Medical Glossary

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Achondroplasia: A genetic disorder resulting in dwarfism, characterized by short stature and disproportionately short limbs

 Acne: A skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, causing pimples, blackheads, and cysts

 Acromegaly: A hormonal disorder that develops when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone, causing enlargement of the hands, feet, and face

 Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): A sudden episode of kidney failure or kidney damage that happens within a few hours or days

 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): A severe lung condition causing fluid to leak into the lungs, making breathing difficult

 Addison’s Disease: A disorder where the adrenal glands produce insufficient hormones, leading to fatigue, muscle weakness, and low blood pressure

 Adrenal Insufficiency: A condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough steroid hormones

 Agammaglobulinemia (XLA): A genetic condition that affects the body’s ability to fight infection

 Alopecia: An autoimmune disorder that results in hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body

 Alpha Antitrypsin Deficiency: A genetic disorder that may cause lung disease and liver disease

 Alport Syndrome: A genetic disorder characterized by kidney disease, hearing loss, and eye abnormalities

 Alzheimer’s Disease: A progressive neurological disorder that causes brain cells to waste away, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline

 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): A progressive disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control

 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): A progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy

 Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome: A condition affecting sexual development where the body is unable to respond properly to male sex hormones (androgens)

 Aneurysm: An abnormal bulge or ballooning in the wall of a blood vessel

 Angina: Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle

 Ankylosing Spondylitis: An inflammatory disease that can cause some of the vertebrae in the spine to fuse

 Anxiety Disorders: A group of mental disorders characterized by significant feelings of anxiety and fear

 Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms caused by issues with the electrical signals in the heart

 Asbestosis: A lung disease resulting from the inhalation of asbestos particles, marked by severe fibrosis and a high risk of mesothelioma

 Asthma: A chronic condition where the airways become inflamed, narrow, and swell, causing difficulty in breathing

 Atherosclerosis: A condition in which the arteries become narrowed and hardened due to a buildup of plaque around the artery wall

 Athlete’s Foot: A fungal infection affecting the feet, causing itching, burning, and cracked skin

 Atrial Fibrillation: A common type of arrhythmia where the heart beats irregularly and often rapidly

 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness

 Autism Spectrum Disorder: A developmental disorder affecting communication and behavior, with a wide range of symptoms and severity

 Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (ALPS): A condition where the immune system fails to properly regulate itself, leading to the excessive production of lymphocytes

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