Dictionary of Medical Terms

Cause something to increase in severity. To make more intense, irritate.

The narrow tube connecting the nose and middle ear to allow air pressure in the middle ear to equalize with…

Female sex hormone.

The tube through which food passes from the pharynx to the stomach.

Inflammation of the esophagus, often caused from a reflux of acid from the stomach.

A type of common bacteria normally found in the colon. Some strains that cause diarrhea are acquired during travel.

Red blood cell.

The sudden appearance of tender raised nodes on the lower limbs as a result of an infection, hypersensitivity to certain…

An eruption of flat or raised spots of skin as a result of hypersensitivity to certain drugs or allergies.

A viral infection most common in children that begins with a red, warm rash on the face, along with some…

Redness of the skin.

A febrile (fever-associated) skin infection caused by a group A hemolytic streptococci.

The layer of cells covering internal and external surfaces of the body.

Nosebleed.

An incision of the perineum (the area between the vagina and anus in women), often performed during labor to minimize…

Adrenaline, a hormone produced in the core of the adrenal glands that’s sometimes used to treat asthma and allergic…

A disorder of the central nervous system that causes convulsions, or seizures.

The flap of cartilage at the base of the tongue that closes the trachea during swallowing to keep food or…

The elongated structure behind each testicle where sperm are stored.

The outermost layer of skin.

The study of the causes and control of diseases in human populations.