractures

The upper femur is normally one of the strongest bones in the body. Osteoporosis is the underlying cause in most cases and usually requires hospitalization.

Hives

Also called Urticaria, raised red welts of various size on the surface of the skin, usually in batches, often itchy with localized swelling, which can come and go.

Hypertension

Also known as high blood pressure. Occurs when the blood pressing on the inside of the arteries (blood vessels) is higher than normal. You may not show symptoms.

Hypoglycemia

Occurs when your body's blood sugar, or glucose is abnormally low. The term insulin shock is used to describe severe hypoglycemia that results in unconsciousness.

Impotence

Involves the inability to achieve and maintain penile erection sufficient to complete satisfactory intercourse. "Sexual dysfunction- male; Erectile dysfunction.

Indigestion

Also known as upset stomach or dyspepsia, is a discomfort or a burning feeling in the upper abdomen, often accompanied by nausea, abdominal bloating, and belching.

Inflammation

Describes an area on the body that is swollen, red, hot, and in pain.

Inflammatory bowel disease

Includes Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis. Two similar conditions of inflammation in the large intestine (colon) and rectum.

Insomnia

Sleeping difficulty; Chronic and persistent difficulty in either falling asleep, remaining asleep through the night, or waking up too early.

Irregular periods

Most women develop a menstrual cycle pattern. Typically occurring about every 28 days and lasting about 5 days, changes in this pattern may be considered irregular.

Kidney disease

Any disease or disorder that affects the function of the kidneys such as, acute kidney failure, atheroembolic renal disease, acute nephritic syndrome, and kidney cancer.

Kidney stones

A condition in which one or more stones are present in the pelvis or calyces of the kidney or in the ureter. Also called Renal calculi. Overly concentrated urine substance.

Lactose intolerance

The inability to digest significant amounts of lactose, the predominant sugar of milk, generally resulting from a shortage of the enzyme lactase.

Laryngitis

An inflammation of the larynx (voice box) generally associated with hoarseness or loss of voice. May be viral, bacterial, part of a cold, bronchitis, flu, or pneumonia.

Legionnaire's disease

Legionellosis is an infection caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila. Legionnaires' disease is a severe infection including pneumonia.

Leprosy

(Hansen's disease) An infectious disease known since Biblical times, characterized by disfiguring skin lesions, peripheral nerve damage, and progressive debilitation.

Leukemia

Any of a group of diseases of the reticuloendothelial system involving uncontrolled proliferation of white blood cells (leukocytes).

Lime (Lime) disease

A bacterial illness caused by 'spirochete' that is transmitted to humans from the bite of a deer tick causing abnormalities in the skin, joints, heart and nervous system.

Liver cancer

Abnormal cellular growth forming a mass (tumor), often times spreading from another location via the bloodstream to the liver. Some symptoms are pain, fever, jaundice.

Lou Gehrig's disease

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rapidly progressive, invariable fatal neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells responsible for voluntary muscles.

Low back pain

Chronic ache in the lower back, especially after sitting or standing for an extended period of time. Pain may be sharp, persistent, and localized.

Lung cancer

An uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs. Most common type is Non-small-cell lung cancer which grows and spreads more slowly.

Lupus

A chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder that may affect many organ systems including the skin, joints and internal organs.

Measles

A highly contagious viral illness characterized by a fever, cough, conjunctivitis (redness and irritation in membranes of the eyes), and spreading rash.

Melanoma

A malignant (cancerous) pigmented tumor of the skin that involves the cells that produce pigment (melanin). Skin cancer. It is an aggressive type of cancer.

Menstrual cramps

Dysmenorrhea - painful periods, including severe cramps usually caused by a hormone called prostaglandin.

Mental disorders

Psychiatric illness or diseases manifested by breakdowns in the adaptation process expressed primarily as abnormalities of thought, feeling, and behavior.

Mental retardation

Below-average general intellectual function with associated deficits in adaptive behavior that occurs before age 18. Failure to adapt normally and grow mentally.

Migraine headaches

Repeated or recurrent headaches, possibly due to temporary changes in the brain's blood vessels. They occur with nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light.

Mood swings

The manic phase is characterized by elevated mood (hyperactivity), the depressive phase has a loss of self-esteem, with a tendency to be easily distracted, withdrawal.

Morning sickness

Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy which often occurs in the morning. Usually begins during the first month of pregnancy and continues until the 14th to 16th week.

