Ankylosing Spondylitis

          Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) refers to inflammation of the joints in the spine. AS is also known as rheumatoid spondylitis or Marie-Strumpell disease (among other names). A form of arthritis, AS is characterized by chronic inflammation, causing pain and stiffness of the back, progressing to the chest and neck. Eventually, the whole back may become curved and inflexible if the bones fuse (this is known as “bamboo spine”). AS is a systemic disorder that may involve multiple organs, such as the:

·        *eye (causing an inflammation of the iris, or iritis)

·       * heart (causing aortic valve disease)

·       * lungs

·        *skin (causing a scaly skin condition, or psoriasis)

·        *gastrointestinal tract (causing inflammation within the small intestine, called ileitis, or    inflammation of the large intestine, called colitis)

Less than 1% of the population has AS; however, 20% of AS sufferers have a relative with the disorder.

Animal bite infections

      The most common problem following an ani­mal bite is simple infection. The saliva of dogs and cats is known to contain a wide variety of bacteria. According to one recent study, bacteria or other pathogens show up in about 85 percent of bites. When an animal bites, it can then transmit pathogens into the wound. These microorganisms may grow within the wound and cause an infection. The consequences of infection range from mild discomfort to life-threatening complications.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme test

     This test measures blood levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), also known as Serum Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (SASE). The pri­mary function of ACE is to help regulate arterial pressure by converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors

           Angiotensin-convert­ing enzyme inhibitors (also called ACE inhibitors) are medicines that block the conversion of the chemical angiotensin I to a sub­stance that increases salt and water retention in the body.

Angioplasty

       Angioplasty is a term describing a procedure used to widen vessels narrowed by stenoses or occlusions. There are various types of these procedures and their names are associated with the type of vessel entry and equipment used. For example, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) describes entry through the skin (percutaneous) and navigates to the area of the vessel of interest through the same vessel or one that communicates with it (transluminal). In the case of a procedure involving the coronary arteries, the point of entry could be the femoral artery in the groin and the cath- eter/guidewire system is passed through the aorta to the heart and the origin of the coronary arteries at the base of the aorta just outside the aortic valve.

Angiography

          Angiography is the x-ray study of the blood ves­sels. An angiogram uses a radiopaque substance, or dye, to make the blood vessels visible under x-ray. Arteriography is a type of Angiography that involves the study of the arteries.

Angina

           Angina is pain, “discomfort,” or pressure localized in the chest that is caused by an insufficient supply of blood (isch­emia) to the heart muscle. It is also sometimes characterized by a feeling of choking, suffocation, or crushing heaviness. This condition is also called angina pectoris. Often described as a muscle spasm and choking sensation, the term “angina” is used primarily to describe chest (thoracic) pain originating from insufficient oxygen to the heart muscle. An episode of angina is not an actual heart attack, but rather pain that results from the heart muscle temporarily receiving too little blood. This temporary condition may be the result of demanding activi­ties such as exercise and does not necessarily indicate that the heart muscle is experiencing permanent damage. In fact, episodes of angina seldom cause permanent damage to heart muscle. Angina can be subdivided further into two categories: angina of effort and variant angina..

Aneurysmectomy

         Aneurysmectomy is a surgical procedure performed to repair a weak area in the aorta. The aorta is the largest artery in the body and the main blood vessel leading away from the heart.

Anesthesia local

         Local or regional anesthesia involves the injection or application of an anesthetic drug to a specific area of the body, as opposed to the entire body and brain as occurs during general anesthesia.

Anesthesia, general

     General anesthesia is the induction of a state of unconsciousness with the absence of pain sensation over the entire body, through the administration of anesthetic drugs. It is used during certain medical and surgical procedures.

Anemias

     Anemia is a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin (the component of red blood cells that delivers oxygen to tissues throughout the body).

Anaphylaxis

      Anaphylaxis is a rapidly progressing, life-threat­ening allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis is a type of allergic reaction, in which the immune system responds to otherwise harmless substances from the environment. Unlike other al­lergic reactions, however, anaphylaxis can kill. Reaction may begin within minutes or even seconds of exposure, and rapidly progress to cause airway constriction, skin and intestinal ir­ritation, and altered heart rhythms. In severe cases, it can result in complete airway obstruction, shock, and death.

Analgesics, opioid

     Opioid analgesics, also known as narcotic analgesics, are pain relievers that act on the central nervous system. Like all narcotics, they may become habit-forming if used over long periods.

Analgesics

  Analgesics are medicines that relieve pain.

