Doctors Speak

Abrasion
The rubbing of the surface of the skin due to mechanical injury. It generally results in an open wound. It can allow infection to enter.

Abscess
Localised collection of pus such as boils which can develop rapidly and come up in a few days. Chronic abscesses (long term) take weeks or months to develop and can occur in conditions such as tuberculous.

Achalasia
A term for spasm but may actually be the result of failure to relax in muscles and in particular occurs in the oesophagus (gullet)

Achlorhydria
Is the absence of acid in the stomach and can occur in association with a number of diseases such inflammation of stomach lining (gastritis), cancer of the stomach and pernicious anaemia.

Achondroplasia
Is the shortening of arms and legs giving rise to dwarfs. This is a hereditary condition.

Acidosis
Is a reduction in the alkali component of the blood and may occur in diseases of the kidneys or respiratory (breathing) conditions.

Acne (Acne Vulgaris)
Chronic skin condition affecting most teenagers/adolescents. It is caused by the obstruction of the ducts of the sebaceous glands in the skin and these become infected. These glands are under the control of the male sex hormone( which is found in men and women) and predominantly affect face, back and chest. The male sex hormone is secreted in the testes in male and the adrenal glands in the females.

Acrocyanosis
Condition in which there is persistent blueness of limbs, feet, nose and ears and may occur particularly in women.

Acromegaly
Is the overgrowth of bones of the limbs, jaw, skull and feet and normally occurs in adults and is caused by increased secretion of growth hormone due to a tumour of the pituitary gland at the base of the brain.

Actinomycosis
suppurative disease that normally affects cattle, but can occur in humans, it is caused by fungus actinomyces. This fungus can be found in the mouth but particularly occurs if there has been trauma to the mouth and jaw and which will give rise to abscesses.

Addison's Disease
Deficiency of the hormones secreted by the adrenal gland results in skin pigmentation, low blood pressure because of an imbalance in the salts in the blood. The opposite of this is aldosteronism.

Adenoma
Any benign tumour composed of glandular tissues. They can occur anywhere in the body

Adhesions
This occurs particularly after abdominal operation and fibrous layers, which prevent the bowel from moving freely. it may result in abdominal cramping.

Agnosia
Loss of ability to recognise and object by any senses. It can occur particularly after brain damage that can be as a result of strokes, tumours etc.

Agranulocytosis
Absence or greatly reduced number of white blood cells.

Agraphia
Loss of ability to express ideas by writing.

Agenesis
Incomplete development of any part of an organ or the body.

AIDS
This is the acronym for acquired immune deficiency syndrome that at present is an incurable disease caused by the HIV (human immuno-deficiency virus). This results in the inability of the body to ward off infection and is generally transmitted by unprotected sexual intercourse, infected syringes and blood products.

Akinesia
Loss or impairment of voluntary movement.

Albinism
Absence/decrease in the amount of pigment in the skin. This pigment, melanin, gives our skin, hair and eyes colour and this is generally an inherited disease.

Albuminuria
An excess amount of albumin in the urine may be a sign of kidney or heart disease.

Aldosteronism
Causes high blood pressure, headaches, weakness due to increased produced of aldosterone, which regulates salt metabolism in the body and is produced by the adrenal gland. The opposite of this is Addison's.

Alkalosis
Is a reduction in the concentration of hydrogen in the blood that makes the blood more alkaline and can occur if large amounts are taken for treatment of stomach ulcers.

Alkaptonuria
A hereditary disorder where the body is incapable of producing an enzyme to utilise certain amino acids. As a result of incomplete metabolism the urine turns dark on standing in a bottle. It may also cause discoloration of cartilage and lead to arthritis.

Allergy
This is an abnormal reaction to certain substances that would normally cause no problems in most people. This can occur with certain foods, pollen and insect bites and symptoms would include itching, rashes, and difficulty breathing. It is caused by a release of histamine.

Alopecia
Another name for hair loss

Alveolitis
Inflammation of the alveoli (air sacs of the lungs) and this is generally caused by an allergic reaction, although it can be caused by infection.

Alzheimer's disease
Degenerative disorder of the cerebral cortex that produces dementia in the middle or late life. First manifestation of this condition is loss of memory, particular short-term memory and is a non-curable condition that generally results in death over longterm.

Amaurosis Fugax
This is sudden transitory blindness or impairment of vision and may well be due to disturbance of blood flow within the blood vessels of the eye.

Amenorrhoea
Absence of menstrual period during the time of life when periods should occur. The commonest cause is pregnancy.

Amnesia
Loss of memory

Amoebiasis
Infection by the protozoa Entamoeba histolytica causes amoebic dysentery. Complications of this include bleeding into the gut, abscesses of the gut and perforation of the gut.

Amyloidosis
A build up of the protein amyloid that infiltrates various organs in the body. This can be a primary condition (no other medical problems) or a secondary condition (for example as a result of tuberculosis).