Multiple sclerosis

A disorder of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) caused by progressive damage to the outer covering of nerve cells (myelin).

Mumps

A sudden illness caused by the virus paramyxovirus that is spread by direct contact as well as by air and saliva inflaming salivary glands and other tissues.

Muscular dystrophy

A group of disorders characterized by progressive muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue.

Narcolepsy

A sleep disorder associated with uncontrollable sleepiness and frequent daytime sleeping, usually preceded by drowsiness.

Nausea

An unpleasant sensation, vaguely referred to the epigastrium (upper central region) and abdomen and often culminating in vomiting.

Nose bleeds

Bleeding from the nose. An abundant supply of tiny blood vessels makes the nose particularly vulnerable to bleeding.

Osteoporosis

A disease where you lose bone tissue. It happens when the body does not make enough new bone, also when too much old bone is reabsorbed by the body.

Ovarian cancer

Often found as a tumor (lump). Normal cells divide (split) in a planned way making more when needed. Cancer happens when cells grow and divide out of control or order.

Ovarian cysts

Common growths that may occur on an ovary. It is a fluid-filled sac, like a blister. Cysts are usually harmless and go away in a few months.

Palpitations

A pounding or racing feeling in your heart. You may feel that your heartbeat is not normal. You may feel a flip-flopping feeling in your chest. Usually not a serious problem

Pancreatitis

When the pancreas ( an organ that makes insulin and other enzymes for digestion) is irritated (inflamed). This may come and go, or happen just once.

Parkinson's disease

A slowly progressive disease of the brain. Causes trouble with normal body movement. Tremors or shaking are early signs. It may be treated but has no known cure.

Pinkeye

Acute contagious conjunctivitis, marked by intense hyperemia ( an excess of blood) and profuse mucopurulent ( mucus and pus) discharge at the eye area.

Pneumonia

An inflammation of the lungs caused by bacterial, viral or fungal infection. Also called Pneumonitis; Bronchopneumonia; Community acquired pneumonia.

Polio

Poliomyelitis is a disorder caused by a viral infection (poliovirus) that can affect the whole body, including muscle and nerves. Severe cases cause paralysis.

Postpartum depression

Many new mothers feel sad, afraid, angry, or nervous after their baby is born. Baby 'blues' are very common. Depression is when these blues don't go away or get worse.

Premenstrual syndrome

Known as 'PMS', symptoms may begin 1 to 2 weeks before your monthly period. It can affect how you act or feel and usually goes away after your period starts.

Prostate cancer

Starts as a tumor (lump) with no early signs. Cancer cells grow and divide without order or control. The prostate gland is a male sex gland that helps make semen (cum).

Psoriasis

A long-term skin disease you may get at any age. Usually looks like red, raised, itchy patches on your skin. The red areas are covered with silver-colored scales.

Rabies virus

A frequently-fatal acute viral infection which can be transmitted to humans by infected animals (often dogs or bats) via a bite or exposure of broken skin.

Rash

Involves changes in the color or texture of the skin. Cause may be determined from its visible characteristics and other coexisting symptoms. Redness, inflammation.

Rheumatic fever

A systemic inflammatory disease which may develop after an infection with streptococcus bacteria (such as strep throat or scarlet fever) and can affect other body parts.

Rheumatism

A general disease that is painful, often multiple, local inflammations, usually affecting the joints and muscles, but also extending sometimes to the deeper organs.

Rickets

A childhood disorder involving softening and weakening of the bones, primarily caused by lack of vitamin D, calcium, and/or phosphate.

Ringworm

An infection of the skin caused by a fungus. Common among children, but may affect people of all ages.

Rubella virus

Known as German measles or 3 day measles. Usually an infection of young children. Usually a rash of tiny, flat or slightly raised, pink-red spots all over the body.

Sarcoma

A form of cancer that arises in the supportive tissues such as bone, cartilage, fat, or muscle.

Scarlet fever

A disease caused by an infection of the throat with group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal bacteria (strep throat).

Schizophrenia

A long-term mental illness. Makes it difficult to know what is real and what isn't. Affects one's behavior. There is treatment, but no known cure.

Scoliosis

A lateral (away from the middle) or sideways curvature of the spine. Generally either congenital, neuromuscular, or idiopathic (unknown).

Seasonal affective disorder

A form of depression that recurs with a fall-winter onset and a spring-summer remission (also known as SAD). More serious than "winter blahs" or cabin fever.

