Inflammation of a joint due to a bacterial infection.
septic arthritis
septicaemia
A serious condition in which there is rapid mulitiplication of bacteria and in which bacterial toxins are present in the blood.
seroconversion rash of HIV
The rash commonly seen during the dormant period of HIV.
serology
Analysis of blood serum.
serum
The clear fluid that separates from blood when it clots. It contains salts, glucose and proteins.
serum calcium test
A test that measures the amount of calcium in the blood.
Sever's disease
A painful inflammation of the growth plate in the bone of the heel. It occurs in children aged seven to fifteen years, and it is caused by overuse.
Sheehan’s syndrome
Reduced production of hormones from the pituitary gland (hypopituitarism) due to damage to the gland from blood loss during or after childbirth.
shingles
A painful rash caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus many years after chicken pox infection
shock (medical)
A life-threatening condition in which collapse of the circulation means that oxygen delivery to cells and tissues is compromised. It is a medical emergency and not related to emotional shock.
sialogram
X-ray of the salivary ducts and glands.
sickle cell anaemia
The anaemia resulting from sickle cell disease.
sickle cell crisis
A flare up in patients with sickle cell disease
sickle cell disease
A hereditary blood disease in which red blood cells form a sickle shape, and are removed from the circulation.
sickle cell trait
A condition in which the gene for sickle cell disease is inherited from just one parent rather than both. It is not usually associated with any symptoms.
sigmoidoscope
An instrument with an attached light source and camera or optical system, inserted through the anus in order to examine the lower part of the large intestine.
sigmoidoscopy
Examination of the lower part of the intestine with a sigmoidoscope, an instrument with an attached light source and camera or optical system.
signal transduction inhibitors
Substances that block signals within a cell, and can impact on many cell functions.
single photon emission computerised tomography
An imaging technique that uses a radioactive tracer and a gamma camera.
sinus
May describe one of a set of air spaces within a bone, or an abnormal channel within the body that may contain blood (usually venous blood) or pus (usually a fistula passing from a deeper infection to the surface).
sinus bradycardia
A slow, regular heart rhythm.
sinus tachycardia
A regular but faster than normal heartbeat of over 100 beats per minute
sinuses
May describe the air spaces within a bone, or wide channels within the body that contain blood (usually venous blood).
sinusitis
Inflammation of one or more of the sinuses, air spaces within the facial bones, caused by infection that has usually spread from the nose.