Anal warts

         Anal warts, also known as condyloma acuminata, are small warts that can occur in the rectum. Initially appear as tiny blemishes that can be as small as the head of a pin or grow into larger cauliflowerlike protuberances. They can be yellow, pink, or light brown in color, and only rarely are painful or uncomfortable. In fact, infected individuals often are unaware that they exist. Most cases are caused by sexual transmission. Most individuals have between one to 10 genital warts that range in size from roughly 0.5-1.9 cm2. Some will complain of painless bumps or itching, but often, these warts can remain completely unnoticed.

Anal cancer

     Anal cancer is an uncommon form of cancer affect­ing the anus. The anus is the inch-and-a-half-long end portion of the large intestine, which opens to allow solid wastes to exit the body. Other parts of the large intestine include the colon and the rectum.

Anal atresia

         The anus is either not present or it is in the wrong place. There are basically two kinds of anal atresia. In boys with high anal atresia, there may be a channel (fistula) con­necting the large intestine to either the urethra (which delivers urine from the bladder) or the bladder itself. In girls, the chan­nel may connect with the vagina. Sixty percent of children with high anal atresia have other defects, including problems with the esophagus, urinary tract, and bones. In low anal atresia, the channel may open in front of the circular mass of muscles that constrict to close the anal opening (anal sphincter) or, in boys, below the scrotum. Occasionally, the intestine ends just under the skin. It is estimated that overall abnormalities of the anus and rectum occur in about one in every 5,000 births and are slightly more common among boys. A mother who has one child with these kind of conditions has a 1% chance of having another child who suffers from this ailment.

Anaerobic infections

         An anaerobic infection is an infection caused by bacteria (called anaerobes) which cannot grow in the presence of oxygen. Anaerobic bacteria can infect deep wounds, deep tissues, and internal organs where there is little oxygen. These infections are characterized by abscess formation, foul-smelling pus, and tissue destruction. Anaerobic means “life without air.” Anaerobic bacteria grow in places which completely, or almost completely, lack oxygen. They are normally found in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina, and on the skin. Commonly known diseases caused by anaerobic bacteria include gas gangrene, tetanus, and botulism. Nearly all dental infections are caused by anaerobic bacteria. Anaerobic bacteria can cause an infection when a normal barrier (such as skin, gums, or intestinal wall) is dam­aged due to surgery, injury, or disease. Usually, the immune system kills any invading bacteria, but sometimes the bacteria are able to grow and cause an infection. Body sites that have tissue destruction (necrosis) or a poor blood supply are low in oxygen and favor the growth of anaerobic bacteria. The low oxygen condition can result from blood vessel disease, shock, injury, and surgery. Anaerobic bacteria can cause infection practically anywhere in the body. For example:

·        Mouth, head, and neck. Infections can occur in the root canals, gums (gingivitis), jaw, tonsils, throat, sinuses, and ears.

·        Lung. Anaerobic bacteria can cause pneumonia, lung abscesses, infecton of the lining of the lung (empyema), and dilated lung bronchi (bronchiectasis).

·        Intraabdominal. Anaerobic infections within the abdomen include abscess formation, peritonitis, and appendicitis.

·        Female genital tract. Anaerobic bacteria can cause pelvic abscesses, pelvic inflammatory disease, inflammation of the uterine lining (endometritis), and pelvic infections following abortion, childbirth, and surgery.

·        Skin and soft tissue. Anaerobic bacteria are common causes -- of diabetic skin ulcers, gangrene, destructive infection of the deep skin and tissues (necrotizing fascitis), and bite wound infections.

·        Central nervous system. Anaerobic bacteria can cause brain and spinal cord abscesses.

·        Bloodstream. Anaerobic bacteria can be found in the blood­stream of ill patients (a condition called bacteremia).

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

        Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that breaks down tissues in the nervous system (a neurodegenerative disease) of unknown cause that affects the nerves responsible for movement. It is also known as motor neuron disease and Lou Gehrig’s disease, after the baseball player whose career it ended. ALS is a disease of the motor neurons, those nerve cells reaching from the brain to the spinal cord (upper motor neurons) and the spinal cord to the peripheral nerves (lower motor neurons) that control muscle movement. In ALS, for unknown reasons, these neurons die, leading to a progressive loss of the ability to move virtually any of the muscles in the body. ALS affects “voluntary” muscles, those controlled by conscious thought, such as the arm, leg, and trunk muscles. ALS, in and of itself, does not affect sensation, thought processes, the heart muscle, or the “smooth” muscle of the digestive system, bladder, and other internal organs. Most people with ALS retain function of their eye muscles as well. However, various forms of ALS maybe associated with a loss of intellectual function (dementia) or sensory symptoms. “Amyotrophic” refers to the loss of muscle bulk, a cardinal sign of ALS. “Lateral” indicates one of the regions of the spinal cord affected, and “sclerosis” describes the hardened tissue that develops in place of healthy nerves. ALS affects approximately 30,000 people in the United States, with about 5,000 new cases each year. It usually begins between the ages of 40 and 70, although younger onset is possible. Men are slightly more likely to develop ALS than women. ALS progresses rapidly in most cases. It is fatal within three years for 50% of all people affected, and within five years for 80%. Ten percent of people with ALS live beyond eight years.

