Dictionary

abdomen: The portion of the torso between the chest and the pelvis.

abdominal: Of or relating to the abdomen.

abdominal migraine: Common in children, a migraine marked by frequent vomiting, severe abdominal pain and stomach pain. Episodes may last for one hour or more, interspersed with periods of normal health.

ACB (albumin cobalt binding): A test used to rule out or confirm a heart attack.

ACE Inhibitor: A type of medication that encourages blood vessels to relax and dilate by inhibiting the action of angiotensin converting enzymes.

acetylcholinerase: An important neurotransmitter (a substance that enables nerve cell impulses to jump the gap between two nerve cells).

acetylcholinesterase: An enzyme found in nerve cells that reacts with the neurotransmitter acetylcholinerase.

acid reflux disease:: When stomach acid leaks into the esophagus, causing discomfort and damage. Can be caused by stress.

acne: Skin blemishes caused by inflamed or plugged hair follicles and skin glands.

ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone): A protein hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal cortex. Often called the stress hormone.

acute: Describes a condition that develops quickly, is of short duration and which may require immediate care.

acute lymphocytic leukemia: The most common type of leukemia in patients under age 19, although it can develop at any age. It results from an acquired (not inherited) genetic injury to the DNA of a single cell in the bone marrow.

acute myelogenous leukemia: Rapidly progressing type of leukemia that causes accumulation of immature, functionless cells in the bone marrow and blood.

acute stress: Short-term stress with no lasting effects.

adrenal glands: Two glands positioned on top of the kidneys that release catecholamine hormones (including adrenaline and noradrenaline) in response to stress.

adrenal medulla: A part of the adrenal glands, the adrenal medulla releases catecholamine hormones as part of the body's stress response.

adrenaline: A hormone produced by the adrenal medulla in response to stress.

adrenoreceptor: Classified as both alpha-adrenergic and beta-adrenergic, these nerve endings are called to action through the release of epinephrine or external medications.

aerosol: A suspension of liquid or solid particles in a gas. In medicine, also a pressurized container that delivers medication suspended in a gas.

affective disorder: Any mental condition characterized by significant emotional disturbances that aren’t caused by noticeable brain deformities. Affective disorders include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder depression, etc.

AFP level: Alpha-fetoproteins are considered "tumor markers" as these proteins are often at higher levels in the bloodstream of males with nonseminomatous testicular cancer, but will drop following successful surgery; also present at higher percentages when other are diseases are present.

air purifier: A mechanical device that filters the air to remove potentially harmful substances.

airway: A passage transporting air to and from the lungs.

airway obstruction: Any condition or substance that partially or completely blocks the passage of air into the lungs from the upper respiratory tract. Obstruction may be due to allergic reactions, foreign items, injury or infection.

Albuterol: A popular prescription medication that is used to treat various types of airway issues due to things like asthma, emphysema and COPD.

aldosterone: A steroid hormone that regulates the body's balance of water and salt.

alkaloids: Chemicals that may be produced from plants and that contain cancer-killing properties. Can be applied as chemotherapy treatments and, in the case of yohimbine, used for erectile dysfunction symptoms.

allergen: A normally harmless substance that can induce an allergic reaction in some.

allergic reaction: An abnormal response to a substance that causes mast cells to release histamine.

allergic rhinitis: The medical term for hay fever. (see hay fever)

allergies: Unusual reactions by the immune system to harmless materials.

allergy: A reaction by the immune system to foreign substances that are not threats, such as pet dander, plant pollen, and dust.

alopecia: Hair loss or baldness.

alpha1-antitrypsin: A substance carried by the blood to the lungs that inhibits the activity of trypsin, a substance that digests proteins. A lack of alpha1-antitrypsin is associated with emphysema. Also known as alpha-1-protease inhibitor.

alpha-1-protease inhibitor: See alpha1-antitrypsin.

alveoli: Small sacs in the lungs where oxygen is transferred into the blood.

