2017 HCHB_digital
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
Glossary<br />
WHAT DOES THAT WORD MEAN?<br />
Acute New, immediate, sudden<br />
Absorption Transfer of a substance into another area, eg, into the body through skin or mouth<br />
ACE inhibitor Medicine used to treat heart and blood pressure problems<br />
Adsorption The accumulation of gases, liquids, or solutes on the surface of a solid or liquid<br />
Analgesic Pain-relieving medicine<br />
Angioedema Rapid swelling of the dermis, subcutaneous, mucosa and submucosal tissues. Airway obstruction and suffocation<br />
may result<br />
Antipyretic Medicine which reduces fever<br />
Antitussive Medicine which helps stop coughing<br />
Candidiasis Fungal infection commonly called thrush<br />
Cardiac Relating to the heart<br />
Chronic Long-term medical condition<br />
Congenital anomalies Disease or disorder that is present at birth<br />
Congestion Nose, sinuses or chest blocked with mucus; swollen tissue<br />
Contraindicated Treatment is inadvisable<br />
Emetic A medicine which causes vomiting<br />
Expectorant A medicine which loosens chest congestion<br />
Diabetes mellitus Chronic high blood glucose, now referred to as type 2 diabetes<br />
First-line therapy First choice of medicine for treatment<br />
Gastro-oesophageal reflux Acid stomach contents rising up to cause heartburn<br />
Haematuria Presence of blood in the urine<br />
Heart failure Heart disease<br />
Hepatic Relating to the liver<br />
Humectant Adds moisture or dampness<br />
Hypertension High blood pressure<br />
Hyperthyroidism Overactive thyroid gland causing weight loss and nervousness<br />
Immunosuppression Loss of the normal immune protection<br />
Keratolytic Skin-peeling agent<br />
Malaise Feeling of being unwell or not healthy<br />
Nocturia Frequent need to arise during the night in order to urinate<br />
NSAID Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, used for relief of pain, fever and inflammation<br />
Occlusive Sealed, eg, an occlusive dressing<br />
Opiate/Opioid Originating from or similar to morphine<br />
Papules Red bumps on skin<br />
Pharynx Throat area containing openings to both the trachea and the oesophagus<br />
Pustules Red bumps with pus, on skin<br />
Renal Relating to the kidneys<br />
Rhinitis Inflamed, swollen lining of the nose, common when you have a cold<br />
Secondary infection Infection which develops from an earlier condition<br />
Stools Bowel motion, faeces<br />
Subarachnoid haemorrhage Bleeding into the space between the two membranes that surround the brain<br />
Topical agent Product applied to the skin<br />
Urinary retention Unable to pass urine properly<br />
Vesicles Little pimples with clear fluid<br />
Welt Raised, pink, itchy patch on skin<br />
Page 176 HEALTHCARE HANDBOOK <strong>2017</strong>-2018 Common Disorders
Change language