Amyloidosis

         Amyloidosis is a progressive,incurable,metabolic disease characterized by abnormal deposits of protein in one or more organs or body systems. Amyloid proteins are manu­factured by malfunctioning bone marrow. Amyloidosis, which occurs when accumulated amyloid deposits impair normal body function, can cause organ failure or death. It is a rare disease, occurring in about eight of every 1,000,000 people. It affects males and females equally and usually develops after the age of 40. At least 15 types of amyloidosis have been identified. Each one is associated with deposits of a different kind of protein.

Amylase tests

         Amylase is a digestive enzyme made primarily by  the pancreas and salivary glands. Enzymes are substances made and used by the body to trigger specific chemical reac­tions. The primary function of the enzyme amylase is to break down starches in food so that they can be used by the body. Amylase testing is usually done to determine the cause of sudden abdominal pain.

Amputation

      Amputation is the intentional surgical removal of a limb or body part. It is performed to remove diseased tissue or relieve pain.

Amniocentesis

          Amniocentesis is a procedure used to diagnose fe­tal defects in the early second trimester of pregnancy. A sample of the amniotic fluid, which surrounds a fetus in the womb, is collected through a pregnant woman’s abdomen using a needle and syringe. Tests performed on fetal cells found in the sample can reveal the presence of many types of genetic disorders, thus allowing doctors and prospective parents to make important decisions about early treatment and intervention.

Amnesia

           Amnesia refers to the loss of memory. Memory loss may result from two-sided (bilateral) damage to parts of the : rain vital for memory storage, processing, or recall (the limbic system, including the hippocampus in the medial temporal lobe). Amnesia can be a symptom of several neurodegenerative diseases; however, people whose primary symptom is memory less (amnesiacs), typically remain lucid and retain their sense : £ self. They may even be aware that they suffer from a memory disorder. People who experience amnesia have been instrumental in helping brain researchers determine how the brain processes memory. Until the early 1970s, researchers viewed memory as a single entity. Memory of new experiences, motor skills, past events, and previous conditioning were grouped -seether in one system that relied on a specific area of the brain. If all memory were stored in the same way, it would be reasonable to deduce that damage to the specific brain Area would cause complete memory loss. However, studies of amnesiacs counter that theory. Such research demonstrates lint the brain has multiple systems for processing, storing,and drawing on memory.

Aminoglycosides

         Aminoglycosides are a group of antibiot­ics that are used to treat certain bacterial infections. This group of antibiotics includes at least eight drugs: amikacin, gentamicin, kanamycin, neomycin, netilmicin, paromomycin, streptomycin, and tobramycin. All of these drugs have the same basic chemical structure.

Amino acid disorders screening

            Amino acid disorder screening A checks for-inherited disorders in amino acid metabolism. Tests are most commonly done on newborns. Two tests are available ,one using a blood sample and the other a urine sample.

Amenorrhea

          The absence of menstrual periods is called amen­orrhea Primary amenorrhea is the failure to start having a period by the ale of 16. Secondary amenorrhea is more com- mon and refers to either the temporary or permanent ending of periods in a woman who has menstruated normally m the past Many women miss a period occasionally. Amenorrhea occurs a woman misses three or more periods m a row. of menstrual periods is a symptom, not a disease. While the averageagethat menstruation begins is 12, the rangevanes. The incidence of primary amenorrhea m the United States just 2 5% Some female athletes who participate in rowing long distance running, and cycling, may notice a few missed periods. Women athletes at a particular risk fordevelop> g amenorrhea include ballerinas and gymnasts, who typically exercise strenuously and eat poorly.

Amebiasis

             Amebiasis is an infectious disease caused by a para- A sitic one-celled microorganism (protozoan) called Enta“°eba histolytica Persons with amebiasis may experience a wide ranged symptoms, including diarrhea, fever, and cramps. The disease may also affect the intestines, liver, or other parts of the body.