Alzheimer's disease: A chronic brain disease that results in progressive and irreversible damage to neurons. Symptoms of Alzheimer's include dementia, memory loss, impaired judgment, loss of cognitive functions, confusion and eventual loss of language.

amenorrhea: The abnormal absence of menstruation.

AMI (acute myocardial infarction): A heart attack. The death of muscle tissue.

amyloid: Complex proteins that form plaque deposits in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.

amyloidosis: Refers to a variety of rare conditions that result in pathological aggregation of extracellular amyloid deposition.

ANA blood test: The full name of the ANA blood test is the immunofluorescent anti-nuclear antibody test. The tests measures specific autoantibodies called anti-nuclear antibodies. 95 percent of lupus cases have positive ANA blood tests.

anemia: A state where the blood has insufficient amounts of red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry normal levels of oxygen through the body.

anger: An emotional state, anger ranges in intensity from irritation to rage. Physical effects of anger include an increase in heart rate, a rise in blood pressure and increased levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline.

angina pectoris: Chest pain caused by insufficient blood flow to the heart.Often triggered by emotional stress.

angiography: A special type of X-ray where radioactive dye is injected into blood vessels so they will appear on the X-ray.

angioplasty: Open heart surgery to enlarge narrowed arteries.

angiotensin: Substances that cause blood vessels to constrict and narrow.

antibodies: Protein substances that react against bacteria and other harmful material.

anticholinergic: A drug that blocks the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the brain. Anticholinergic drugs are often effective in reducing the tremors of Parkinson's disease.

anticoagulant: Any substance that prevents blood clots and slows coagulation.

anticonvulsant: Also known as antiepileptic medication, anticonvulsant medication is a type of drug doctors generally prescribe to treat seizures. However, because anticonvulsants stabilize moods, they are an effective medication in the treatment of bipolar disorder.

antidepressant: A group of drugs that lifts the mood and, therefore, is used to treat depression.

anti-endomysial antibodies: Antibodies produced in reaction to gluten.

antiepileptic: Also known as anticonvulsant medication, antiepileptic medication is a mood stabilizer used to treat bipolar disorder.

antihistamine: Medication that reduces allergy symptoms by inhibiting the action of histamine.

antimalarial drug: medication used in the treatment of malaria. Antimalarial drugs have some applications in lupus treatment.

antinuclear antibody test: This test is used to help diagnose systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and drug-induced lupus, but may also be positive in cases of scleroderma, Sjögren’s syndrome, Raynaud’s disease, juvenile chronic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, autoimmune hepatitis and many other autoimmune and non-autoimmune diseases.

antipsychotic: Also known as neuroleptic medication, antipsychotic medication is generally used to treat the psychosis (i.e. hallucinations and delusions) associated with schizophrenia. However, because antipsychotics have mood stabilizing properties, they are also prescribed to bipolar patients.

anxiety: An emotional state that includes feelings of fear or worry, anxiety's physical reactions include heart palpitations and sweating.

anxiolytics: Medications designed to relieve anxiety.

aorta: The large artery beginning at the heart's left ventricle that is responsible for transporting oxygenated blood to the body.

apnea: Abnormal temporary cessation of breath while sleeping.

APP (amyloid precursor protein): A protein that occurs naturally in the brain. If something causes an abnormal degrading of APP, amyloid proteins form.

arava: A disease-modifying drug that treats rheumatoid arthritis by targeting the white blood cells that contribute to the inflammatory process.

arrhythmia: An abnormal heartbeat fluctuation, either in terms of speed or consistency.

