Master Herbalist
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Transcript of Master Herbalist
MASTER HERBALIST
Unit Nineteen CLINICAL MEDICINE
The Learning Outcomes for this assignment are:Element Learning Outcome
1 Understand the organisation of body systems
2 Identify various disease states.
The Digestive System
The digestive system is automatic, provided it gets the nutrients it requires for health. The food we eat is often factory processed and many nutrients that would normally be there, had the food been prepared fresh, are missing. The immune system lets digested molecules of food into the bloodstream and keeps allergens and waste food out. The whole system runs from the mouth to the anus and is considered to be outside the body.
When we smell food our brain registers hunger in anticipation. This fills the mouth with saliva and sends a message to the stomach to prepare to receive food. It begins to secrete various juices including enzymes and hydrochloric acid. When we eat in a rush, or if we are not hungry, this step is missed out because the brain is unprepared. The main function of the mouth is to accept the food we put into it. We chew food to increase its surface area and to make it digestible by the addition of saliva, which is added by glands found under the tongue. Saliva contains sIgA that attacks any bacteria, toxins and allergens and also amylase that helps to split the carbohydrates; if we do not chew our food properly the stomach receives it in an indigestible state. Food is wasted because the nutrients are not taken out in the process of digestion.
The oesophagus is a tube along which chewed foods go down to reach the stomach. At the junction of the stomach and oesophagus there is a sphincter that is kept closed until food arrives, this prevents food from returning into the mouth.
Enzymes turn the food we eat into fuel for every single cell wherever it is in the body, fuel is carried by the blood to cells in response to signals put out by them. Enzymes within these cells turn the fuel into useable energy, which ensures that homeostasis takes place.
A diet deficient in sIgA and protein will lead to insufficient gastric secretions for proper digestion. This in turn leads to an insufficient release of pancreatic enzymes. The stomach is a reservoir for food. It makes pepsin, a protein splitting enzyme, which cuts the bonds between some amino acids into short chains of just 4 to 12 from the 200 or so amino acids that make up each one. It also produces small amounts of lipase, an enzyme that digests fat. Alcohol, water and some salts are absorbed directly from the stomach in to the blood stream. The stomach is protected by a thick coating of mucopolysaccharides, which keeps the hydrochloric acid [HCI] from burning through the stomach lining. HCI also kills any unwanted microbes in the stomach.
Once the stomach has churned the food and it has been mixed with digestive enzymes, it becomes chyme. This leaves the stomach through the pyloric valve and enters the first section of the duodenum; at this point the gall bladder and pancreas are stimulated to pour out their contents.
The gall bladder is a storage bag for bile that is produced by the liver. This bile emulsifies fats to make them water-soluble and increases their surface area so that the lipase enzyme can split the fat particles for the cells to use. If a person has had this organ taken out, they will be unable to tolerate much fat in their diets because the body has lost its method of preparing it for assimilation.
The pancreas has many functions; it produces up to five pints of digestive juices daily, which contains three specific types of enzymes. Lipase breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol, amylase splits carbohydrates into simple sugars and protease digests the links between the amino acids from the protein. The pancreas makes bicarbonate that changes the acid chyme to alkaline, thus preventing the HCI causing problems in the intestines. Without this acid, neutralisation would stop and no further digestion could take place in the small intestine. In this alkaline state, food is broken down to molecules to be absorbed by the blood stream.
The role of the pancreas is also the regulator of the blood sugar levels. If this system breaks down then diabetes and hypoglycaemia can result.
The liver takes all the food molecules from the intestines and detoxifies, stores, excretes or sends it round the body, according to its demands. It is the largest organ in the body and performs many tasks. The liver has three lobes; the main lobe produces enzymes and some chemicals necessary for body functions. The left lobe regulates and maintains body functions (people with toxic left lobes are
often allergic to many things). The lower lobe is where the liver stores vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are fat-soluble vitamins. It also stores the cholesterol and hormones that are produced. It manufactures over 13,000 chemicals and has 2,000 enzyme systems plus thousands of synergists that help with the body functions.
The small intestine is in three parts, the duodenum, jejunum and the ileum. In the intestines the mixture of molecules that have been produced are acidified, liquefied, neutralised and sterilised. Protein is broken down into amino acids, starches in to glucose and fats into fatty acids and glycerol. Enzymes, vitamins and minerals are also absorbed. Each nutrient is absorbed along a specific stretch of the intestinal wall. If certain areas of the wall are inflamed or irritated then a person may absorb some nutrients and not others. This process of diffusion allows nutrients to cross into the blood stream from the small intestines, the lining of which is covered with villi and microvilli. The desmosomes form tight junctions and do not allow large molecules to pass through but if inflamed open up allowing large molecules through. The substances that pass through are seen by the immune system as foreign and it sets up an antibody reaction. The greater the amount of inflammation that is evident in the tract, the greater the size of molecules that can get through the lining into the body. Blastocystis hominis bacteria normally in the gut have been seen in the knee of an arthritic patient.
When all the nutrients have been absorbed, water, bacteria and fibre pass through the ileocaecal valve to the large intestine (colon). Sometimes it can remain open and causes much pain, this pain is often confused with an inflamed appendix. The appendix is nearby and as it contains lymphatic material it is thought to be part of the immune system. The colon has three parts, ascending, transverse and descending. Most tissues of the body prefer to use glucose as a fuel but the colon prefers to burn butyric acid. Low butyric acid levels or an inability of the colon bacteria to properly metabolise butyric acid has been associated with causing ulcerative colitis, colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
When the stool is finally formed it gets pushed down into the descending colon and then into the rectum. It is held there until there is sufficient volume to have a bowel movement. Two sphincters control bowel movements. When enough stool has collected the internal sphincter relaxes and the mind is sent a message - “go to the toilet”. The external sphincter opens when you command it to.
LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
The system is made up of structural components such as the lymphatic organs, and by many cells and molecules. These protect the body from infections and diseases. Maintaining the state of the fluid around each body cell is possible only if numerous homeostatic mechanisms function
effectively together. The circulatory system brings many needed substances to cells and removes the waste products that accumulate as a result of metabolism. This exchange of substances between blood and tissue fluid occurs in the capillary beds. Many additional substances that cannot enter or return through the capillary walls, including excess fluid and protein molecules, are returned to the blood as lymph. Lymph is a fluid formed in the tissue spaces and is transported by lymphatic vessels to eventually re-enter the circulatory system. In addition to lymph and the lymphatic vessels, the lymphatic system includes lymph nodes and lymphatic organs such as the thymus and spleen.
Lymphatic and blood capillaries are similar in many ways. Both types of vessels are microscopic and are formed from a cell layer of simple squamous epithelium. The cells that form blood capillaries fit tightly together so that large molecules cannot enter or exit from them. The ‘fit’ between endothelial cells forming the lymphatic capillaries is not as tight. They are more porous and allow proteins and other substances, as well as the fluid itself, to enter the vessel and eventually return to circulation. The movement of lymph in the lymphatic vessels is one-way. Lymph flowing through the lymphatic capillaries moves into successively larger and larger vessels called lymphatic venules and veins. They eventually empty into two terminal vessels called the right lymphatic duct and the thoracic duct. They in turn empty their lymph into the blood in veins in the neck region. Lymph from about three-quarters of the body eventually drains into the thoracic duct, the largest lymphatic vessel in the body. Lymph from the right upper extremity and from the right side of the head, neck, and upper torso flows into the right lymphatic duct.
As lymph moves from its origin in the tissue spaces toward the thoracic or right lymphatic ducts it is filtered by moving through lymph nodes. These are located in clusters along the pathway of lymphatic vessels. Some of these nodes may be as small as a pinhead, others as large as a butter bean. With the exception of a comparatively few single nodes, most lymph nodes occur in groups or clusters in certain areas.
The thymus is a small lymphoid tissue organ located in the neck. It is composed of lymphocytes and weighs less than an ounce. It is large at puberty but is gradually replaced by fat and connective tissue. As a baby and child develop it is part of the body’s immune mechanism. It is a source of lymphocytes before birth and is important in the development of specialized lymphocytes that leave the thymus to circulate in the spleen, tonsils, lymph nodes, and other lymphatic tissues. These immature T-lymphocytes develop from stem cells that originate from the bone marrow and migrate to the thymus gland to mature as T-lymphocytes. They migrate chiefly to the lymph nodes where they develop into sensitised T-lymphocytes by antigen binding to their surfaces. The functions of T-lymphocytes are that of a cell-mediated immunity. They kill invading cells by releasing a substance that poisons them and release chemicals that attract and activate macrophages to kill cells by phagocytosis.
Masses of lymphoid tissue called tonsils are located in a protective ring under the mucous membranes in the mouth at the back of the throat. They help protect us against any bacteria that may invade the body via the mouth and nose. The tonsils serve as the first line of defence from the exterior and as such are subject to chronic infection.
The spleen is the largest Iymphoid organ in the body and is an integral part of the lymphatic system. Its main function is to act as a filter for the blood and to make antibodies. The spleen lies just below the diaphragm at the top left-hand side of the abdomen. It is normally about 13cm (5in) long. It is located along the line of the 10th rib. The spleen usually weighs about 200gm (about 8ozs) in adults but in cases where it is enlarged it can weigh up to 2kg (4lb) or more. Although the lower ribs protect the spleen, it can be injured by abdominal trauma.
The spleen has a very rich blood supply and is a mass of lymphoid tissue. The spleen consists of white and red pulp and contains over 1 pint (or half a litre) of blood. The organ is supplied with blood via the splenic artery, which after being split into smaller arteries emerges as tiny arterioles. The arterioles of the spleen are wrapped in lymphatic tissue as they pass through the pulp of the spleen. They empty out directly into the substance of the spleen itself. This allows any abnormal proteins to come into contact with lymphocytes, which can form antibodies to them. After entering the spleen, blood flows through dense, pulp like accumulations of lymphocytes. As it flows through the pulp, the spleen removes by filtration and phagocytosis many bacteria and other foreign substances that have accumulated and destroys worn out red blood cells.