Anaphylaxis
This is an excessive reaction as a result of allergy giving rise to acute rash, swelling or tongue and upper airway, reduced blood pressure, shortness of breath and may in extreme cases cause death.

Anklyosing spondylitis
Inflammatory condition that involves the vertebra and is most common in males aged 20-40. The vertebras become fixed.

Angioneurotic Oedema
Acute local swelling under the skin, often as a result of allergy and occurs particularly around the face and tongue. It needs to be treated often with steroids and antihistamine to reduce the swelling.

Aneurysm
A blood filled sac formed by dilation of the artery walls. As a result the artery becomes weak and is susceptible to rupture and consequently bleeding. It can occur in different arteries in the body and often if it is in the aorta it can be fatal if it bursts.

Angina Pectoris
Crushing or gripping pain in the chest normally related to exertion and particularly occurs in those with problems with sufficient flow through the coronary arteries of the heart.

Anorexia Nervosa
Predominantly occurs in women manifested by deep aversion to food and they often have a mistaken belief that they are overweight and when they diet to excess the condition can lead to extreme emaciation and death.

Aphonia
Loss of voice due to a disorder of the throat.

Aplastic Anaemia
serious form of anaemia as a result of failure of bone marrow to form new blood cells, can be caused by certain medicines.

Apnoea
Temporary stoppage of bleeding, can either be due to blockage of the airway or lack of stimulation by the centre in the brain that controls breathing.

Arcus Senilis
A white ring around the outer edge of the cornea of the eye.

Arthropathy
Term applied to any form of joint disease.

Ascites
Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.

Atelectasis
Collapse of part of a lung.

Athletes Foot
Fungal infection that particularly occurs between the toes.

Atheroma
A condition where cholesterol and fatty substances build up inside the artery. As a result the blood flow in the artery reduces.

Atrophy
A state of wasting away or shrinking in the size of any part of the body, it can occur in muscles or organs.

Bacteraemia
The term that describes the event of bacteria being present in the blood.

Bacteruria
The presence of bacteria in the urine, may be a signal of infection in the urinary tract which includes the kidneys, urethra and bladder.

Bell's Palsy
Paralysis of the muscles of the face due to damage/swelling of the facial nerves. The muscles are normally paralysed temporarily but it can in certain cases be permanent.

Blepharitis
Inflammation of the eyelid.

Bradycardia
slow heart beat.

Borborygmus
Excess gas in the bowel causing flatulence.

Bronchiectasis
Where the bronchi (main air passage of the lungs) become larger, usually as a result of recurrent infection and as a result become obstructed by infection and stop working. Often secretions are difficult to remove and as a result starts to destroy the lining of the lung.

Bronchitis
Inflammation of the bronchi (lining of the tubes and lung) can occur as a result of infection but most commonly occurs as a result of damage due to smoking.

Bulimia Nervosa
There is, as in anorexia nervosa, a morbid fear of obesity and this condition is most common in women.

Cachexia
Emaciation as a result of general ill health. Generally as a result of serious disease such as cancer.

Cancer
Also known as carcinoma. It is a general name for any malignant tumour. Carcinomas/cancers invade and destroy tissues.

Candida
Infection as a result of a fungus, Candida albicans. It may occur in the mouth or vagina (thrush). It presents as white patches and discharge.

Caries
Dental decay where the calcium of the tooth is destroyed by disease.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Pain and tingling in the fingers caused by pressure on the median nerve as it passes through a narrow channel in the wrist. It can be relieved by an operation to cut the ligament in the wrist that tethers the nerve down.

Cellulitis
A spreading inflammation of the tissue under the skin.

Cerebral Palsy
A condition where paralysis occurs in infancy or early childhood, may be genetic or trauma at childbirth.

Cerebrovascular Accident
Another name for a stroke due to an interruption of the blood supply to the brain that causes a weakness on one side of the body.

Chicken Pox
Highly infectious condition characterised by a rash that occurs mainly in children. It is due to a type of herpes virus.

Cholangitis
Inflammation of the bile ducts

Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gallbladder.

Cholelithiasis
The presence of gall stones.

Coeliac Disease
Inability to absorb fat through the small intestine wall, as a result excess of fat is found in the stools. This is due to intolerance of gluten that causes damage to the lining of the small intestine.

Colostomy
surgically created opening of the colon through to the wall of the abdomen.

Coma
A state of profound deep unconsciousness where the patient cannot be roused. The causes of this are many but include head injury, poisoning, stroke, diabetes, liver and kidney disease or epilepsy but there are many other conditions that can cause coma.

Concussion
The person may be dizzy, sleepy, nauseated, have cold skin, as a result of a fall or violent blow in which the brain receives shaking or jarring.

Conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the conjunctiva. This is the mucous membrane that covers the inside of the eyelid and the front of the eye. It can be the result of an infection or allergy, generally results in a pink sore looking eye.

Coryza
Another name for a cold.

Crohn's Disease
An inflammatory bowel disease affecting any part of the bowel from the stomach to the anus. Patients suffer from attacks of abdominal pain, diarrhoea and bleeding.