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG): A test used by doctors to determine the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in a person's blood.

arteriogram: A visual image of an artery created by injecting a mildly radioactive dye into the bloodstream.

artery: Any blood vessel that transports oxygen away from the heart to the body.

asbestos: A fiber that exhibits high heat resistance that is included in a number of products. When inhaled, asbestos can lead to cancer or other serious lung disorders.

aspirin: An over-the-counter pain medication with some blood thinning properties.

asthma: A lung disorder characterized by labored breathing, wheezing, coughing and bronchial tube spasms. Many cases of asthma are triggered by allergies.

asthma attack: An episode of severe asthma symptoms that includes shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing.

asthma home remedies: A holistic approach to treating asthma with household items, such as spices or foods.

asthma products: Specific items that contain fewer allergens and are less likely to induce asthma attacks in asthmatics.

asthma safe: An environment or product that is void of asthma triggers.

asthma trigger: A substance that instigates an asthma attack in a person, such as pollution.

asthma-proofing: The process of eliminating all asthma triggers within a household.

asthmatic: A person who has been diagnosed with asthma, a respiratory condition.

atelectasis: The collapse of a lung as it expands.

atheroma: A yellow plaque of cholesterol, fat, scar tissue and/or inflamed cells that may build up on an artery wall, narrowing the artery.

atherosclerosis: Hardening of the arteries. Fatty deposits can causes the artery walls to thicken and narrow, as can calcification of the arteries and damage caused by chronic hypertension.

atopy: The genetic inheritance of an allergic disease such as asthma, allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis.

atria: The heart has two atria, the upper chambers of the heart that receive blood from the veins.

atrial fibrillation: An irregular and rapid heartbeat.

atrial flutter: A condition in which the atria (the upper chambers of the heart) contract or flutter very quickly, but the heart rate appears normal.

atrophy: The shrinkage of an organ or other body part and in the case of testicular involvement may be a sign of aging, injury or disease; can also result from the treatment of disease.

atypical: Abnormal.

autoantibodies: Antibodies produced by a faulty immune system that target and damage body tissue.

autoimmune disease: A disease of the immune system, in which the immune system mistakes tissue other parts of the body as a threat and produces antibodies that damage the body.

axon: A long, thin nerve cell "tail" that transports electric impulses from the nerve cell body.

bacterium: A microorganism, sometimes capable of causing disease. Bacterial diseases are treated with antibiotics.

barbiturates: Powerful drugs that affect the central nervous system. Used to treat extreme cases of insomnia and seizures.

barium: A metal element drunk as a thick chalky liquid so the intestines will show up on X-rays.

basilar artery migraine: Affects the arteries that the brain supplies with oxygen-rich blood, often causing pain, vertigo and speech, vision and coordination problems.

behavior modification: Often led by a professional or through self-training, this is a process of making lifestyle changes, including physical and emotional approaches, that can lead to an improvement or even a cure in sexual function.

benign multiple sclerosis: People with benign multiple sclerosis rarely suffer mild attacks and experience a complete recovery after the attacks. Because the symptoms do not worsen, people with benign multiple sclerosis have almost no disability.

benzodiazepines: A group of tranquilizing drugs with heavy hypnotic and sedative properties. While benzodiazepines are primarily used to treat sleep disorders, they are sometimes prescribed to bipolar patients.

beta amyloid: The predominant amyloid protein found in Alzheimer's disease plaques.

beta blockers: Medications that lower blood pressure in the arteries and relax the heart muscle. Used during heart attacks and as a preventative for future heart attacks.

binge eating: Uncontrollable and compulsive overeating, often in response to stress.

biofeedback: A technique that teaches people to control physiological processes. Biofeedback practitioners may learn to control body temperature, blood pressure and other body activities that usually occur outside of conscious thought.

biopsy: The removal or sampling of fluid or tissue from any part of the body for further study.

BIPAP (bi-level positive airway pressure): A machine that uses two different air pressures to assist breathing.

bipolar I disorder: Also called manic depression, bipolar I disorder is a condition characterized by extreme mood swings and dramatic changes in energy levels.

bipolar II disorder: A form of bipolar disorder characterized by the presence (or history) of at least one depressive and one hypomanic episode without the presence of a manic or mixed episode.

birth control: A substance or action that prevents pregnancy.

birth control pill: An oral contraceptive that prevents ovulation.

blood cell counts: An analysis of the presence of white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets and other blood components. Counts are used to help diagnose, treat, follow up and determine a lymphoma patient's health.