There are many different cells of the Immune System. The most important are phagocytes are neutrophils and monocytes. These blood phagocytes migrate out of the blood and into the tissues in response to infection. The neutrophils are functional but short lived in the tissues. Once in the tissues, monocytes develop into phagocytic cells called macrophages, these ‘wander’ through the tissues engulfing bacteria wherever it is encountered. Other macrophages become permanent residents of other organs, for example the spleen and lymph nodes.
B-lymphocytes are the most numerous of immune system cells. They migrate from bone marrow as immature B-cells, small lymphocytes with antibody molecules in their plasma membranes. They bind to surface antibodies and form plasma and memory cells. Plasma cells secrete antibodies into blood; the memory cells are stored in the lymph nodes. If there is a subsequent exposure to antigen then the activated B-lymphocyte becomes a plasma cell and secretes antibodies.
REPRODUCTION
The MALE anatomy is made up of the testes (testicles), epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, ejaculatory ducts, prostate gland, penis and scrotum.
The Testes have two functions to produce testosterone and spermatozoa. They are about 5 centimetres long, 2.5 centimetres thick and shaped somewhat like a flat egg. The testes grow near the kidneys before descending gradually until at birth, they are enclosed in the scrotum. Wound within each testes are approx 1000 convoluted tubules, which begin to produce spermatozoa at puberty. They produce about 200 million sperm every day, which pass into a series of communicating ducts. The mature sperm are about 0.03 millimetres long and consist of a head, body and tail. The head is covered by a cap and contains a nucleus of dense genetic material from the 23 chromosomes, it is attached by a neck to the body that contains mitochondria this supplies the sperm with energy. Its tail is made of protein fibres and is needed to enable it to swim to the egg to fertilise it.
The epididymis is situated on top of the testes; it is a twisted mass of long ducts, each of which is as long as 6m when stretched. The spermatozoa from the testes are stored here for between ten to twenty days.
Vas deferens leading from the epididymis passes through the groin into the pelvis, and from there it passes through the perltoneum into the abdominal cavity. When the vas deferens reaches the lower left region of the bladder, it enters the prostate gland, and becomes the ejaculatory duct. Each ejaculatory duct opens separately into the left and right side of the urethra.
The prostate gland weighs about 20gms in the adult male and is shaped like a walnut. It lies around the first part of the urethra at the base of the bladder, and its secretions aid the mobility of the sperm.
The penis surrounds the fibroelastic urethra. Normally the penis is limp, but if the muscles at its base contract around the veins, the spongy tissue surrounding it becomes congested with blood and an erection occurs. The scrotum, which houses the testes, hangs behind the penis.
The FEMALE anatomy consists of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and the vagina.
The female reproductive system not only has to produce an ovum, it also has to nurture the fertilized ovum and protect it until the pregnancy ends. At the entrance to the vagina is a pair of lip-like folds. The larger thicker labia majors and the smaller, inner labia minora, lie along either side of
the vaginal entrance. The vagina is a 10 to 15 centimetre elastic tube. Lining the entrance to the vagina is a large number of smaller, lubricating glands. At the top of the vagina the uterus is held in place by muscle and four strong fibrous ligaments of the pelvic floor. It is held at the side of the pelvis by pairs of round ligaments, running in folds of the peritoneum.
The uterus is a small pear-shaped organ, covered with peritoneum, with a thick wall of interweaving muscle fibres. It is lined with special endometrial cells. The openings to the fallopian tubes are found at the upper corners. The two fallopian tubes are about 10 centimetres long, with finger-like fimbriae at the ends to encircle the ovaries. The ova are swept down the tube by a combination of ciliated epithelium and peristaltic muscular contraction.
The menstrual cycle for about the first 4 or 5 days is characterised by sloughing of bits of the uterine lining with bleeding. The proliferative phase varies in length and is the time when the body repairs the endometrium. The secretory phase is composed of the days between ovulation and the beginning of next menses. This is where the lining thickens in preparation for fertilisation. The combined actions of the anterior pituitary hormones and follicular stimulating hormones [FSH] with the luteinising hormones [LH] cause a sudden sharp decrease in oestrogen’s and progesterone. This results in menstruation if pregnancy does not occur.
The ovary has two functions, the production of ova and the secretion of oestrogen and progesterone. It is about 2 centimetres across and 1 centimetre thick.
Fertilization is the moment of conception and is the most important stage of sexual reproduction. The joining of the two nuclei, which each contain 23 chromosomes, form a cell of 46 chromosomes, the number required to produce an embryo. The father’s chromosomes, the XY sex pair, decide the sex of the baby. When the primary spermatocyte divides by meiosis to form the secondary spermatocytes, containing 23 chromosomes, either an X or a Y chromosome will move into each cell. The female pair of chromosomes is the same, XX; so all ova will contain the X chromosome. The fertilizing sperm will join the ova to form an XY male or XX female embryo.
RESPIRATION
The upper respiratory tract includes the nose, pharynx, and larynx, the lower respiratory tract, the trachea, bronchial tree and lungs.
As the air enters the nasal cavity larger dust particles are filtered out by the cilia in the nostrils. The air passes through them and over an area of moist mucous membrane, which acts to warm and moisten inhaled air. It also contains the sense organs of smell. The two nasal cavities, mouth, oesophagus, larynx, and auditory tubes all have openings into the pharynx.
The larynx is the complex cartilage structure between the pharynx and trachea. It divides the respiratory passage from that used for swallowing. Its functions are to prevent food and water entering the trachea by closing the glottis, and to produce sound. The two vocal cords are membranes that run backwards inside the larynx. Normally they remain open and still during breathing. When the laryngeal muscles draw them towards each other, the passage of air will make them vibrate and produce sound. The faster the air, the louder the sound. The tighter the cords are drawn together, the higher the note. Voice production is a highly complex matter of co-ordinating the breathing muscles and the vocal cords with the lips and tongue.
Respiration is the use of oxygen in the metabolism of the body; it involves the production of carbon dioxide. The exchange of these gases is through the alveoli in the lungs. The two lungs are housed in a protective cage formed by the ribs. The left lung consists of two lobes and is slightly smaller than the right, which has three. The pleura is a double layer of membrane lining the inside of the ribs. It is a moist, smooth, slippery membrane and completely covers the outer surface of the lungs; this reduces the friction between the lungs and chest wall during breathing.
When taking a breath the air enters the body through the nose and mouth to reach the back of the throat, called the pharynx. Here there is a region of lymphoid tissue that removes bacteria and viruses from the inhaled air. The air now passes through the larynx (voice-box), to reach the windpipe, the trachea. The trachea is about 12 centimetres long and at its base branches into the right and left bronchi. Each of these branches into smaller and smaller tubes until they become bronchioles. These bronchioles have alveoli in bunches at the ends. Any dust particles that have been breathed in and that have travelled to the lungs are mainly passed up through the system to the throat and thence to the stomach. Any bacterium is dealt with by the immune system.
The alveoli work by allowing gases to diffuse across the surface of the membrane. Haemoglobin combines with carbon dioxide to form carbaminohaemoglobin. The carbon dioxide moves out of lung capillary blood into the alveolar air and out of the body in expired air. Oxygen moves from the alveoli into the lung capillaries. Here the haemoglobin in the blood combines with oxygen to produce oxyhaemoglobin. This is taken to the cells in the circulation of the blood while the oxygen moves out of the capillary blood into the tissue cells. At the same time the waste products and carbon dioxide move from the tissue cells into the tissue capillary blood. This then goes back to the lungs to be replenished with oxygen.
There are five types of breathing. These are:
Normal breathing
Hyperventilation - this is caused by rapid and deep respirations
Hypoventilation - this is caused by slow and, shallow respirations
Dyspnoea, where there is laboured or difficult respirations
Apnoea, where breathing has stopped
The respiratory centre has two sources of information about breathing. It needs to know how far the lungs are stretched and the level of carbon dioxide in the blood. Branches of the vagus nerve that are responsible for telling the body when to breathe detect the stretching of the lungs through inspiration. The fluctuations in the level of carbon dioxide are detected by nerve endings in the aorta and carotid arteries. During normal breathing the diaphragm contracts and becomes flatter whilst the rib cage expands. This increases the volume of the thorax and air is drawn down the trachea into the lungs. This is called inspiration. Expiration takes place as gases are breathed out. The main muscles for breathing are the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles, which run between the ribs.
A deep breath that is followed by closing of the glottis causes coughing. The expiratory muscles then contract, causing increased pressure within the lungs. The glottis opens and an explosion of air, the cough, occurs.
Sneezing is caused by an irritation of the nasal mucosa that produces a reflex similar to that of the cough. The air is violently expelled from the lungs. As this happens the tongue blocks the back of the mouth and the air passes through the nose.
Hiccups are caused by a spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm that causes the air to be rapidly inhaled. As this happens the glottis suddenly closes giving the characteristic noise.
Rhinitis is usually caused by an allergy and is an inflammation of the nasal passages. Sinusitis, also caused quite often by an allergy, is an inflammation of the mucous lining of the sinuses (N.B. This may be caused by intolerance to cows milk).
URINARY SYSTEM AND EXCRETION
The body has five organs of excretion:
The skin excretes water, salts and urea.
The lungs excrete carbon dioxide, unwanted body gases and water.
The liver excretes bile salts, pigment and bilirubin.
The intestines excrete food wastes, water, salts and dead cells.
The kidneys excrete urine.
Most of the above has been mentioned in previous sections.
Excretion is the process by which the body rids itself of waste products. The body is continuously producing by-products of metabolism. These toxic products must be eliminated.