Amblyopia

          Amblyopia is anuncorrectable decrease m yisionm one^rboth eves with no apparent structural abnormality^seen to explain it. It is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that whe a° decrease in vision is detected, other causes must be ruled out. Once no other cause is found, amblyopia is the diagnosis. Generally, a difference of two lines or more (on an eye-chart test of visual acuity) between the two eyes or a best corrected vision of 20/30 or worse would be defined as amblyopia. or ?0/40 if someone has 20/20 vision with the right eye and only 20 with the left, and the left eye cannot achieve better vision with corrective lenses, the left eye is said to be amblyopic.

Alzheimer’s disease

       Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most com­mon form of dementia, a neurologic disease characterized by loss of mental ability severe enough to interfere with norma activities of daily living, lasting at least six months, and no present from birth. AD usually occurs in old age, and is marked by a decline in cognitive functions such as remembering, reasoning, and planning.

Altitude sickness

      Altitude sickness is a general term encom­passing a spectrum of disorders that occur at higher altitudes. Since the severity of symptoms varies with altitude, it is im­portant to understand the range of the different altitudes that may be involved. High altitude is defined as height greater man 8,000 feet (2,438 m); medium altitude is defined as height between 5,000 and 8,000 feet (1,524-2,438 m); and extreme altitude is defined as height greater than 19,000 feet (5,791 m The majority of healthy individuals suffer from altitude 5-ckness when they reach very high altitudes. In addition, about 20% of people ascending above 9,000 (2,743 m) feet in c-ne day will develop altitude sickness. Children under six years and women in the premenstrual part of their cycles may be more vulnerable. Individuals with preexisting medical conditions—even a minor respiratory infection—may become sick at more moderate altitudes.

Alport Syndrome

              A hereditary disease of the kidneys that pri­marily affects men, causing blood in the urine, hearing loss vnd eye problems. Eventually, kidney dialysis or transplant may be necessary. Alport syndrome affects about one in 5,000 Americans, striking men more often and severely than women. There are several varieties of the syndrome, some occurring in :hildhood and others not causing symptoms until men reach tneir 20s or 30s. All varieties of the syndrome are characterized by kidney disease that usually progresses to chronic kidney : allure and by uremia (the presence of excessive amounts of urea and other waste products in the blood).

Alpha,-adrenergic Blockers

       Alphaj-adrenergic blockers are trugs that work by blocking the alpha 1-receptors of vascular smooth muscle, thus preventing the uptake of catecholamines by the smooth muscle cells. This causes vasodilation and allows blood to flow more easily.

Alpha-fetoprotein Test

        The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test is a flood test that is performed during pregnancy. This screen­ing test measures the level of AFP in the mother’s blood and indicates the probability that the fetus has one of several seri- : us birth defects. The level of AFP can also be determined by analyzing a sample of amniotic fluid. This screening test can­not diagnose a specific condition; it only indicates the increase of risk for several birth defects. Outside pregnancy, the AFP test is used to detect liver disease, certain cancerous tumors, ind to monitor the progress of cancer treatment.

Alopecia

        Alopecia simply means hair loss (baWness). Ha;-- loss occurs for a great many reasons-from Piling it having it killed off by cancer chemotherapy. Some cause- are considered natural, while others -gnal serious healeb problems. Some conditions are confined to the scalp. Oth-. reflect disease throughout the body. Being plainly visible,skin and its components can provide early signs of&se^ elsewhere in the body. Oftentimes, conditions affecting -- £n of the scalp will result in hair loss. The first clue to to specific cause is the pattern of hair loss, whether it be complete c-aldness (alopecia totalis), patchy bald spots, thinning, or hair :oss confined to certain areas. Also a factor is the condition of the hair and the scalp beneath it. Sometimes only the hair is affected; sometimes the skin is visibly diseased as well.

Allergy tests

          Allergy tests indicate a person’s allergic sensitive,to commonly encountered environmental substances

Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis

       Allergic bronchopul­monary aspergillosis, or ABPA, is one of four major types of infections in humans caused by Aspergillus ftmgi. ABPA is a hypersensitivity reaction that occurs in asthma patients who are allergic to this specific fungus. ABPA is an allergic reaction to a species of Aspergillus called Aspergillus fumigatus. It is sometimes grouped together with other lung disorders charac­terized by eosinophilia—an abnormal increase of a certain type of white blood cell in the blood—under the heading of eosinophil­ic pneumonia. These disorders are also called hypersensitivity lung diseases. ABPA appears to be increasing in frequency in the United States, although the reasons for the increase are not clear. The disorder is most likely to occur in adult asthmatics aged 20-40. It affects males and females equally.

Alkaline phosphatase test

      Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme found throughout the body. Like all enzymes, it is needed, in small amounts, to trigger specific chemical reactions. When it is present in large amounts, it may signify bone or liver disease or a tumor.