blood clot: Also called a thrombus. Blood that has turned into a solid mass.

blood flow: This is a very important part of sexual functioning due to the fact that the penis must become engorged with blood to achieve an erection.

bone marrow: The soft, sponge-like tissue in the center of bones that produces white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets.

bone marrow aspirate: A test that looks for cell abnormalities in bone marrow. Used to help diagnose lymphoma, an aspirate is usually done at the same time as a bone marrow biopsy.

bone marrow biopsy: A test in which a very small piece of bone filled with marrow is extracted and then examined under a microscope. Usually done in conjunction with a bone marrow aspirate.

bone marrow transplant: A lymphoma treatment in which bone marrow cells are destroyed and cancer-free bone marrow cells are injected.

BOTOX®: Acronym for botulism toxin, a medical protein injected into facial muscles to minimize the appearance of lines and furrows. Research shows such injections can help relieve migraine pain.

bowel: Alternate name for the intestines.

bradycardia: A very slow heart rate. Bradycardia often slows the heart rate to less than 50 beats a minute.

breakthrough bleeding: Abnormal blood flow between menstrual periods. Often occurs in women taking oral contraceptives.

breathing: The process of drawing air into and out of the lungs.

bronchi: The plural form of bronchus (see bronchus).

bronchial: Referring to arteries that are connected to the lungs.

bronchial tubes: The main airways that channel oxygen from the nose and mouth to the lungs.

bronchiolitis: Inflammation of the bronchioles, small air tubes that branch off from the bronchi.

bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes.

broncho-constriction: The constriction of the bronchial passages.

bronchodilator: Any agent that helps clear or dilate the lungs' air passages, or bronchi.

bronchopulmonary: Of or relating to the lungs and bronchial passageways.

bronchoscope: A rigid or flexible tube used to explore and clear airways as well as assess certain lung conditions.

bronchospasm: A sudden contraction of the bronchial passages, caused by asthma, allergies or other conditions.

bronchus: One of the two divergent passages in the trachea leading to the left and right lungs.

butterfly rashes: A flat red rash over the nose. Approximately fifty percent of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus develop a butterfly rash. As the rash centers on the bridge of the nose its shape is thought to resemble a butterfly.

CAD (coronary artery disease): A heart disease caused when cholesterol deposits, or plaques, build up in the coronary arteries. CAD is a leading cause of heart-related deaths.

calcification: The depositing of calcium salts within an organ or blood vessel.

calcium channel blockers: Medication that lowers blood pressure and relaxes the smooth muscle in the artery walls, improving blood flow.

cannula: A small tube inserted into the nose to provide oxygen to the lungs.

capillaries: The smallest variety of blood vessels. The majority of oxygen transfer occurs in the capillaries.

carcinoma: A malignant cancer that may be located in any part of the body, including tumors of the lung.

cardiac: Of or related to the heart.

cardiac catheterization: The insertion of a thin tube called a catheter into the coronary arteries for diagnostic or surgical purposes.

cardiac enzyme blood tests: A test for specific enzymes released by damaged heart tissue during a heart attack.

cardiopulmonary: Of or related to the heart and lungs.

cardiopulmonary resuscitation: An emergency procedure to restore life to someone whose heart has stopped. The chest is compressed to force the heart to pump and mouth-to-mouth ventilation is administered to get oxygen into the lungs.

cardiovascular system: The body system that includes the heart and the blood vessels.

carditis: Inflammation of the heart.

caregiver: A family member or health care professional who cares for an incapacitated individual.

carotid: Related to the carotid artery, which supplies oxygenated blood to the brain.

carotidynia migraine: More common in the elderly, these migraines cause pain in the jaw and neck areas. Can last many hours and often occurs several times a week.