The kidneys are located under the back muscles, behind the parietal pentoneum and just above the waistline. The right kidney is usually a little lower than the left. Between them they filter 25% of the cardiac output at every heartbeat. Each kidney is about 12 centimetres long, 3 centimetres thick and 7 centimetres wide, and weighs about 135 grams. Kidneys have a cortex that is the outer layer of the kidney and a medulla that is the inner portion. The pyramids, which are the triangular divisions of the medulla, have many thousands of nephrons. These carry out three functions; filtering the plasma, reabsorbing certain fragments like salts, proteins and water to ensure water balance, and the secretion of waste.
Blood is forced under high pressure into the capillaries of the Bowman’s capsules that are the goblet-shaped collecting cups of each nephron. The pressure of the blood forces 20% of the plasma into each of them in the form of water, salts, urea, glucose and smaller molecules. Larger protein molecules and blood corpuscles cannot be forced through. The kidneys functions include the excretion of many toxins and nitrogenous wastes. They regulate the levels of many of the chemicals found in the blood, maintain water balance, and help regulate the blood pressure by the secretion of rennin.
The ureters are long, narrow tubes of circular and longitudinal peristaltic involuntary muscle, and are about 25 centimetres long. They lie behind the peritoneum entering the posterior wall of the bladder at the base of the trigone. Their function is to drain urine from the renal pelvis to the urinary bladder.
The urinary bladder is an elastic muscular organ, and is capable of great expansion. It lies in the pelvis, in front of the rectum and behind the pubis. In women it lies in front of the uterus. Supported by the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor, this muscle is formed from strong, interwoven, longitudinal, transitional and circular fibres, and is lined with mucous membrane epithelium. The sacral nerves and autonomic nervous system control the bladder, which can contain up to 500 millilitres of urine. Its function is to store the urine till it gives a message to the brain that it needs emptying. The sphincter usually remains closed until that point; only when the inner one is released is the urge to go to the toilet felt. The final sphincter is under voluntary control - unless we do not heed the warning!
The urethra is a narrow tube that leads from the urinary bladder to the exterior of the body. It is a fibroblastic tube lined with a mucous membrane. In men it is about 20 centimetres long, passing through the prostate gland, pelvic floor and the corpus spongiosum of the penis. In women it is about 4 centimetres long, adjacent to the anterior wall of the vaginal opening, behind the clitoris.
It has two functions in men, that of being a passage of male reproductive fluid (semen) from the body, and a passage of urine from bladder to the exterior of the body. In women it just acts as a passage for urine, though being short many bacteria find an entrance to the body very easy. This can lead to women suffering from many diseases that men do not.
The kidneys produce urine continually during the day and night. The amount can vary from day to day and is controlled by the kidney tubule that may absorb more or less of the filtered fluid journeying down it. The instructions to absorb extra water, if the body is becoming dehydrated, come from the hormone ADH (anti-diuretic hormone) secreted from the pituitary gland in the brain.
Urine is a pale yellow, slightly acid solution of salts, urea, uric acid, creatinine and metabolised hormones. Dilute urine will be less than the plasma’s specific gravity of 1010, while concentrated urine may reach 1030. By selective excretion of acid or alkaline salts, the slight alkalinity of the blood is kept constant. The total amount of urea, which is passed out of the body remains about the same. It is dissolved in more or less water, which affects the colour of the urine.
CIRCULATORY
The circulatory system is composed of the heart and blood vessels. Blood vessels are of three types, arteries, veins and capillaries.
Arteries have to have thick muscular walls to be able to withstand the high pressure, and as such are fairly elastic. Veins carry low-pressure blood back to the heart. Capillaries carry nutrients to every cell and have thin walls to allow nutrients to diffuse through them.
Transportation is the circulatory system’s main function.
Blood returns to the heart via the veins. It enters the right atrium via the vena cava and goes through the tricuspid valve to the right ventricle. From here deoxygenated blood is pumped via the pulmonary artery to the lungs. At this juncture blood picks up oxygen and travels back to the heart via the pulmonary vein to the left atrium. The oxygenated blood is pumped via the bicuspid valve into the left ventricle and then, after passing through the aorta artery, it is re-circulated around the body.
Blood contains oxygen, carbon dioxide, hormones, red and white blood cells and waste products. Other items that are introduced, like medication, have to be carried to all the body’s cells.
Red cells are made in the bone marrow; they are specifically shaped like a flattened doughnut to carry haemoglobin (a protein), which combines with oxygen in the tissues. When combined it is called oxyhaemoglobin. Blood that contains a lot of oxyhaemoglobin is red but when blood has only a little oxyhaemoglobin it is deeper red or purple coloured. This is why blood in arteries looks red and in the veins looks blueish.
All of the body’s organs will take substances and change or modify them to suit their needs at that time.
The circulatory system also helps to keep the body at a constant temperature.
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
This system is composed of specialised glands that secrete chemicals, known as hormones, into the blood stream. These hormones affect our daily lives and metabolism.
N.B. The following list is not a complete list of hormones.
Adrenal cortex - secretes many hormones including Cortisol which affects the metabolism of glucose protein and fats and Aldosterone that controls electrolytes and androgens - sex hormones.
Adrenal medulla - Adrenalin is the hormone needed for what is known as panic attacks, fear and ‘fight and flight’, and Noradrenaline that aids in maintaining an even blood pressure.
Heart - Atrial Natriuretic hormone controls fluid and electrolyte management.
Hypothalamus - releases hormones that instruct the Anterior Pituitary gland to release or inhibit hormones. It can be said that it controls the pituitary gland.
Ovary - Oestrogen is secreted to help determine female sex characteristics and Progesterone - male sex characteristics. Both are needed for the 28-day fertility cycle of women.
Pancreas - secretes Insulin that enables the glucose level to the blood to remain stable and the cells to have a ready supply when needed.
Parathyroid - Parathyroid hormone stimulates the breakdown of bone and causes an increase in blood calcium concentration.
Pineal - secretes Melatonin that helps to maintain the body clock, it also affects the ovaries.
Pituitary secretes Thyroid Stimulating hormone, Follicle Stimulating hormone, Growth hormone and many others to control pregnancy and the sexual cycles of men and women. Examples include the making of sperm, milk and the development of the ovum.
Testis secretes Testosterone that aids in male sex characteristics.
Thymus secretes Thymosin, which promotes the development of the immune system cells.
Thyroid secretes Thyroxine [T4] and Triiodothyronine [T3] that controls the cell metabolism. Also Calcitonin that acts to prevent the breakdown of bone mass.
INTERGUMENTARY SYSTEM
The skin is the largest and most important organ in this system. It accounts for more than 16% of total body weight and is the body’s heaviest organ.
The intergumentary system includes the skin and all its appendages, including the nails, sweat glands and hair.
The skin’s primary function is protection because it stops the body being invaded by bacteria, chemicals and water (think of getting soap bubbles from the bath water inside you). It helps to regulate the body temperature by sweating and lets us know whether we are cold or hot, in pain or injured. It also keeps the brain informed of changes in the environment. In short, it is a sophisticated sense organ.
There are two layers to the skin - the epidermis and dermis.
Epidermis - a thin sheet of stratified squamous epithelium. New cells are made in the stratum germinativum, the innermost layer of the epidermis, and these gradually move towards the surface. As they approach the surface they become filled with a waterproof protein called keratin. It takes about three weeks for a cell to reach the skins surface.
This outer layer is firmly attached to the dermis by tiny bulges; it is these that give us the ridges on our outer skin and on our fingerprints.
The dermis is made up of bundles of collagen and elastin fibres. The number of elastin fibres decreases with age, this process contributing to wrinkle formation.
The Dermis also contains sweat and sebaceous glands, hair follicles, muscle fibres, nerves and blood vessels.
Eccrine sweat glands assist in heat regulation. The apocrine sweat glands found in the axilla and genitalia areas secrete a thicker secretion than the eccrine sweat glands. Sweat glands are made up of a coiled tube of epidermal cells, which are controlled by the nervous system. It is the breakdown of the apocrine sweat by the bacteria that live on the skin that produces an odour. When hot or emotional they are stimulated to release sweat. Sebaceous glands are controlled by sex hormones
that open into hair follicles. Their function is to lubricate the hair shaft and surrounding skin. Sebum may darken to form black heads.
A thick layer of loose connective tissue and fat-filled subcutaneous tissue, which insulates the body against extremes of temperature, supports the layers of the skin.
The membranes in the body are a type of skin. Membranes are layers of tissues that cover, line or divide. Every cell, every organ and tissue is enclosed, covered or divided by a type of membrane.
Mucous membranes line the body surfaces opening directly to the exterior. They secrete mucus, which helps to protect the body and fight infections. Synovial membranes are found in joints that enable movement to take place. Serous membrane is composed of two layers of tissue and in reality one layer of membrane covering one surface and another the other surface. In the Thoracic cavity the serous membranes are called Pleura, and in the abdominal area, Peritoneum. Parietal membranes line the walls of the body cavity and visceral membranes line the surface of organs in the body cavity. A membrane called an amniotic sac surrounds the developing foetus.
Nails are produced by cells in the epidermis; the terminal ends of fingers and toes become filled with keratin, which becomes hard as a nail!
Hair growth begins when cells of the epidermal layer grow down into the dermis, forming a small tube called the hair follicle.
THE MUSCULAR SYSTEM
Muscles are attached to bone and enable movements by contracting (shortens) and relaxing (lengthens). Apart from movement, muscles aid in keeping homeostasis.
An easy example is in the bending of the arm - the biceps contract and the triceps relax. In straightening the arm once more the triceps contract and biceps relax.
There are three kinds of muscles.
Voluntary muscles we use as we need to. They operate via signals that originate from the brain. These are striated or skeletal muscles and consist of fibres crossed with alternate light and dark bands. They are ideal for moving parts of the skeleton but become tired after prolonged periods of activity. Conscious messages from the brain control the strength and speed of contractions.
Smooth muscles are found in the digestive system and are not under our voluntary control. They contract and relax slowly, and are suited to the job of continuous movement of substances through the organs of the body, e.g. intestines and blood vessels.