Alexander technique

      The Alexander technique is a somatic meth­od for improving physical and mental functioning. Excessive tension, which Frederick Alexander, the originator, recognized as both physical and mental, restricts movement and creates pressure in the joints, the spine, the breathing mechanism, and other organs. The goal of the technique is to restore freedom and expression to the body and clear thinking to the mind.

Alemtuzumab

     Alemtuzumab is sold as Campath in the United States. Alemtuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to CD52, a protein found on the surface of normal and malignant B and T cells, that is used to reduce the numbers of circulating malignant cells of patients who have B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL).

Aldosterone Assay

      This test measures the levels of aldosterone, a hormone produced by the outer part (cortex) of the two adre­nal glands, organs which sit one on top of each of the kidneys. Aldosterone regulates the amounts of sodium and potassium in the blood. This helps maintain water balance and blood volume, which, in turn, affects blood pressure.

Aldolase Test

        Aldolase is an enzyme found throughout the body, particularly in muscles. Like all enzymes, it is needed to trigger specific chemical reactions. Aldolase helps muscle turn sugar into energy. Testing for aldolase is done to diagnose and monitor skeletal muscle diseases.

Alcoholism

      The essential feature of alcohol abuse is the mal­adaptive use of alcohol with recurrent and significant adverse consequences related to its repeated use. Alcoholism is the popular term for two disorders, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. The hallmarks of both these disorders involve repeated life problems that can be directly attributed to the use of alcohol. Both these disorders can have serious conse­quences, affecting an individual’s health and personal life, as well as having an impact on society at large.

Alcohol-related Neurologic Disease

       Alcohol, or ethanol, is a poi­son with direct toxic effects on nerve and muscle cells. Depend­ing on which nerve and muscle pathways are involved, alcohol can have far-reaching effects on different parts of the brain, peripheral nerves, and muscles, with symptoms of memory loss, incoordination, seizures, weakness, and sensory deficits. These different effects can be grouped in three main categories: (1) intoxication due to the acute effects of ethanol, (2) withdrawal syndrome from suddenly stopping drinking, and (3) disorders related to long-term or chronic alcohol abuse. Alcohol-related neurologic disease includes Wernicke-Korsakoff disease, alco­holic cerebellar degeneration, alcoholic myopathy, alcoholic neuropathy, alcohol withdrawal syndrome with seizures and delirium tremens, and fetal alcohol syndrome.

Albinism

     Albinism is an inherited condition present at birth, characterized by a lack of pigment that normally gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. Many types of albinism exist, all of which involve lack of pigment in varying degrees. The condi­tion, which is found in all races, may be accompanied by eye problems and may lead to skin cancer later in life.

Alanine Aminotransferase Test

      The alanine aminotransferase test, also known as ALT, is one of a group of tests known as liver function tests (or LFTs) and is used to monitor damage to the liver.

AIDS Tests

        AIDS tests, short for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome tests, cover a number of different procedures used in the diagnosis and treatment of HIV patients. These tests are sometimes called AIDS serology tests. Serology is the branch of immunology that deals with the contents and character­istics of blood serum. Serum is the clear light yellow part of blood that remains liquid when blood cells form a clot. AIDS serology evaluates the presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in blood serum and its effects on each patient’s immune system.

AIDS

         Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is an infec­tious disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It was first recognized in the United States in 1981. AIDS is the advanced form of infection with the HIV virus, which may not cause recognizable disease for a long period after the initial exposure (latency). No vaccine is currently available to prevent HIV infection. At present, all forms of AIDS therapy are focused on improving the quality and length of life for AIDS patients by slowing or halting the replication of the virus and treating or preventing infections and cancers that take advantage of a person’s weakened immune system.

Agoraphobia

     The word agoraphobia is derived from Greek words literally meaning “fear of the marketplace.” The  erm is used to describe an irrational and often disabling fear of being out in public. Agoraphobia is just one type of phobia, or irrational fear. People with phobias feel dread or panic when they face certain  objects, situations, or activities. People with agoraphobia frequently also experience panic attacks, but panic attacks, or panic disorder, are not a requirement for a diagnosis of agoraphobia. The defining feature of agoraphobia is anxiety about being in places from which escape might be embarrasing or difficult, or in which help might be unavailable. The person suffering from agoraphobia usually avoids the anxiety-provok¬ing situation and may become totally housebound.

Aging

        Starting at what is commonly called middle age, operations of the human body begin to be more vulnerable to daily wear and tear; there is a general decline in physical, and possibly mental, functioning. In the Western countries, the length of life is often into the 70s. The upward limit of the life span, however, can be as high as 120 years. During the latter half of life, an individual is more prone to have problem with the various functions of the body and to develop any number of chronic or fatal diseases. The cardiovascular, digestive, excretory, nervous, reproductive and urinary systems are particularly affected. The most common diseases of aging include Alzheimer’s, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, depression, and heart disease.

Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome

           Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), also called acute respiratory distress syn­drome, is a type of lung (pulmonary) failure that may result from any disease that causes large amounts of fluid to collect in the lungs. ARDS is not itself a specific disease, but a syndrome, a group of symptoms and signs that make up one of the most important forms of lung or respiratory failure. It can develop quite suddenly in persons  whose lungs have been perfectly normal.Very often ARDS is a true medical emergency.The basic fault is a breakdown of the barrier, or membrane, that normally keeps fluid from leaking out of the small blood vessels of the lung into the breathing sacs (the alveoli).

Adrenal Virilism

          Adrenal virilism is the development or pre­mature development of male secondary sexual characteristics caused by male sex hormones (androgens) excessively pro­duced by the adrenal gland. This disorder can occur before birth and can lead to sexual abnormalities in newborns. It can also occur in girls and women later in life.

Adrenal gland scan

 The adrenal gland scan is a nuclear medicine evaluation of the medulla (inner tissue) of the adrenal gland.

Adrenal Cland Cancer

 Adrenal gland cancers are rare cancers occuring in the endocrine tissue of the adrenals. They are characterized by overproduction of adrenal gland hormones.

Adenoid Hyperplasia

       Adenoid Hyperplasia is the over enlarge­ment of the lymph glands located above the back of the mouth. Located at the back of the mouth above and below the soft pal­ate are two pairs of lymph glands. The tonsils below are clearly visible behind the back teeth; the adenoids he just above them and are hidden from view by the palate. Together these four arsenals of immune defense guard the major entrance to the body from foreign invaders—the germs we breathe and eat. In contrast to the rest of the body’s tisso.es, lymphoid tissue reaches its greatest size in mid-childhood and recedes thereafter. In this way children are best able to develop the immunities they need to survive in a world full of infectious diseases. Beyond its normal growth pattern, lymphoid tissue grows excessively (hypertrophies) during an acute infection as it suddenly increases its immune activity to fight off the invaders.Often it does not completely return to its former size. Each subsequent infection leaves behind a larger set of tonsils and adenoids.To make matters worse, the sponge-like struc­ture of these hypertrophied glands can produce safe havens for germs where the body cannot reach and eliminate them. Before antibiotics and the reduction in infectious childhood diseases over the past few generations, tonsils and adenoids caused greater health problems.

Addison’s disease

         Addison’s disease is a disorder involving disrupted functioning of the part of the adrenal gland called the cortex.This results in decreased production of two impor­tant chemicals (hormones) normally released by the adrenal cortex: cortisol and aldosterone.

Addiction

    Addiction is a dependence on a behavior or substance that a person is powerless to stop.The term hasbeen partially replaced by the word dependence for substance abuse. Addiction has been extended, however, to include mood-altering behaviors or activities. Some researchers speak of two types of addictions: substance addictions (for example, alcoholism, drug abuse, and smoking); and process addictions (for example, gambling, spend­ing, shopping, eating, and sexual activity). There is a growing recognition that many addicts, such as polydrug abusers, are addicted to more than one substance or process.

Acute Stress Disorder

      The onset of APSGN usually occurs one to six weeks (average two weeks) after the streptococcal infection. APSGN is a relatively uncommon disease affecting about one of every 10,000 people, although four or five times that many may actually be affected by it but show no symptoms. APSGN is most prevalent among boys between the ages of 3 and 7, but it can occur at any age.

Acute Poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis

          Acute poststrep­tococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) is an inflammation of the kidney tubules (glomeruli) that filter waste products from the blood, following a streptococcal infection such as strep throat. APSGN is also called postinfectious glomerulone­phritis. APSGN develops after certain streptococcal bacteria (group A beta-hemolytic streptococci) have infected the skin or throat. Antigens from the dead streptococci clump together with the antibodies that killed them. These clumps are trapped in the kidney tubules, cause the tubules to become inflamed, and impair that organs’ ability to filter and eliminate body