Seizures

A seizure or convulsion can be a sudden, violent, uncontrollable contraction of a group of muscles. May be a brief "loss of contact" or the appearance of a day dream.

Senile

Pertaining to old age- affected with the infirmities (feeble and unsound) of old age. Senile weakness; characteristic of becoming old.

Sexual difficulties

Problems or difficulties during any stage of the sexual act (which includes desire, arousal, orgasm, and resolution) preventing the individual or couple from enjoying sex.

Sickle cell disease

An inherited, chronic disease in which the red blood cells, normally disc-shaped, become crescent shaped. They function abnormally and cause small blood clots.

Small pox

A viral disease characterized by a skin rash and a high death rate. Also called Variola- major and minor.

Spina bifida

A congenital disorder (birth defect) where the backbone and spinal cord do not close before birth, resulting in the spinal cord and its covering membranes to protrude out.

Spotted fever

An acute feverish disease initially recognized in the Rocky Mountain states caused by aerobic bacteria and transmitted by hard-shelled ticks.

Strep throat

Streptococcal pharyngitis; an inflammation (irritation and swelling with the presence of extra immune cells) of the pharynx (part of throat between tonsils and larynx).

Stroke

A cardiovascular disease. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that brings oxygen and nutrients to the brain bursts or is clogged by a blood clot or some other mass.

Tapeworms

Also known as cestodes, ribbon-shaped segmented worms which inhabit the intestinal tract of many vertebrates (including humans)

Tay-Sachs disease

Caused by a deficiency of hexosaminidase, an enzyme that is important in the metabolism of gangliosides (a type of chemical substance found in nerve tissue).

Thrombosis

Obstruction of an artery or vein by a blood clot (thrombus). Arterial thrombosis is generally more serious because the oxygen and nutrition supply to an area is haltered.

Thrush

Oral thrush is caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. Low resistance to infection can cause this fungus to grow, leading to lesions in your mouth and tongue.

Tooth decay

A lay term for carious lesions in a tooth; decomposition of tooth structure.

Toothache

A pain in or about the tooth. Generally the result of tooth decay or sometimes an infection. Radiating pain from other locations is sometimes perceived to be from teeth.

Toxic shock syndrome

A severe disease caused by a toxin made by Staphylococcus aureus, characterized by shock and multiple organ dysfunction. Also called TSS.

Tubal pregnancies

Also called Ectopic pregnancy, occurring when the fertilized egg implants in tissue outside of the uterus and the placenta and fetus begin to develop there.

Tuberculosis

Also called TB, Pulmonary tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The lungs are primarily involved but it can spread.

Tumors

A growth of tissue that forms an abnormal mass. Tumors generally provide no useful function and grow at the expense of healthy tissues.

Typhoid fever

Also called Enteric fever. A bacterium infection characterized by diarrhea, systemic disease, and a rash - most commonly caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi.

Upper respiratory infections

Also known as 'common cold'. Affects your nose, throat, ears, and sinuses. It is viral and may be passed from person to person by coughing, sneezing or touching hands

Urinary tract infection

Caused by microorganisms (bacteria, usually originating in the bowels) and traveling into the urethra, bladder, or kidneys.

Vaginitis

An infection of the vagina that does not include the urinary tract. Symptoms may include itching, pain, vaginal odor, and a vaginal discharge.

Varicose veins

Enlarged, Painful, Twisted veins, Superficial, Blood pooling, Valve dysfunction

Vertigo

Dizziness- may happen once in a while or it may be present most of the time. Feels like the room is spinning or whirling. You may feel lightheaded or faint.

Vomiting

Also known as throwing up. It happens when the stomach gets rid of what is in it. Too much of this can cause dehydration. Many conditions cause an upset stomach.

Vulvovaginitis

Inflammation and infection of the vulva and vagina, causing itching, irritation, or pain in the external genital area (vulva) and pain in the vagina during intercourse.

Warts

A benign skin growth caused by a virus. Not highly contagious, but can be transmitted from person to person.

Whooping cough

Also called Pertussis, a highly contagious disease which affects the respiratory system and produces spasms of coughing that usually end in a high-pitched "whoop".

Yeast infection

A common type of vulvovaginitis, a result of excessive growth of a family of fungi that normally live and thrive in the vagina.

Yellow fever

A viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes and characterized by fever, jaundice, kidney failure, and bleeding.