Cardiac muscle is found in the heart. It is striated but the fibres branch and connect with one another, so allowing nerve impulses to spread throughout the whole tissue.
Tendons or sinews join the muscle to the bone or whatever it is intended they move. They are extensions of the muscle and are formed by connective tissue that binds bundles of muscle fibres together. They have few nerve endings and little blood supply.
Ligaments join two bones that form a joint to keep them in place by restricting the amount of movement they can make. The knee, internal organs like the liver, the breasts and uterus are examples of where ligaments can be found.
In walking, the body is thrown forward by the powerful muscles in the lower leg, the gastrocenemius and soleus. These muscles pull on the ankle joint, that is used as a lever. The extensor (tendons) muscles in the foot bend the toes for the final thrust forward.
Moving the leg forwards from the hip involves the tensor fasciae latae that joins the pelvis with the femur and the longest muscle in the body - the sartorious. The three adductor muscles brevis, magnus and longus pull the leg back to its original position.
THE SKELETAL SYSTEM
Most people will have seen a skeleton. This section is only intended to remind students about bones and not to learn the name for every bone. It is inevitable that you learn the names of some bones (If you look at a chart you think you know it… if you have to look up anything then you probably will learn it).
There are four types of bones, long (e.g. femur), short (e.g. phalanges), flat as found in the skull and irregular as found in the neck and spine.
Functions of the skeleton are:
To support and give shape to the body - bones form the body’s supporting framework.
To enable movement to take place - muscles are anchored to the bones. As these contract and shorten movement takes place.
To protect internal organs - for example, the bones of the skull protect the brain; the breastbones and ribs protect the heart and lungs.
To provide a storage place - bone supplies calcium to satisfy the needs of the body. Red and white blood cells are produced in the marrow, which is inside the bones.
Bones have a hard outer layer and contain a matrix inside. This gives the bones strength yet lightness.
The human skeleton has two main divisions, the Axial and Appendicular. The axial skeleton is made up of the bones of the skull, spine, thorax (ribs and sternum) and the hyoid. In all there are 80 bones. The Appendicular skeleton consists of the bones of the shoulder, arms, wrists and hands, hip, legs, ankles and feet. In all this comes to 126 bones.
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
The organs of the nervous system include the brain and spinal cord, all of the nerves in the body and sense organs. The system is divided into two divisions, the Central Nervous System and the Peripheral Nervous System.
Cells of the Nervous System
There are two main types; these are called neurons and glia.
Neurons are classified according to the direction in which they transmit impulses. Sensory neurons transmit impulses to the spinal cord and brain from the body. Motor neurons transmit impulses from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and glandular epithelial tissue. Interneurons transmit impulses from the sensory neurons to the motor neurons.
Glia do not transmit impulses but keep the neurons together in a protective way. Some glia are quite large and look like stars, because of this they are called astrocytes. These form a blood brain barrier, a protective sheath that separates the blood tissue from the nervous tissue. Microglia are
small cells that are found in inflamed brain tissue. By phagocytosis they try to clear up the inflammation.
Neurons provide a communication system between cells and organs. They also survey where the body is in relation to its surroundings.
Nerve cells do not actually touch each other but send messages via a chemical fired from one nerve to the next.
The Central Nervous System consists of the brain stem, cerebellum, diencephalons and cerebrum. The spinal cord has sensory tracts that conduct impulses to the brain, and motor tracts that conduct impulses from the brain. It is also the primary reflex centre of the body.
The Peripheral Nervous System is the name given to all the nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord. The twelve pairs of cranial nerves are attached to the underside of the brain. These conduct impulses from all our senses; balance, tongue movements and chewing are examples. The 31 spinal nerves carry the impulses necessary for sensations and voluntary movements.
The Autonomic Nervous System consists of motor neurons that conduct impulses to the smooth and cardiac muscles, and the glands. It is concerned with regulating functions of the body over which we have little control. Examples include the heartbeat (we can breath in and slow the beat down), gland secretions and peristalsis.
It is subdivided into the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems that aid each other. The whole balances the homeostasis of the body; the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems act as a brake to ensure the systems do no go too fast or too slow or beyond their normal functions.
Examples include the sympathetic system that can accelerate the heartbeat whilst the parasympathetic slows it down. The sympathetic decreases peristalsis while the parasympathetic increases it.
Front View of Male Skeleton
Back View of Male Skeleton
Front View of Muscles of the Body
Back View of Muscles of the Body
The following is a list of about 900 diseases and other terms. Included is a brief resume of the clinical diseases. If you require further information please look at (worth buying) Mosby’s Medical, Nursing and Allied Health Dictionary. ISBN 1 - 55664 - 566 - X… about £25 and over 2000 pages!
You should try and learn as many as possible, though a good therapist will always look everything up as necessary.
ABDOMEN - The portion of the body between the thorax and the pelvis - often referred to as ‘the tummy’
ABDOMEN PAINS - Generally abdominal pains needs medical intervention, especially if nausea, vomiting, fast pulse and/or fever are present
ABDOMINAL BLOATING - The abdomen may be tender and ‘look pregnant’, causes may include constipation, pre-menstruation or excessive gas e.g. from beans
ABDOMINAL CRAMPS - Sagging feeling or tightness
ABDOMINAL DISTENSION - Causes may include constipation, air swallowing, malabsorption, cysts or kidney problems
ABDOMINAL - SELF-HELP - Massaging clockwise with the knee bent may help
ABRASIONS - Rubbing off of the skin - sometimes called a graze
ABSCESS - A cavity containing pus usually surrounded by inflammation
ABSENT-MINDEDNESS - Temporary forgetfulness - not as bad as forgetting!
ABUSE-SEXUAL - Often causing long-term emotional problems and a sense of dirtiness
ACHES - Dull persistent pains usually of chronic intensity.
PAINS - Intense pain, more acute than aches. A symptom of inflammation
ACID/ALKALI BALANCE - pH scale where 7 is acid above 7 alkali. Human skin is 5.5 - slightly acid
ACIDITY - pH of stomach is usually 0.9-1.5
ACIDOSIS - Abnormal increase in hydrogen-ion concentration. An accumulation of ketones may be caused by poorly managed diabetes. Blood pH is below normal
ACITES - Gland inflammation
ACNE - Sebaceous glands, an abnormality of keratization and desquamation within a follicle that causes secretion blockage
ADDICTIONS - Uncontrollable dependence on something
ADDISON’S DISEASE - Adrenocortical malfunctioning - life threatening
ADENITIS - Inflamed lymph node
ADENOID - Pharyngeal tonsils - may cause respiratory obstruction if enlarged
ADIPOSITY - Adipose tissue inflammation, may be a benign tumour called lipoma or an adipose tumour
ADRENAL GLAND - Small gland on top of the kidneys that secretes hormones
ADRENAL DYSFUNCTION - Inability of a gland to produce or not provide in adequate amounts cortical hormones (Addison’s)
ADRENAL EXHAUSTION - The adrenal gland provides hormones for preparing the body for stress. If over-stressed it causes adrenal’s to fail to keep up with amount needed
ADRENAL FATIGUE - Follows on from exhaustion and needs medical help
ADRENAL GLAND STIMULATED - Herbs/drugs to encourage the adrenal gland to work, must also include diet/lifestyle changes
ADRENALINE LEVELS REDUCED - Usually a pre-cursor to adrenal exhaustion/fatigue
ADRENOCORTICAL DEFICIENCY - See adrenal exhaustion and fatigue above
AGEING SKIN - Can come at any age if skin has been mistreated. Too much make-up, sun, wind, rain or other diseases can all affect the skin. The skin becomes less elastic, thin and wrinkled.
AGITATION - A psychomotor excitement, symptoms include restless and lethargy or being ‘highly strung’
ALBUMINURIA - Also called Proteinuria. Recognised by the presence of large amounts of protein in the urine, mostly albumin. May be caused by heavy exercise, kidney or heart disease
ALCOHOL POISONING - Drinking ethanol (whisky, gin and other spirits) in a large quantity within a short time. May be lethal
ALCOHOLISM - Dependence on alcohol of any amount. May lead to central nervous system depression, liver and kidney diseases.
ALIMENTARY CANAL - Another name for the digestive tract
ALLERGIC NASAL PROBLEMS - Headaches, sinus problems and nasal discharge. See also rhinitis
ALLERGIC RASHES - Almost any allergy can appear on the skin as a rash or spots, vascular inflammation, wheals or ulcers.
ALLERGIES - An immediate (or within 12 hours), reaction to something (food/drug/dust etc) that the body does not like.
ALOPECIA - Complete or partial lack of hair that may be caused by age, medication, shock or skin diseases.
ALTITUDE SICKNESS - The barometric pressure is reduced when above sea level. The higher one travels - mountain climbing - the worse it is. At 5500m there is 50% less oxygen than at sea level
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE - Progressive mental deterioration mostly affecting those over 65.
AMAUROSIS - Blindness caused by a systemic disease of the optic nerve or brain, diabetes or addictions.
AMOEBA - A single celled parasitic organism
AMOEBIASIS - A liver or intestinal infection caused by amoeba’s. (Parasites)
AMOEBIC DYSENTERY - Inflammation of the intestines caused by infestation with entamoeba histolytica - may also involve the liver.
ANABOLIC/ISM - The way food is changed into the complex compounds or chemicals of living matter.
ANAEMIA - A decrease in haemoglobin to levels below normal (4.2m/mm3 to 6.1m/mm3)
ANAESTHETIC - Any substance that causes a lack of feeling
ANAL ASTRINGENT - A substance that causes a contraction of the anal tissue - perhaps to alleviate haemorrhoids. E.g. witch-hazel.