CAT: Referencing a Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) or CT scan, which creates a 3-D image of areas inside the body.

catalepsy: The state of being entranced so that a person’s extremities are rigid and he is desensitized to pain. While catalepsy is symptomatic of schizophrenia, it can be induced by some of the medications used to treat bipolar disorder.

catecholamine: A family of hormones that include adrenaline and noradrenaline.

catheter: A thin tube inserted into the body to collect or inject substances.

celiac disease: An immune disorder where the body has a severe reaction against gluten, a protein found in wheat and most other grains. Celiac disease can cause malnutrition and digestion problems. A gluten-free diet is the only known treatment.

celiac sprue: Another older name for celiac disease.

central nervous system lymphoma: A type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma located primarily in the central nervous system.

central nervous system vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain.

Centrilobular or Centriacinar Emphysema: One of the two most common types of emphysema, in which the alveoli are destroyed, which causes the airway walls to become enlarged.

cerebral cortex: The layer of "gray matter" that covers the brain's cerebral hemisphere. The cerebral cortex controls most higher mental functions, including memory, thought, language and problem solving.

cerebritis: Inflammation of the brain.

cerebrospinal: Of or related to the brain and spinal cord.

cerebrospinal fluid: Fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

cerebrovascular: Of or related to the brain and the brain's blood vessels.

cervical mucus: A mucus that protects the cervix and keeps it moist. Cervical mucus changes throughout a woman's menstrual cycle to allow fertilization.

cervix: The narrow outer portion of the uterus.

chemotherapy: The use of medicines to treat cancer.

chemotherapy: A drug treatment often used in late stages Hodgkin's lymphoma, sometimes in conjunction with radiation. Kills cancer cells and prevents cancer from spreading.

chest: The area of the body surrounded by the ribs and sternum.

chest pain: While chest pain has many causes, it should never be dismissed. Chest pain always indicates a need for medical evaluation as soon as possible.

childhood obesity: A diagnosed cause of migraines in children. The more obese the child, the more intense his migraine symptoms.

cholesterol: The most common steroid in the body. While essential for many body processes, fatty cholesterol deposits can cause atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.

cholinesterase inhibitors: A family of medications used to treat early stage Alzheimer's symptoms by improving cognitive functioning.

choriocarcinoma: Unusual form of germ cell cancer that on its own is highly aggressive, but when present in mixed tumor form may be less harmful.

chronic: A term used to describe any condition that lasts for long periods of time.

chronic bronchitis: The presence of a daily cough with sputum production for at least two years in a row.

chronic disease: Any disease that is habitual, or over a continuing period of time.

chronic fatigue: Long-term feelings of exhaustion and lethargy.

chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A slowly progressing cancer of the blood in which too many lymphocytes are produced by the bone marrow and by organs of the lymphatic system.

chronic myelogenous leukemia: A slowly progressing disease in which too many white blood cells are produced in bone marrow.

chronic progressive multiple sclerosis: An outdated term used to describe any form of progressive multiple sclerosis.

chronic stress: Long-term stress that can have lasting effects on mental and physical health.

Cialis®: Brand name for tadalafil, which is one of the primary drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction.

cilia: Hair-like cells that move matter out of the lungs by waving together.

circular insanity: The early term used to refer to bipolar disorder. In the 1830s, the French doctors Falret and Baillarger identified the symptoms of bipolar disorder and called the condition circular insanity.

circulatory shock: A condition that may come after a severe heart attack. The heart muscle is too weak after the attack to pump enough blood to the heart, and blood pressure falls to critical levels.

CKMB (cardiac enzyme creatine phosphokinase MB): An enzyme released by damaged heart tissue during a heart attack.

classic migraine: Occurs when an aura is experienced minutes before the actual pain of a migraine headache begins. Auras can involve visual sensory illusions, such as jagged bands of light obscuring vision, or a shimmering light around the edges of objects.

cognitive behavior therapy: A type of psychotherapy that works to replace negative thought and behavior patterns with positive, realistic, rational ways of thinking. Cognitive behavior therapy, along with medication, is effective in treating bipolar disorder.

cognitive dysfunction: Confusion, memory problems, and difficulty expressing thoughts.