Acute lymphangitis

 Acute lymphangitis is a bacterial infection in the lymphatic vessels which is characterized by painful, red streaks below the skin surface. This is a potentially serious infection which can rapidly spread to the bloodstream and be fatal. Acute lymphangitis affects a critical member of the immune system—the lymphatic system. Waste materials from nearly every organ in the body drain into the lymphatic vessels and are filtered in small organs called lymph nodes. Foreign bodies, such as bacteria or viruses, are processed in the lymph nodes to generate an immune response to fight an infection. In acute lymphangitis, bacteria enter the body through a cut, scratch, insect bite, surgical wound, or other skin injury. Once the bacteria enter the lymphatic system, they multiply rapidly and follow the lymphatic vessel like a highway. The infected lymphatic vessel becomes inflamed, causing red streaks that are visible below the skin surface. The growth of the bacteria occurs so rapidly that the immune system does not respond fast enough to stop the infection. If left untreated, the bacteria can cause tissue destruction in the area of the infection. A pus-filled, painful lump called an abscess may be formed in the infected area. Cellulitis, a generalized infection of the lower skin layers, may also occur. In addition, the bacteria may invade the bloodstream and cause septicemia. Lay people, for that reason, often call the red streaks seen in the skin “blood poisoning.” Septicemia is a very serious illness and may be fatal.

Acute kidney failure

      Acute kidney failure occurs when illness, infection, or injury damages the kidneys. Temporarily, the kidneys cannot adequately remove fluids and wastes from the body or maintain the proper level of certain kidney-regulated chemicals in the bloodstream. The kidneys are the body’s natural filtration system. They perform the critical task of processing approximately 200 quarts of fluid in the blood­stream every 24 hours. Waste products like urea and toxins, along with excess fluids, are removed from the bloodstream in the form of urine. Kidney (or renal) failure occurs when kidney functioning becomes impaired. Fluids and toxins begin to accumulate in the bloodstream. As fluids build up in the bloodstream, the patient with acute kidney failure may become puffy and swollen (edematous) in the face, hands, and feet. Their blood pressure typically begins to rise, and they may experience fatigue and nausea. Unlike chronic kidney failure, which is long term and irreversible, acute kidney failure is atemporary condition. With proper and timely treatment, it can typically be reversed. Often there is no permanent damage to the kidneys. Acute kidney failure appears most frequently as a complication of serious illness, like heart failure, liver failure, dehydration, severe burns, and excessive bleeding (hemorrhage). It may also be caused by an obstruction to the urinary tract or as a direct result of kidney disease, injury, or an adverse reaction to a medicine.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the main forms of treatment in traditional Chinese medicine. It involves the use of sharp, thin needles that are inserted in the body at very specific points. This process is believed to adjust and alter the body’s energy flow into healthier patterns, and is used to treat a wide variety of illnesses and health conditions.

Acromegaly and Gigantism

 Acromegaly is a disorder in which the abnormal release of a particular chemical from the pituitary gland in the brain causes increased growth in bone and soft tissue, as well as a variety of other disturbances throughout the body. This chemical released from the pituitary gland is called growth hormone (GH). The body’s ability to process and use nutrients like fats and sugars is also altered. In children whose bony growth plates have not closed, the chemical changes

of acromegaly result in exceptional growth of long bones. This variant is called gigantism, with the additional

bone growth causing unusual height. When the abnormality occurs after bone growth stops, the disorder is

called acromegaly. Actinomycosis: Actinomycosis is an infection primarily caused by the bacterium

Actinomyces israelii. Infection most often occurs in the face and neck region and is characterized by the

 presence of a slowly enlarging, hard, red lump. Actinomycosis is a rela­tively rare infection occurring in one

 out of 300,000(1/300,000) people per year. It is characterized by the presence of a lump or mass that often

 forms, draining sinus tracts to the skin surface. Fifty percent of actinomycosis cases are of the head and 

neck region (also called “lumpy jaw” and “cervicofacial actinomyco­sis”), 15% are in the chest, 20% are in 

the abdomen, and the rest are in the pelvis, heart, and brain. Men are three times more likely to develop 

actinomycosis than women. Acupressure: Acupressure is a form of touch therapy that utilizes the principles 

of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. In acupressure, the same points on the body are used as in 

acupuncture, but are stimulated with finger pressure instead of with the insertion of needles. Acupressure is

 used to relieve a variety of symptoms and pain.

Acrocyanosis

       Acrocyanosis is a decrease in the amount of oxygen delivered to the extremities. The hands and feet turn blue because of the lack of oxygen. Decreased blood supply to the affected areas is caused by constriction or spasm of small blood vessels.

Acoustic neuroma

An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor involving cells of the myelin sheath that surrounds the ves­tibulocochlear nerve (eighth cranial nerve).

Acne

 Acne is a common skin disease characterized by pimples on the face, chest, and back. It occurs when the pores of the skin become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria.

Acid phosphatase test

       Acid phosphatase is an enzyme found throughout the body, but primarily in the prostate gland. Like all enzymes, it is needed to trigger specific chemical reactions. Acid phosphatase testing is done to diagnose whether prostate cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastasized), and to check the effectiveness of treatment. The test has been largely supplanted by the prostate specific antigen test (PSA).