ANAL FISTULAS - Ulceration of the skin on the margin (outside) of the anus. Most are painful when passing faeces
ANAL MEMBRANES - The thin layer of tissue lining the tissue surfaces
ANAL ULCERS - Open wounds at the entrance or just outside of the anus
ANGINA - Paroxysmal thoracic pain caused by myocardium anoxia as a result of atherosclerosis
ANGIOSCLEROSIS - Thickening and hardening of the walls of blood vessels
ANIMAL BITES - Bites of animals may cause many types of diseases; these must be avoided. The treatment of bites is aimed at alleviating problems
ANKLES – SWOLLEN - Aside from accidents, swollen ankles can be a symptom of lymph not draining, heart disease or inactivity. (Massage could help, see aromatherapy)
ANKYLOSTOMA - Nematode that is an internal parasite and causes hookworm disease
ANOREXIA - Lack or loss of appetite that eventually means a person cannot eat, this causes tissue dysfunctions and wasting
ANOSMIA - The inability to smell, it may be a temporary condition, like a cold, or it may be permanent.
ANTHRAX - A disease that is usually confined to animals, humans can get anthrax from infected cuts or by breathing in the spores.
ANURIA - Urine production ceasing, may be caused by a kidney disease or dysfunction
ANUS PROLAPSE - The anus mucous membrane protrudes through the external sphincter
ANXIETY - A vague term that is used to describe undue levels of stress or feelings that a person is unable to cope with
ANXIOUS - The state of being in anxiety.
APATHY - Suppression of concern, care or emotions that cause a person to be cut off from reality, sometimes intentionally
APHRODISIACAL - The use of any substance that enhances the enjoyment of sex or promotes sexual arousal.
APHTOUS SORES - Sores that usually appear as ulcers, named after the part of the body that is being attacked. E.g. Aphtous stomatitis (mouth)
APPENDICITIS - Appendix inflammation
APPETITE - A yearning for food
APPETITE POOR - Not wanting food or eating little
APPETITE LACK - Not wanting or needing food
APPETITE STIMULANT - A substance that helps to increase the need to eat
ARRHYTHMIA - The heartbeat deviating from normal
ARTERIAL CONDITION - General substance to help arteries to work properly
ARTERIAL SPASMS - The transient constriction of an artery
ARTERIES HARDENING - Ageing, non-activity and the wrong diet may cause thickening of the insides of the arteries so that they cannot work properly - aim to clean them out and advise exercise to ensure their elasticity.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS - Pathalogic thickening and loss of elasticity of the artery walls
ARTHRALGIA - Joint pain
ARTHRITIC JOINTS - Joint inflammation caused by arthritis
ARTHRITIC PAIN - Pain caused by arthritis
ASCARIS - A large parasitic intestinal round worm
ASCITIS - Fluid accumulations, a symptom f disease
ASSIMILATION PROBLEMS - The body is unable to change nutritive foods into living tissues
ASTHENIA - Loss of energy and strength causing weakness
ASTHMA - Lung disorder that includes paroxysmal dyspnoea and wheezing. May be life threatening
ASTHMA – BRONCHIAL - As above
ASTHMA – SPASMODIC - Lung obstruction includes paroxysms of wheezing and coughing caused by spasms of the bronchioles and inflammation of the bronchial mucosa
ASTHMATIC BREATHING - breathing that includes prolonged wheezing on exhalation caused by spasmodic contractions of the bronchi
ATHEROSCLEROSIS - The artery insides become covered with yellowish plaques of cholesterol, lipids and cellular debris causing the artery tube to become narrower
ATHLETES FOOT - Fungal infection of the feet but can appear in any damp areas of the body - under the breasts and the groin are common areas
ATONIC DYSPEPSIA - The feeling of fullness
ATOPIC DERMATITIS - Any eczema that is found on allergy prone people. Think of it as top, i.e. skin dermatitis
AUTOIMMUNE CONDITIONS - A large group of diseases where the body cells attach themselves to other cells
AUTO TOXICITY - Auto means self and implies poisoning of self by self. That is, one part of the body is poisoning or causing sickness in another
BACK PAIN - Any pain in the back - many causes - find out the true cause before treating.
BACK WEAKNESS - Again a too general term - find cause and treat it
BACTERIAL INFECTIONS - Any inflammation caused by bacterium. Bacteria are small unicellular microorganisms; they attach themselves to cells to proliferate
BAD BREATH (HALITOSIS) - Breath is offensive from bacterium, foods eaten, addictions, e.g. alcohol, or bad teeth
BALDNESS - See alopecia
BED SORES - Are ulcers on any part of the body caused by the pressure of flesh on a bed and immobility
BEHCETS SYNDROME - A rare illness usually affecting males with severe uveitis and retinal vasculitis
BELCHING (ERUCTATION) - The act of expelling air from the stomach
BELL’S PALSY - Facial nerve paralysis. May be facial trauma of unknown cause or even stress
BILE STIMULATE - Any substance that improves the flow of bile from the liver to the alimentary tract to emulsify fats
BILE DUCTS - Transport the bile from the liver to the gall bladder
BILE STIMULATED - Any substance that stimulates the bile flow from the liver to the gall bladder to the duodenum
BILIARY COLIC - Visceral pain of smooth muscle associated with the passing of stones through the bile ducts. Also called cholecystalgia
BILIARY DYSPEPSIA - Caused when he flow of bile from the duodenum has an inadequate supply thus causing a digestion assimilation problem
BILIOUS HEADACHE, BILIOUSNESS - A bile dysfunction of any sort that affects the balance of body salts. Dehydration is also a cause. Treat medically first in case of an underlying disease
BILIRUBIN LEVELS - Orange-yellow pigment of bile, if raised it is usually a sign of liver disease, jaundice etc. Treat medically in the first instance
BLADDER CANCER - Usually aggressive, risk increases rapidly by smoking and by chemical exposure. Use herbs/essential oils and massage plus cranberry capsules (preferred), or cranberry drink
BLADDER PROBLEMS - Hernia - where the bladder may protrude through an opening in the abdominal wall
BLADDER STONE - Vesicle calculus - a stone in the bladder vesicle haematuria - bright red blood in the urine is a sign that the bladder wall is bleeding and that medical help is needed
BLADDER – IRRITABLE - Urge to drink that is constant. May be a symptom of either a disease or of nervousness
BLEEDING GUMS - See also gingivitis. Bleeding gums are often a sign of poor dental care or of teeth grinding
BLENNURIA - A sign of too much mucous
BLEPHARITIS - The eyelash follicles and meibomian glands of the eyelids become inflamed. If ulcerous = Bacterial infection Non - ulcerative = non bacterial and possibly caused by seborrhoea, allergy to eye make-up or sun cream or psoriasis
BLOATED STOMACH - Anything that is bloated is generally the result of too much air (or gas) in the area
BLOOD FLUKE - Parasitic flatworm - trematoda
BLOOD OXIDANT - A substance that causes illness in the blood, oxidants are by-products of living tissue but the end result is a build up of toxins
BLOOD PLATELETS - Blood cells that are essential for blood coagulation
BLOOD PRESSURE – LOWERED (See HYPER/HYPOTENSION) - Any substance or life style change that lowers the blood pressure
BLOOD PURIFIER - Any substance, like vitamin E or garlic that cleans the blood or/and arteries especially of fat and oxidants
BLOOD SUGAR - (See HYPER/HYPO GLYCAEMIA) - The amount of glucose in the blood essential for cellular metabolism
BLOOD SUGAR BALANCED - The average amount should be around 5 or less than 7. Above 7 is diabetes
BLOOD TONIC - Any substance that enhances the state of blood
BLOOD-SHOT EYES - Redness of the conjunctiva or sclera of the eye caused by dilation of the tissue’s blood vessels
BLURRED VISION - A usual cause is ageing but causes can include becoming short-sighted, or by the formation of cataracts, eyestrain or make-up
BODY TEMPERATURE - Heat is generated by food and metabolism and is lost through perspiration and radiation. Inflammation causes body heat and often the cause of any fever is more important to deal with than lowering the temperature
BODY LICE - Small wingless insects that live on the skin. Pediculosis is an infection of blood-sucking lice that may carry disease e.g. typhus
BODY ODOUR - Stale perspiration causes a fedid smell, perspiration is odourless until bacteria causes it to smell. Odours can also be caused by diet, disease or the environment (work).
BOIL - Skin abscess
BONE - Bone is a dense, hard connective tissue
BONE DEGENERATION - May have many causes including diet, other diseases and accidents. See arthritis and osteo prefixed diseases
BONE MARROW - The semi-liquid tissue that fills the spaces in cancellous bone of the epiphyses
BONE WEAKNESS - See degeneration above
BOWEL CLEANSER - Often not needed. Most often what is needed is a bowel movement - the bowel is largely self-cleaning if the right diet is followed.
BOWEL MOVEMENT - Burning may be caused by an allergy to milk (author had this), diet or acid in foods. May be wise to check sample of faeces medically
BRAIN TONIC - Largely a problem of diet.
BREAST CANCER - A malignant neoplastic disease of the breast tissue. A late menopause, smoking, drinking alcohol, diabetes, hyper-tension and genes can all cause either men or women to develop breast cancer to one degree or another
BREAST ENLARGEMENT - This occurs when too much milk is made for comfort. Some may be expressed off or the cells encouraged to dry up.
BREAST INFLAMMATION/BREAST LUMPS - Can be the result of physical activity with the breasts being shaken or have been caused by abscesses, bruises, cysts etc. Check and abnormality with doctors. Some lumps appear and disappear with the woman’s cycle. Self-examination is a must for self-preservation
BREAST – FIBROCYSTIC - Cysts that are palpable in the breast, vitamin E and no caffeine are remedies. For breast tenderness cysts may be aspirated and a biopsy performed to check that the cause is not cancer.