cognitive function: The ability to access and use higher brain functions, such as thinking, language, problem solving and reasoning.

colitis: Inflammation of the colon, also known as the large intestine or large bowel

colon: A portion of the large intestine between the cecum and the rectum that removes water from digested food, and transporting the remaining stool into the rectum for evacuation.

coma: A state of deep unconsciousness from which the person cannot be woken.

commercial cleaning products: Common household cleaning products that may induce asthma attacks or allergies in some.

common cold: A viral disease of the upper respiratory tract characterized by sneezing, coughing and runny nose.

common migraine: A migraine with no aura. Most sufferers experience common migraines.

complete blood count (CBC): A blood test for levels of both red and white blood cells.

compliance: The act of following a medication regimen. Complying with treatment for bipolar disorder means regularly taking the prescribed medication and attending therapy.

congestive heart failure: Occurs when the heart is unable to pump sufficient oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. Congestive heart failure affects all other organs, including the brain, the kidneys and the liver.

connective tissue: he supporting tissues of the body, such as tendons, ligaments, bone and cartilage.

constipation: A condition marked by hard, dry feces that are difficulty to pass.

controlled coughing: A method of loosening and expelling mucus from the airways.

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease): A degenerative lung disease that causes gradually worsening airway obstruction. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema both cause COPD.

cor pulmanale: Heart disease caused by difficulties transporting blood through the lungs. Can lead to right heart failure.

coronary arteries: Arteries that supply the heart muscle with its own blood supply.

coronary artery: Arteries that supply the heart muscle with its own blood supply.

coronary artery bypass graft: Heart surgery in which blood vessels from the leg or chest wall are grafted onto coronary arteries to bypass blockages.

coronary artery spasm: A condition in which the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, spasm, possibly cutting off blood to the heart muscle and triggering a heart attack.

corpus cavernosum: These are two tissue segments that run from the pubic bones along the shaft of the penis and that are largely responsible for maintaining the blood supply to the penis during an erection.

corpus luteum: Progesterone-producing tissue that forms in the ovary after ovulation. The corpus luteum disappears if conception does not occur. If the egg is fertilized, the corpus luteum persists for the pregnancy.

corticosteroid: A drug commonly used to treat allergic reactions, including asthma. Acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

corticosteroids: Synthetic versions of naturally occurring steroids used to treat inflammation.

cortisol: A natural steroid that suppresses the immune system. Levels of cortisol rise in response to stress.

cortisone: A steroid hormone that can be used as an anti-inflammatory medicine.

cosmetics allergies: Abnormal responses by the immune system to cosmetic products, such as makeup.

costochondritis: Inflammation of chest wall cartilage, causing pain and tenderness.

cough suppressant: Medication that lowers the severity and frequency of coughing symptoms.

CPAP (continuous positive airway): A machine that uses a continuous stream of air to keep airways open.

cryptorchidism: The failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum; a rare occurrence during fetal development that typically resolves itself within three months to one year, but may also increase the risk of testicular cancer at a later period.

CT scan: A medical scan that uses energy waves to construct computerized images of the body or brain.

Cushing's Syndrome: Signs and symptoms of Cushing's include a round, moon-like face, weight gain, weak muscles, thin skin and fragile, brittle bones.

cutaneous manifestations: The cutaneous (strictly speaking, subcutaneous) feature most characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis is the rheumatoid nodule. The initial pathologic process in nodule formation is unknown but is thought to be related to small-vessel inflammation. The mature lesion is defined by an area of central necrosis surrounded by palisading macrophages and fibroblasts and a cuff of cellular connective tissue and chronic inflammatory cells.

cyanosis: A condition in which the skin turns blue due to lack of oxygen in the blood supply.

cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP): A chemical agent, or enzyme, produced from nitric oxide in the male system that is triggered by sexual stimulation and that provides the response of blood to the penis.

cyclothymic disorder: A mild form of bipolar disorder marked by many recurring short cycles of depressive and hypomanic episodes. Cyclothymic disorder is generally considered to be a personality trait, rather than a mood disorder.