Achondroplasia

 Achondroplasia is the most common cause of dwarfism, or significantly abnormal short stature. Achondro­plasia is one of a number of chondodystrophies, in which the development of cartilage, and therefore, bone is disturbed. The disorder appears in approximately one in every 10,000 births. Achondroplasia is usually diagnosed at birth, owing to the characteristic appearance of the newborn. Normal bone growth depends on the production of cartilage (a fibrous connective tissue). Over time, calcium is deposited within the cartilage, causing it to harden and become bone. In achondroplasia, ab­normalities of this process prevent the bones (especially those in the limbs) from growing as long as they normally should, at the same time allowing the bones to become abnormally thickened. The bones in the trunk of the body and the skull are mostly not affected, although the opening from the skull through which the spinal cord passes (foramen magnum) is often narrower than normal, and the opening (spinal canal) through which the spinal cord runs in the back bones (vertebrae) becomes increasingly and abnormally small down the length of the spine.

Achalasia

Achalasia is a disorder of the esophagus that prevents normal swallowing.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is a medicine used to relieve pain and reduce fever.

Abuse

Abuse is defined as any thing that is harmful, injuri­ous, or offensive. Abuse also includes excessive and wrongful misuse of anything. There are several major types of abuse: physical and sexual abuse of a child or an adult, substance abuse, elderly abuse, and emotional abuse.

Abscess incision & drainage

   An infected skin nodule that contains pus may need to be drained via a cut if it does not respond to antibiotics. This allows the pus to escape, and the infection to heal.

Abscess

 An abscess is an enclosed collection of liquefied tissue,known as pus, somewhere in the body. It is the result of the body’s defensive reaction to foreign material. There are two types of abscesses, septic and sterile. Most abscesses are septic, which means that they are the result of an infection. Septic abscesses can occur anywhere in the body. Only a germ and the body’s immune response are required. In response to the invading germ, white blood cells gather at the infected site and begin producing chemicals called enzymes that attack the germ by digesting it. These enzymes act like acid, killing the germs and breaking them down into small pieces that can be picked up by the circulation and eliminated from the body. Unfortunately, these chemicals also digest body tissues. In most cases, the germ produces similar chemicals. The result is a thick, yellow liquid—pus—containing digested germs, digested tissue, white blood cells, and enzymes. An abscess is the last stage of a tissue infection that begins with a process called inflammation. Initially, as the invading germ activates the body’s immune system, several events occur:

• Blood flow to the area increases.

• The temperature of the area increases due to the increased blood supply.

• The area swells due to the accumulation of water, blood, and other liquids.

• It turns red.

• It hurts, because of the irritation from the swelling and the chemical activity.

These four signs—heat, swelling, redness, and pain—charac¬terize inflammation.

Abortion, therapeutic

 Therapeutic abortion is the intentional termination of a pregnancy before the fetus can live indepen­dently. Abortion has been a legal procedure in the United States since 1973.

Abortion, selective

  Selective abortion, also known as selective reduction, refers to choosing to abort a fetus, typically in a multi-fetal pregnancy, to decrease the health risks to the mother in carrying and giving birth to more than one or two babies, and also to decrease the risk of complications to the remaining fetus(es). The term selective abortion also refers to choosing to abort a fetus for reasons such as the woman is carrying a fetus which likely will be born with some birth defect or impairment, or because the sex of the fetus is not preferred by the individual.

Abortion, partial birth

     Partial birth abortion is a method of late- term abortion that terminates a pregnancy and results in the death and intact removal of a fetus. This procedure is most com­monly referred to as intact dilatation and extraction (D & X).

Abdominal wall defects

Abdominal wall defects are birth (congenital) defects that allow the stomach or intestines to protrude. Many unexpected and fascinating events occur dur­ing the development of a fetus inside the womb. The stomach and intestines begin development outside the baby’s abdomen and only later does the abdominal wall enclose them. Occasion­ally, either the umbilical opening is too large, or it develops improperly, allowing the bowels or stomach to remain outside or squeeze through the abdominal wall.

Abdominal ultrasound

    Ultrasound technology allows doctors to “see” inside a patient without resorting to surgery. A transmitter

sends high frequency sound waves into the body, where they bounce off the different tissues and organs to produce a distinctive pattern of echoes. A receiver “hears” the returning echo pattern and forwards it to a computer, which translates the data into an image on a television screen. Because ultrasound can distinguish subtle variations between soft, fluid-filled tissues, it is particularly useful in providing diagnostic images of the abdomen. Ultrasound can also be used in treatment.