BREATH – SHORTAGE - Exercise is a typical example but other causes may include asthma, shallow breathing of a nervous person or shock. It is the cause that needs to be found and treated and not the effect of breath shortage
BREATHING DIFFICULTIES - See above
BRONCHI - Part of the inner lung. Small windpipe structures
BRONCHIAL ASTHMA - See Asthma
BRONCHIAL CATARRH - Discharge of mucous thickened because of some inflammation in this case in the respiratory system
BRONCHIAL DILATOR - A substance that opens up the lungs enabling the toxins to be expelled
BRONCHIAL INFECTIONS - Any disease associated with the respiratory system
BRONCHIAL SPASMS - Excessive and prolonged contraction of the involuntary muscle fibres in the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles
BRONCHITIS - Acute or chronic inflammation of the mucous membranes of the tracheobronchial tree
BROODING - Chronic worrying
BRUCELLOSIS - An animal disease that humans, especially farmers, can get. Also transmitted through drinking untreated milk. Symptoms include fever, anorexia, muscle and joint pains. Use antibiotics plus herbs to build the body up when in the chronic stage
BRUISES - The leaking of blood from capillaries
BUERGER’S DISEASE - Called thromboangiitis obliterans, a vascular condition usually of the leg or foot in which the small and medium-sized arteries become inflamed and thrombotic
BUNION - Great toe joint enlargement caused by inflammation of the bursa. Can be caused by degenerative bone disease, or badly fitting shoes or can be genetic.
BURN - Injury to body tissue caused by heat, chemicals etc. There are grades of burns dependent on type of burn, position and severity
BURNOUT - Physical or mental energy depletion after a period of stress. Emotional, psychological and physical help is needed.
BURSITIS - Bursa inflammation leading to joint pain
CACHEXIA - Severe generalised muscle wasting may be caused by malnutrition or diseases such as aid’s or cancer.
CALLUSES - Usually painless. A thickening of the stratum corneum where there is pressure or friction such as on the soles of the feet.
CALMING THE SPIRIT - Chinese theory states that the heart houses the shen or mind and that if a person is agitated for any reason then calming the shen may bring peace to him/her.
CANCER PREVENTION - The seven warning signs of cancer are;
Changes is bowel or bladder habits
A sore that will not heal
Unusual bleeding or discharge
Thickening in the breast or elsewhere
Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
Obvious changes in the appearance of a wart or mole
Nagging cough or hoarseness
1990 American Cancer Society
CANCER - Unregulated growth of cells
CANDIDA - Yeast like fungus normally living in the body that may grow uncontrollably causing many problems. When treating find the cause and treat it as well
CANKER SORES - An ulcer or sore in the mouth or associated with the genitals.
CAPILLARY - Minute blood vessel.
CAPILLARY FRAGILITY - Weakened capillaries that rupture easily when stressed - causing bruises
CARBUNCLE - A large site of staphylococcal infection. Contains purulent matter in deep subcutaneous pockets.
CARCINOMA - A malignant tumour composed of epithelial calls with a tendency to metastasise
CARDIAC ASTHMA - An attack of asthma associated with heart disease. E.g. left ventrical failure
CARDIAC DEPRESSANT - Decreases the heart rate and contractility
CARDIAC HYPERTROPHY - An abnormal enlargement of the heart muscle
CARDIAC OEDEMA - Accumulation of serum fluid from blood plasma in the interstitial tissues - a result of congestive heart failure.
CARDIAC STIMULANT - A substance that increases the action of the heart
CARIES - An infectious disease beginning with the progressive destruction of the external surface of the tooth crown
CARPEL TUNNEL SYNDROME - Wrist and hand pain induced by compression on the median nerve between the inelastic carpel ligament and other structures within the carpel tunnel
CARTILAGE - Nonvascular supporting tissue composed of chondrocytes and other fibres
CATARACT - Abnormal progressive condition of the eye lens where gradually there is a loss of transparency
CELL MUTATION PREVENTED - See CANCER PREVENTION
CELLULITE - Non-medical term for fat and fibrous deposits that result in dimpling of the skin.
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) - Brain and spinal cord. This system processes information to and from the peripheral nervous system. It controls the whole body
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DEPRESSANT - Any substance including tranquillisers, hypnotic and alcohol that decreases the function of the CNS
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM STIMULANT - Any substance that quickens activity of the CNS including caffeine, amphetamines and many addictive drugs.
CEREBRAL - The largest and uppermost section of the brain
CEREBRAL PALSY - A motor function disorder caused by a permanent non-progressive brain defect
CEREBROSPINAL INFLAMMATIONS - Include, spinal problems generally, spinal meningitis. Spinal meningitis is an inflammation of the spinal cord
CEREBROSPINAL FLUID - The fluid that protects the four ventricles of the brain and spinal canal.
CERVICAL - Means any constricted area that has a necklike structure such as the neck of a tooth, cervix of the womb entrance or the neck region
CERVICAL ADENITIS - Enlarged tender lymph nodes of the neck
CERVICAL CANCER - Neoplasm of the uterine cervix.
CERVICAL CYST - mucous cyst of the uterine cervix
CERVICAL EROSION - The lining of the uterus spreads to cover the tip of the cervix. Not cancerous but usually inflamed and/or prone to infections.
CERVICAL POLYPS - Small fragile bulbous growths on stalks protruding through the cervix from the lining inside the uterus.
CERVICITIS - Inflammation or infection of the cervix Acute - with symptoms of viral or/and bacterial attack Chronic - long-term infections that may or may not have symptoms
CHAFE - Irritation of the skin by friction
CHAPPED SKIN - Skin that is exposed to the weather may become roughened, reddened or cracked by cold or excessive moisture evaporation
CHEMICAL TOXICOSIS - Any toxic chemical
CHEST - Includes the thorax and the cavity enclosed by the ribs, sternum and diaphragm.
CHEST PAINS - Nearly always cause anxiety. 90% are caused by coronary diseases, spinal problems or psychology. Other causes include indigestion, lung, gall bladder and gastrointestinal problems.
CHEST TIGHTNESS - Improper breathing, respiratory problems or gastrointestinal problems can all mena that breathing is uncomfortable or painful. Pleurisy can also be a cause, the cause must be treated and not the effect.
CHEST CONGESTION - See above
CHICKENPOX - A highly contagious viral disease caused by a herpes virus varicella zoster virus
CHILBLAINS - Excessive exposure to cold causes redness and swelling of the skin when suddenly warmed.
CHILLINESS - Shivering with cold. May be caused by hypothyroidism.
CHOLECYSTSTIS - Acute or chronic inflammation of the gal bladder
CHOLELITHIASIS - Presence of gall stones in the gallbladder
CHOLERA - A bacterial infection of the small intestine
CHOREA - A nervous disorder that makes a person have an involuntary muscle twitching or it may be part of a disease pattern
CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME - Sometimes called immune dysfunction syndrome. Fatigue that is disabling accompanied by a myriad of other problems - aches, pains etc.
CIRRHOSIS - Chronic scarring of the liver leading to a loss of the normal liver function
COLD SORES - Herpes simplex - HSV 1. Fluid filled blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. Infectious.
COLD SORES - HSV 2. Herpes gentalis - infections confined to the genitalis
COLD SORES - See also herpes zoster
COLIC - Sharp visceral pain resulting from torsion obstruction or smooth muscle spasm, usually of the intestines
COLITIS - Inflammatory condition of the colon
COLONIC POLYPOSIS - Multiple polyps in the large intestine (colon)
COLORECTAL CANCER - Malignancy of the colon
COLOPROCITIS - Inflammation of the colon and rectum (Also called COLOPRACITIS RECTOCOLITIS)
COMA - State of deep unconsciousness
CONCUSSION - Damage to the brain caused by violent shaking. Can also be the result of compression due to accident
CONDYLOMA - A wart like growth on the anus, vulva or glans penis. Usually sexually transmitted
CONFUSION - A state of not knowing the time, place, situation, a person, or where one is
CONGESTION - Abnormal accumulation of fluid in an organ or body area
CONGESTIVE DYSMENORRHOEA - A form of secondary dysmenorrhoea caused by pelvic congestion
CONJUNCTIVITIS - Inflammation of the eyelids underside and the white part of the eye. (may occur in new born infants if the mother has gonorrhoea)
CONNECTIVE TISSUE - Any tissue that binds or supports any other body part
CONSTIPATION - The inability to pass faeces
CONSTITUTION - The general body health and lifestyle of a person
CONVULSIONS - Seizures.
COOLING - Reducing body temperature (or part)
CORN - Horny mass of condensed epithelial cells overlying a bony prominence, they are natures way of protecting a bone from friction or pressure
CORNEAL - Convex, transparent anterior part of the eye
CORONARY - To do with structures of the heart
CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE - Hardening and narrowing of the coronary arteries, which provide the blood, supply to the heart. Called coronary artherosclerosis or ischaemic heart disease.
CORTICOSTEROID - Steroids produced by adrenal cortex include glucocorticoids - cortisol and corticostererone. Chronic overproduction may lead to Cushing’s syndrome. High blood levels of glucorticoids increases the numbers of eosinophils and decreases the size of lymphatic tissues especially in the thymus and lymph nodes
COUGH - A common symptom of many diseases as the body tries to rid itself of unwanted toxic material an expectorant will reduce debris
CRADLE CAP - Common seborrhoea on infants
CRAMP - Painful contractions of muscles - can occur anywhere in the body
CROHN’S DISEASE - An inflammatory disease of the ileum, the lower part of the small intestine. (Ileo colitis or regional ileitis)
CROUP - An acute viral infection of the respiratory tract that usually affects infants under three years of age
CUT - A split in the skin that may be deep or shallow
CYANOSED - A bluish discolouration of the skin, fingernails and/or mucous membranes caused by a deficiency of oxygen in the blood
CYSTIC - Can be a cyst or can refer to a fluid filled sac
CYST - A closed sac containing fluid or semisolid material. May be in or under the skin and lined with epithelium cells
CYSTICERCOSIS - An infection of the larval stage of the pork tapeworm, (taenia solium) or the beef tapeworm (taenia saginata)
CYSTITIS - Inflammatory condition of the urinary bladder and ureters. Many causes include bacterium and tumours.
DANDRUFF - An excessive amount of a scaly material composed of dead cells.
DEBILITY - Loss of strength, weakness or feebleness
DEGENERATION - The gradual deterioration of the bodily functions or cells.