cystic fibrosis: A hereditary condition for which there is no cure. Affects the lungs, small intestine and pancreas, often leading to early death.

cytokine: Proteins that regulate the immune system.

cytotoxic: Any substance that kills living cells.

dander: The skin cells that animals and humans shed. A leading cause of allergic reactions.

decubitus ulcers: The medical term for bed sores.

defibrillator: A medical device that restores the heart's natural rhythm with an electric shock.

degenerative: A gradual deterioration.

dementia: A term used to describe a number of brain disorders that cause loss of cognitive function. Most types of dementia worsen with time.

demyelination: Refers to a loss of myelin, a substance in the white matter that insulates nerve endings. Myelin helps the nerves receive and interpret messages from the brain at maximum speed. When nerve endings lose myelin, they can not function properly, leading to patches of scarring (known as sclerosis) where nerve endings have lost myelin. These areas of scarring give multiple sclerosis its name.

depression: A mental disorder characterized by feelings of guilt, sadness and worthlessness. Depression symptoms also include changes in eating habits, weight gain or loss, sleep pattern disturbances, fatigue and feelings of apathy. Severe depression can lead to suicide attempts.

dermatitis herpetiformis: A serious skin disease associated with celiac disease that causes blisters, rash, and severe discomfort on the buttocks, elbows, and knees.

diabetes: A disorder where the body cannot control blood sugar levels due either to insufficient insulin production or an increased resistance to insulin.

diaphragmatic breathing: Using the diaphragm to breathe easier and with less effort.

diarrhea: Loose, often liquid, bowel movements.

diastolic: Describing the period between beats when the heart is relaxed.

diffusion: The transporting of oxygen from the alveoli to the blood, or carbon dioxide from the blood to the alveoli.

diffusion capacity: A measurement of the amount of oxygen transferred from the lungs to the bloodstream.

dilate: To expand or enlarge.

discoid lupus: A form of lupus that only affects the skin.

disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs): Drugs to treat the symptoms of RA; they can actually slow the progression of joint deterioration.

diuretic: Anything that increases urination.

divalproex sodium: An anti-seizure medication first developed as an epilepsy treatment, it also is very effective in preventing migraines. Prescription name is Depakote®.

donepezil: A medication used to treat dementia by improving mental functioning.

dopamine: Known as a neurohormone, this is released from the brain but can also be administered as a synthetic or be stimulated by certain medications and is responsible for increasing the sensation of sexual desire and sensitivity.

DPI (dry powder inhaler): A medical device for inhaling powdered medication.

drug-induced lupus: A form of lupus triggered by the use of some medications in some individuals.

dual-form insanity: Another term that the early French scientists Falret and Baillarger used (along with circular insanity) to refer to bipolar disorder. Both dual-form insanity and circular insanity referred to the most extreme, dramatic cases of bipolar disorder.

duodenum: The first portion of the small intestine, between the bottom of the stomach and the jejunum. Peptic ulcers are common in the duodenum.

dust mites: Tiny insects inside dust that are some of the most common causes of allergies.

dysmenorrhea: Painful menstrual cramps.

dysphoria: As the opposite of euphoria, dysphoria is a mental state characterized by depression, discontent and anxiety.

dysplasia: Abnormal growth, usually of an organ.

dyspnea: Difficulty breathing.

eating disorders: A term for a wide range of disorders, including binge eating, bulimia and anorexia.

echocardiogram: An ultrasound test used to view the heart.

eczema: An inflammatory skin disorder that can be triggered by stress.

edema: The occurrence of excessively swollen bodily tissue that typically manifests in the feet and legs but that can affect any part, including the lungs.

EEG (electroencephalogram): A recording of the brain's electrical activity.

egg: In humans, the female reproductive unit produced by the ovaries and which, when fertilized, develops into a fetus.

