A bacterial disease causing multiple swellings that may leak pus
actinomycosis
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.
acute
Has a sudden onset.
acute abdomen
A condition where there is sudden, severe abdominal pain requiring medical attention.
acute coronary syndrome
A range of clinical conditions caused by coronary artery disease: it encompasses the full spectrum from unstable angina to heart attack.
acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
A type of leukaemia that is most common in the one to five age group.
acute myeloid leukaemia
A type of leukaemia that occurs most commonly in the over 50 age group.
acute respiratory distress syndrome
Extreme difficulty breathing due to fluid accumulation in the alveoli of the lungs, causing sudden failure of the respiratory system. It may be fatal.
acute serum test
A virological test.
Addison’s disease
A rare disorder of the adrenal glands leading to deficiency of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone.
adenocarcinoma
A malignant tumour, or cancer, that arises from glandular tissue.
adenoid
A mass of lymphatic tissue at the back of the throat
adenoma
A benign tumour that forms from glandular cells.
ADH
An abbreviation for antidiuretic hormone.
adhesions
An abnormal connection between two surfaces of the body.
adnexal masses
This is a general term to include ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy and benign or malignant lumps.
adrenal gland
One of a pair of small, triangular shaped glands located above each kidney.
adrenal glands
A pair of small, triangular shaped glands located above each kidney, responsible for regulating the body’s response to stress and helping to control metabolism.
adrenalectomy
The surgical removal of one of the two adrenal glands. The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and produce adrenaline.
adrenaline
A hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which stimulates increases in the heart rate, breathing and metabolic rate.
adrenocortical tumour
A very rare type of tumour in which malignant cells form in the outer layer of the adrenal gland.
adverse effects
Undesirable side-effects of medication.
aerophagy
Excessive swallowing of air, which may be caused by rapid eating or drinking or by anxiety.