irritable bowel syndrome, a combination of abdominal pain and constipation, diarrhoea, or bouts of each that occur in the absence of any other diagnosed disease
IBS
IC
intermittent claudication
ichthyosis
A severe disorder characterised by continual scaling of the skin.
idiopathic
Of unknown cause.
idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
A chronic lung disease also known as fibrosing alveolitis in which repeated injury to small areas of lung tissue leads to inflammation and then scarring, impeding breathing and oxygen intake
IGTN
ingrowing toenail
IHD
ischaemic heart disease
ileitis
Inflammation of the ileum, part of the small intestine.
ileocolitis
Inflammation of the small and large intestines, the ileum and colon.
ileostomy
Surgery that involves bringing part of the small intestine, the ileum, through the abdominal wall. The intestinal contents are collected by a bag worn over the hole, or stoma.
ileum
The last part of the small intestine.
ilitotibial band syndrome
A common injury to the thigh generally associated with running and cycling.
immune system
The organs specialised to fight infection.
immunoglobulins
A type of protein found in blood and tissue fluids, also known as antibodies.
immunological
Relating to the structure and function of the immune system, the organs in the body that are specialised to fight infection.
immunomodulator
A drug that modifies the immune system, the organs specialised to fight infection.
immunophenotyping
A process used to identify types of cells, for example when diagnosing types of leukaemia.
immunosuppressant
A drug that suppresses the immune system, reducing the body’s resistance to infection.
immunotherapy
A treatment that modifies the immune response for the prevention or treatment of disease.
impacted tooth
The failure of a tooth to emerge completely from the jaw.
impaired glucose tolerance
A level of insulin resistance that leads to high glucose levels, but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes.
impetigo
A highly contagious skin infection,causing spots, pustules and blisters that eventually crust over.
implantable cardiac defibrillator
A small device that delivers an electric shock to restore an abnormal heart rhythm back to a normal rhythm.
in vitro fertilisation
Fertilisation of the female reproductive cell (ovum) outside the body, before implantation into the uterus (womb). Abbreviated to IVF.