An abbreviation for accident and emergency
A&E
a1-antitrypsin deficiency
A disease caused by reduced or abnormal production in the body of a particular chemical.
abdomen
The part of the body that contains the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder and other organs.
abdominal
Relating to the abdomen, which is the region of the body between the chest and the pelvis.
abdominal angina
Intermittent abdominal pain, frequently occurring after eating, caused by insufficient blood supply to the abdomen
abdominal cavity
The part of the body that contains the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder and other organs.
abdominal obesity
Obesity centred around the abdomen, resulting in a high waist circumference.
ABPI
An abbreviation for ankle brachial pressure index
abruption
Placental lining separates from the uterus.
abscess
Infection resulting in a collection of pus walled off by inflamed tissues.
acanthosis nigricans
A rare condition in which dark patches of skin appear in the groin, armpits, neck and other skin folds.
ACE
An abbreviation for angiotensin-converting enzyme
ACE inhibitor
Abbreviation for angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor - one of a class of drugs used to treat cardiovascular conditions.
acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
A group of drugs that increase the levels of a chemical called acetylcholine.
achalasia
Failure of the muscle around the lower opening of the oesophagus (the lower oesophageal sphincter) to relax.
Achilles tendon
The tendon that connects the heel to the muscles of the lower leg.
acne
Inflammation of the oil-producing glands of the skin, leading to spots that may be pus-filled on the face and sometimes the upper body. It classically affects adolescents although it can occur at any age.
acoustic neuroma
A rare, non-cancerous tumour arising from the cells surrounding the auditory nerve.
acromegaly
A condition in which excess production of growth hormone from the pituitary gland in the brain after puberty causes excess growth, especially enlargement of the bones of the hands, feet and jaw
ACTH
An abbreviation for adrenocorticotrophic hormone
Actinomyces
A type of bacteria.
actinomycosis
A bacterial disease causing multiple swellings that may leak pus
acupressure
A complementary therapy derived from acupuncture, which uses finger pressure rather than the fine sterile needles used in acupuncture.
acupuncture
A complementary therapy in which fine sterile needles are inserted into the skin at specific points.