EKG (electrocardiogram): A test used to record the heart's electric activity.

elastase inhibitors: Substances that prevent the digestion of elastin (see elastin).

elastic degrading enzymes: Substances that breakdown elastin (see elastin).

elastins: The tiny fibers that make up the lungs, which give it the elastic capability to expand and retract with each breath a person takes.

electrocardiogram: Also ECG or EKG, a study of the heart's electrical activity based on the wave caused by each beat.

electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): A procedure that induces seizures in patients by using an electric current. ECT is used to treat severe cases of certain psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

emboli: Any abnormal substance, such as a blood clot, which travels through the bloodstream, lodges in a blood vessel and blocks the blood vessels.

embolism: The blocking of a blood vessel by a blood clot or other substance.

embryonal carcinoma: A cancer that begins as a germ cell tumor in the testes, with some similarities to a malformed embryo and is often found with rapid cell expansion, spreading into other parts of the body including the lymph nodes.

emphysema: A chronic lung condition in which the lungs gradually lose elasticity, resulting in difficulty breathing and possible heart failure.

enbrel: A biologic agent designed to control rheumatoid arthritis by suppressing chemicals that cause inflammation.

endocrinology: The study of hormones and hormonal disorders.

endodermal sinus tumors: Also known as yolk sac tumors and may be benign, but are typically malignant and may be more frequently found in children than young men.

endometriosis: Endometrial tissue that develops outside of the uterus, causing pain and possible infertility.

endometrium: The mucus membrane covering the inside of the uterus.

endorphin: Brain chemicals that bind to opiate receptors resulting in pain relief and feelings of pleasure.

endoscope: A thin, flexible fiber optic tube used to examine the small intestine.

environmental factors: An element in the local environment that has a direct impact on health.

enzyme inhibitors: Most often referred to as selective enzyme inhibitors, these include the current "big three" of drugs that treat erectile dysfunction: Cialis ® (tadalafil), Viagra ® (sildenafil) and Levitra ® (vardenafil), which work to block the PDE-5 enzyme that, in turn, allows for the production of cGMP.

epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR): Epidermal growth factor receptor is a cell surface protein that may become active on specifically mutant cells and, therefore becomes a marker for certain types of testicular and other cancers.

epididymis: The tube attached to the back side of a testicle that acts as storage for sperm while they mature and gain strength.

epididymitis: A common inflammation of the epididymis that can become painful and should receive medical attention to rule out other causes, such as testicular cancer. Can also become a chronic condition that requires surgery.

episode: A period characterized by related events. Bipolar patients experience alternating depressive and manic episodes.

erectile dysfunction (ED): Less often referred to as impotence, this can indicate the lack of an erection as well as the inability to maintain an erection long enough for ejaculation, which may be caused by a number of mental and physical conditions or factors.

erection aids: These are any number of drugs and products that can potentially help with erectile issues and include pills, pumps, injections, suppositories and, more rarely, surgical intervention.

erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or sed rate): A blood test that measures the presence of an inflammatory process in your body. People with rheumatoid arthritis tend to have elevated ESRs. The ESRs in those with osteoarthritis tend to be normal.

esophagus: The section of the gastrointestinal system that connects the stomach to the throat.

estrogen: The hormone produced by the ovaries and testes. Can trigger or worsen migraine headaches in women. Often found in birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy medications.

euphoria: A state characterized by elation and extreme pleasure. Bipolar patients experience euphoria during their manic episodes.

evoked potential: Evoked potential (EP) tests are electrical diagnostic studies that reveal if parts of the brain are slower at sending messages. These tests often provide evidence of scarring along nerve pathways that no other tests can show. The Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) is the most widely accepted diagnostic tool for identifying MS.

exercise tolerance test: A test in which an EKG or electrocardiogram monitors heart activity as the patient exercises on a treadmill machine or exercise bike

expectorant: A medication designed to clear the lungs of mucus by stimulating coughing.

extragonadal germ cell tumor: While normal germ cells reside within the testicles, these, in very rare cases, can develop far away and develop into benign or malignant masses near the heart, in the brain or in any remote location.