Cushing's Syndrome
Disorder resulting from excessive output of steroids from the adrenal glands. It is characterised by obesity, acne, increased hair growth and increased blood pressure. It can be also due to a pituitary tumour, which causes an increasing release of steroids from the adrenal glands, or a tumour within the adrenal gland itself.

Cystitis
Inflammation of the bladder generally as a result of infection by bacteria. It is common in women giving rise to burning or stinging when passing water, as well as increased frequency of passing water and sometimes blood in the urine.

Cyst
Cavity/hollow sac that contains liquids.

Dementia
General term for any mental deterioration that causes impairment of intellect and may lead to confusion.

Dermatitis
Inflammatory of the skin which may be as a result of light or irritation due to products in contact with the skin.

Diabetes Insipidus
This is a condition caused by lack of antidiuretic hormones that results in an excessive thirst and passing large amounts of urine.

Diabetes Mellitus
A defect in the production of the hormone insulin by the pancreas and is characterised by elevated blood sugar. There are 2 types. Type 1 or insulin dependent in which patients require insulin injections and type 2 that occurs generally in later life and may well be a result of obesity. Type 2 can often be controlled with dietary advice although oral medication may become necessary.

Diplopia
Another name for double vision.

Dislocation
The displacement of a bone from its normal position that generally occurs as a result of trauma or a fall.

Diverticulitis
Inflammation of pockets of the large intestine. Diverticulae are pouches that occur particularly in the elderly and is thought to be as a result of altered bowel habit or constipation.

Dupuytren's Contracture
The thickening of the skin and tissue of the palm of the hand, which results in pulling the fingers down towards the palm of the hand. It generally affects the little finger first but can occur across the ring and the index finger.

Dysarthria
slurring or weakness of speech may be caused by damage to the muscles of speech but also caused by damage affecting the speech centres in the brain. It may occur as a result of stroke, Parkinson's or any neurological disease.

Dysmenorrhoea
Painful menstruation/periods.

Dyspareunia
Pain experienced by women during sexual intercourse.

Dyspepsia
Indigestion

Dysphagia
Difficulty in swallowing.

Dysphasia
Difficulty in understanding languages. This particularly occurs after stroke or brain damage.

Dyspnoea
Difficulty in breathing.

Dysuria
Difficulty or pain in passing urine.

Ecchymosis
Discoloured patch resulting from the escape of blood into tissues just under the skin (almost the same as bruising).

Eclampsia
serious form of convulsions that occurs in late pregnancy or during and after delivery. It is an extreme manifestation of infection in pregnancy or it can well be caused by high blood pressure.

Ectropion
The eyelid turns outwards, more commonly in the lower than the upper lid.

Eczema
General term for inflammation of the skin, usually an allergic-type reaction to a wide range of a stimulant or irritants.

Effusion
Movement of fluid from blood vessels which is normally contained, into an organ such as the lungs or body cavity as a result of inflammation or injury.

Elephantiasis
This is characterised by gross overgrowth of skin and tissue spaces underneath. It is often seen in tropical countries in those who have been bitten by the parasite filaria bancrofti. This parasite blocks lymphatic vessels and results in massive overgrowth of skin and tissue.

Embolism
The obstruction of a blood vessel by an embolus. An embolus consists of material carried by the blood stream and can be a blood clot, a mass of bacteria or an air bubble. It can cause destruction of that part of an organ because of lack of blood caused by blockage of the blood vessel.<

Emesis
Another term for vomiting.

Emphysema
Abnormal presence of air in a part of the body.

Empyema
Accumulation of pus within a cavity.

Encephalitis
Inflammation of the brain normally due to a virus.

Encephalomyelitis
Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

Encephalopathy
When there is a signs of cerebral irritation (brain irritation) without any localised lesion to account for it. It can be as a result of certain diseases such as kidney disease or in people who are withdrawing from alcohol and substance abuse.

Endocarditis
Inflammation of the lining of the heart.

Enteritis
Inflammation of the intestines (gastroenteritis), inflammation of the stomach and intestines which leads to diarrhoea and vomiting.

Entropion
The eyelid turns inward (see opposite ectropion)<

Epiglottitis
Inflammation of the epiglottis, this is quite rare now due to the introduction of the haemophilus influenza B vaccine, but nevertheless is still a serious condition in adults and children where the epiglottis (part of the voice box) becomes very swollen and may obstruct the airway.

Epilepsy
sudden attacks of involuntary muscle convulsions.

Epistaxis
Bleeding from the nose.

Eructation
Belching

Erysipelas
Acute bacterial infection affecting the skin and underlying tissues. Normally accompanied by a high temperature. The infection is caused by streptococcus.

Erythema
Redness of the skin

Exophthalmos
Bulging eyes. This condition characterised by certain forms of thyroid disease.

Fainting
Temporary loss of consciousness caused by temporary reduction in blood supply reaching the brain. It is also known as syncope or vasovagal attack.