DEHYDRATION - The excessive loss of water from body tissues that affects the balance of the electrolytes (especially sodium, potassium and chloride)
DELIRIUM - State of frenzied excitement, wild enthusiasm or an acute disease causing confusion, restlessness and a feeling of not living in the real world.
DELIRIUM TREMENS - They are a psychotic reaction caused by the cessation of an excessive intake of alcohol. May be fatal
DEPRESSION - The feeling of continuing sadness, despondency or hopelessness. (other forms of depression are similar)
DEPRESSION AGITATED - State of chronic restlessness and increased psychomotor activity and severe anxiety
DERMATITIS - Skin inflammation. Treatment is aimed at finding and treating the cause. This may mean a change of diet, lifestyle, clothing etc.
DERMATOSIS - A skin disorder that is usually not associated with inflammation
DESPONDENCY - Loss of hope, reality and the feeling of hopelessness
DIABETES INSIPIDUS - A temporary disorder of the hormone system centred on the pituitary gland
DIABETES MELLITUS - Type 1 diabetes - insulin dependent. A chronic disease affecting the metabolism caused by the body’s inability to produce enough insulin to process carbohydrates, fat and protein efficiently. Complementary medicine can support the body but cannot provide the insulin needed
DIABETES MELLITUS - Type 2 diabetes - non-insulin dependent. A disease of the metabolism caused by the body’s inability to provide enough insulin - found mainly among obese adults or those with a poor diet
DIABETES- MALNUTRITION RELATED - Mostly seen in tropical countries where severe malnutrition is found, also in young people of more affluent countries with very poor diets
DIABETES-IMPAIRED GLUCOSE INTOLERANCE - Showing abnormal response to oral glucose tests. 10% will convert to type 2 diabetes within 10 years
DIABETES (BORDERLINE) - See above
DIARRHOEA - The frequent passing of loose watery faeces. Usually a symptom of other diseases, e.g. food poisoning. Inflammations or gastrointestinal disease.
DIGESTION OF FATS - Certain hormones such as insulin, growth hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone and the glucorticoids control the metabolism. If deficient in these or bile of pancreatic enzymes fat metabolism will be poor. It is important to balance the intake of fat especially Omega 6 - Omega 3 types.
DIPHTHERIA - An acute bacterial disease that produces a toxin and false membrane lining of the throat. The toxin damages the heart and the CNS.
DISCONTENTEDNESS - The feeling of not belonging or of being cut off from society or normal living
DISLOCATION - Displacement of any part of the body from its normal position
DISORIENTATION - Similar to being confused or disconnected
DISTENSION - The state of being swollen
DIVERTICULITIS - Faecal matter can sometimes pass through the thin walls of the diverticula causing inflammation and abscess in surrounding tissue of colon. May be caused from growth of polyps
DIVERTICULOSIS - Presence of pouch like herniations through the muscular layer of the colon and may be the result of poor diet.
DIZZINESS - Inability to maintain normal balance. May be the result of inner ear problems, weakness, mental confusion or a lack of food.
DRUG DEPENDENCE - Craving for or habitual use of drugs, or a physiological reliance on a chemical substance. Withdrawal from creates many problems in the short term
DUODENUM - The first part of the small intestine
DUODENITIS - Inflammation of the duodenum
DYSENTERY - Inflammation of the intestines and colon caused by chemical irritants, bacteria, protozoa or parasites. Frequent and bloody faeces, abdominal pain and tenesmus (spasms of rectum or bladder)
DYSMENORRHOEA - Menstruation pain
DYSPEPSIA - Feeling of epigastric discomfort felt after eating may be a symptom of an underlying disease e.g. peptic ulcer, gallbladder disease or stress.
DYSURIA - Painful urination - usually caused by a bacterial infection or an obstructive condition in the urinary tract. A burning sensation on passing urine is common, often a symptom of an underlying disease
ECZEMA - Dermatitis often caused by an allergy to milk, wheat and/or eggs.
ELEPHANTIASIS - End stage of filariasis (type of worm infestation)
EMACIATION - Extreme loss of subcutaneous body fat
EMBOLISM - An abnormal circulatory condition in which a foreign body travels through the bloodstream and becomes lodged in a blood vessel.
EMOTIONAL ABUSE - The debasement of a persons feelings that causes an individual to perceive him/herself as inept or worthless.
EMOTIONAL AMALGAM - An unconscious effort to deny or counteract anxiety
EMPHYSEMA - Chronic lung condition in which air sacs in the lungs become overstretched, destroying the elasticity of fibres that open and close the air sacs during breathing. Eventually the alveolar walls are destroyed.
ENDOCRINE - A process in which some cells produce hormones that are circulated in the blood or lymph.
ENDOCRINE DIABETES MELLITUS - A form of diabetes associated with diseases of glands such as the pituitary, adrenal and thyroid glands.
ENDOCRINE GLAND - A ductless gland that carries out endocrine processes
ENDOCRINE STIMULANT - Any substance that helps the gland to enhance performance.
ENDOMETRIOSIS - Tissue that resembles the inner lining of the uterus (the endometrium) that appears at unusual locations in the lower abdomen.
ENDOMETRITIS - Inflammation of the uterine wall or endometrium
ENTERITIS - Inflammation of the mucosal lining of the small intestine - may be caused by virus, bacterium or inflammatory
ENURESIS - Incontinence of urine - includes bed-wetting
EPIGASTRIC - The area above the stomach
EPIGASTRIC HERNIA - Protrusion of internal organs through the linea alba
EPIGASTRIC PAIN - Pain in the upper middle part of the abdomen
EPIGASTRIC REGION - Part of the abdomen in the upper zone between right and left hypochondriac regions
EPILEPSY - Disorder of the brain function. Sudden seizures, brief attacks of inappropriate behaviour, a change in state of consciousness or bizarre movement are all symptoms. Epilepsy is not a disease it is an uncontrolled electrical discharge from the nerve cells of the cerebral cortex.
EPISTAXIS - Nose bleed’s proper name
EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS (EBV) - The name of the herpes virus that causes infectious mononucleosis Burkitts lymphoma and other diseases.
EROTOMANIA - Wanting more than normal sexual love or desire
ERYSIPELAS - Infectious skin disease caused by Group A Beta-haemolytic streptococci
EXHAUSTION - A state of extreme loss of physical or mental abilities caused by fatigue or illness
EXOSTOSIS - Abnormal benign growth on the surface of a bone, also called hyperostosis
EYE FLOATERS - Small dark spots in the visual field. Each floater is a shadow of a mobile vitreous opacity cast on the retina. They are generally harmless but may be caused by diabetic retinopathy, hypertension or some other disease
EYE TUMOURS - A growth in the eye in which cell multiplication is uncontrolled and progressive. Eye tumours are of three types retinoblastoma, malignant melanoma or secondary tumours that have spread from other areas of the body
FACIAL NEUROSIS - Occurrence of pain in the middle ear and auditory canal caused by inflammation of the optic ganglion
FACIAL TIC - Any repetitive, spasmodic and involuntary contraction of groups of facial muscles
FAINTINGS (SYNCOPE) - Sudden temporary loss of consciousness
FAT INTOLERANCE - The body lacks the enzymes to assimilate fat. Look for the cause and treat that. Enzyme tablets may help.
FATTY LIVER - Accumulation of triglycerides in the liver
FATTY FAECES - A stool that contains a large amount of fat. Take enzymes after checking no underlying disease
STEATORRHOEA - See above
FEET AND HANDS COLD - See Raynauld’s disease
FEVER - Body temperature above 98.6F of 37C caused by disease. Fever is caused by an imbalance between the elimination and the production of heat
FIBROCYSTIC DISEASE OF THE BREAST - The presence of single or multiple cysts that are palpable in the breast. They are usually benign but need to be observed for changes.
FIBROID/FIBROMA - A benign neoplasm consisting largely of fibrous connective tissue
FIBROMYALGIA - Form of nonarticular rheumatism. Symptoms include musculoskeletal pain, spasms and stiffness, fatigue and sleep disturbance
FIBROSIS - Proliferation of fibrous connective tissue often found in scar tissue as the body repairs itself from a trauma
FILARIASIS - worm parasites spread by insect bites in tropical climates. The body tissues attacked are the lymph glands
FISSURE - May be a cleft or groove on the surface of an organ or a cut (lesion) in the outermost skin of the body entrance
FISTULAE - Abnormal passage from an internal body organ to the body surface or between two internal organs
FLATULENCE - Air or gas present in large amounts in the stomach causing organ distension and in some cases mild to moderate pain
FOLLICULITIS - Hair follicle inflammation
FRIGIDITY - Lacking warmth of feeling, unemotional or being unresponsive to sexual advances
FROSTBITE - Extreme cold on the skin causes temporary or permanent tissue damage. Can also be caused by the overuse of local anaesthesia for the relief of muscle and tendon strains
FURUNCLE - Localised suppurative staphylococcal skin infections originated in a gland or a hair follicle. Also called Boil
GALLSTONES - See cholelithiasis
GANGLION-WRIST - Cystic enlargement of a tendon sheath on the back of the wrist
GANGRENE - Necrosis or death of body tissue caused by accidents. Diabetes when the flesh fails to receive a blood supply. Bacteria invade and ulcers develop. Fatal unless treated
GASTRIC - In the stomach
GASTRIC EMESIS - Vomiting associated with a stomach disorder
GASTRITIS - Inflammation of the lining of the stomach
GASTRITIS ACUTE - Caused by severe burns, surgery or anti-inflammatory drugs
GASTRITIS CHRONIC - Caused by an underlying disease, e.g. a peptic ulcer, cancer or pernicious anaemia
GASTRITIS-ATROPHIC - Chronic inflammation of the stomach associated with degeneration of the gastric mucosa
GASTRO-ENTERITIS - Inflammation and infection of the digestive tract - often a symptom of an under-lying disease.
GENITALS - The sex or reproductive organs that are visible on the outside to the body
GENITOURINARY - Refers to the genital and urinary systems of the body
GIARDIASIS - Inflammatory condition caused by a common genus of flagellate protozoans, usually caused by drinking untreated water
GINGIVITIS - Gum infection
GLANDULAR FEVER - Infection of Epstein-Barr virus
GLAUCOMA - The fluid which normally drains into and out of the eye becomes obstructed - causes blindness if untreated.
GLOMERULONEPHRITIS - Inflammation of the glomeruli (small round filters of the kidney). A damaged glomeruli cannot effectively filter waste products from the bloodstream.
GLOSSITIS - Inflammation of the tongue
GLYCOGEN STORAGE DISEASE - There are many types of this disease most of which are inherited. Disorder of glycogen metabolism caused by a missing enzyme
GOITRE - Enlarged thyroid gland
GONORRHOEA - A sexually transmitted disease that causes many other diseases
GOUT - Disease associated with an inborn error of uric acid metabolism. Excess uric acid is converted to sodium urate crystals that are deposited in the joints.
GRANULOMA - A chronic skin disorder - not malignant or infectious, treatment depends on the cause
GRIPES/GRIPPING - Severe spasmodic pain in the abdomen
GUM BOIL - An abscess of the gingival and periosteum
HAEMATEMISIS - Vomiting of bright red blood. Treat as a medical emergency
HAEATURIA - Abnormal presence of blood in urine
HAEMOGLOBIN - A complex protein-iron compound found in the blood that carries oxygen to the cells from the lungs and carries carbon dioxide away from the cells to the lungs.
HAEMOPHILIA - A group of hereditary bleeding disorders caused by a deficiency of the blood to coagulate
HEMIPLEGIA - Paralysis of one side of the body.
HAEMOPTYSIS - Coughing up blood
HAEMORRHAGE - Losing a lot of blood in a short time
HAEMORRHOIDS - Dilated varicose veins of the rectum or anus
HAEMOSTASIS - Termination of bleeding by chemical or mechanical means
HAEMOSTATIC - The procedure of haemostasis
HALLUCINATION - Sensory perception that does not result from an external stimulus and occurs in a waking state
HASHIMOTO’S DISEASE - Autoimmune thyroid disease
HAY FEVER - Seasonal allergic rhinitis caused by a pollen allergy
HEADACHES - Many causes - the cause must be treated not the actual pain
HEARING LOSS - Conductive hearing loss - the result of damage to the outer or middle ear
HEARING LOSS - Sensorineural hearing loss is a result of damage to the cochlea or auditory nerve
HEART ATTACK (MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION) - necrosis of a portion of cardiac muscle caused by an obstruction in a coronary artery through either arteriosclerosis or a thrombus or spasm. Treat as an emergency
HEART BURN - Painful burning sensation in the oesophagus
HEART FAILURE - Heart cannot pump enough blood round the body to meet its needs
HEAT CRAMP - Painful spasms of the voluntary muscles in the abdomen or limbs caused by a depletion of water and salts. A hot environment or excessive exercise or shock or fever can cause it.
HEAT EXHAUSTION - As above but without spasms - causes include the above plus an inability to acclimatize to heat
HEAT STROKE - A sudden and sometimes fatal condition resulting from failure of the temperature regulating mechanism. This can be caused by prolonged exposure to the sun or to a high temperature. Treat as an emergency
HEAT HYPERPREXIA - See above
HEBERDEN’S NODES - Abnormal cartilaginous or bony enlargement of a finger joint usually seen in degenerative diseases
HELICOBACTER-PYLORI - A bacterium that lives in the stomach wall. Can cause many diseases but boost people do have the bacterium
HELPLESSNESS - Feeling of loss of control - unable to make autonomous choices or decisions.
HEPATIC - Pertaining to the liver
HEPATIC COMA - Acute or chronic liver disease that has caused neuropsychiatric damage where toxins enter the brain
HEPATITIS - Liver inflammation. WARNING There ere five types or hepatitis and it is important that the type is identified before treatment is started
HERNIA - Protrusion of an organ through the abdominal wall
HERPES SIMPLEX - Skin and nervous blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus. HSV
HSV1 Oral herpes infections on the facial area usually
HSV2 Herpes genitalis, infections in the genital region
Varicella Zoster virus is the Epstein-Barr virus
HERPES ZOSTER (called SHINGLES) - An acute infection caused by the reactivation of the latent varicella zoster virus. Painful vesticular skin eruptions that follow the underlying route or the cranial or pinal nerves which have been inflamed by the virus
HIATAL HERNIA - The protrusion of a portion of the stomach
HIATUS HERNIA - See above
HICCUP/HICCOUGH - The involuntary contraction of the diaphragm
HOARSENESS - Inflammation of the throat and larynx
HODGKIN’S DISEASE - Malignant disorder that is seen as a progressive enlargement of the lymphoid tissue
HOOKWORM - The larva enters the human body by penetration of the skin and travel to the intestines via the circulatory system and lungs. These case abdominal pains and anaemia
HOT FLUSH - Transient sense of warmth experienced during the menopause caused by an autonomous vasomotor disturbance
HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS - A virus that gradually destroys the immune system
HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS (HPV) - A virus that causes warts on the hands and feet as well as lesions of the mucous membranes of the oral, anal and genital cavities. A precursor to cervix cancer.
HYDRA DENITIS - Sweat gland inflammation
HYDROCELE - Accumulation of fluid in any sac like cavity or duct
HYDROPHOBIA - An extreme fear of water
HYDROTHORAX - Non-inflammatory accumulation of serous fluid in a pleural cavity
HYPERACIDITY - Excessive amount of acid in the stomach
HYPERAESTHESIA - Extreme sensitivity of a sense organ such as pain or touch receptor’s in the skin
HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA - High concentration of cholesterol in the blood
HYPERGLYCAEMIA - High concentration of glucose in the blood. Associated with diabetes
HYPERGONADISM - Excessive activity of the ovaries or tested
HYPERIRRITABILITY - Excessive excitability or sensitivity
HYPERKALAEMIA - Excessive amounts of potassium in the blood
HYPERLIPEMIA - Excessive level of blood fats (lipids = fat)
HYPERLIPIDAEMIA - Excessive lipids including glycolipids, lipoproteins and phospholipids in the plasma. There are several types, check which type.
HYPERPROLACTINAEMIA - Excessive amount or prolactin in the blood caused by a hypothalamus - pituitary dysfunction
HYPERSENSITIVITY - Excessive response of the immune system to an antigen
HYPERINSOMNIA - Excessive amount of sleep caused by psycholgic rather than physical factors
HYPERTENSION - High blood pressure over 140/90mm Hg
HYPERTHERMIA - Much higher than normal body temperature
HYPERTHYROIDISM - Hyperactivity of the thyroid gland - causes the metabolic process of the body to be accelerated
HYPERTONIA - Abnormal increase of muscle tone or strength
HYPERTROPHY - An increase in the size of an organ caused by an increase in the size of the cells rather than in the number of cells
HYPERURICAEMIA - See gout
HYPOCALCAEMIA - Deficiency of calcium in the serum - many causes.
HYPOCHONDRIA/HYPOCHONDRIASIS - Chronic abnormal concern about the health of the body
HYPODIPSIA - Health is threatened by abnormally low body fluid intake
HYPOFUNCTION - Diminished or inadequate levels of activity of an organ system or its parts
HYPOGLYCAEMIA - Less than normal amount of glucose in the blood often caused by an excessive amount of insulin. My lead to a coma if not dealt with urgently
HYPOGLYCAEMIA - REACTIVE Low levels of glucose in the circulating blood. <45 to50Mg/dl. May be the result of an insulin sensitivity, not eating, poor diet, an excess of hormones or pancreatic insufficiency (of a lack of enzymes)
HYPOINSULINISM - Deficiency of insulin secretion - diabetes
HYPOKALAEMIA - inadequate amounts of potassium, the major intercellular cation (positive charged ion), is found in the circulating blood stream. The cause may be starvation, diabetic acidosis, adrenal tumour or diuretic therapy.
HYPOTENSIVE - Low blood pressure
HYPOTHALMIC AMENORRHOEA - Cessation of menses caused by disorders that inhibit the hypothalamus from initiating the cycle of neurohormonal interaction
HYPOTHERMIA - Temperature of the body is too low. Usually below 95o F or 35o C
HYPOTHYROIDISM - Decreased activity of the thyroid gland - many causes
HYSTERIA - General state of tension or excitement - unmanageable fear and loss of control over emotions
ILEOCAECAL VALVE - The valve between the small and large intestines or precisely between the ilium and the caecum. It allows the contents to pass in a forward direction; sometimes it goes into a spasm or abnormal mode causing pain.
IMMUNODEFICIENCY DISEASE - A health condition caused by a defect in the immune system generally causing sensitivity to allergens and many infections and chronic disorders
IMPETIGO - Contagious common bacterial infection of the skin that affects the superficial layers of the skin
IMPOTENCE - The inability of the adult male to achieve a penile erection
INCONTINENCE - The inability to control urination or defecation
INDIGESTION - See dyspepsia
INFERTILITY - The inability to produce children. Causes can be caused by deficiencies of either the male or the female
INFLAMMATION - Protective response of body tissues to irritation or injury - may be acute or chronic. Signs are redness - rubor, heat - calor, swelling - tumour, pain - dolor. (medical word is second)
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE - Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
INFLAMMATORY DYSMENORRHOEA - Menstrual pain that accompanies pelvic infection, fibroids or endometritis
INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE - Tissue reaction to injury or to an antigen
INFLAMMATORY RHEUMATISM - See rheumatism
INFLUENZA - A contagious infection of the respiratory tract
INGUINAL HERNIA - Loop of intestine enters the inguinal canal. Of all hernias 75% are inguinal
INSANITY - A mental illness that is so severe that a person cannot function within normal society
INSOMNIA - Chronic inability to sleep or to remain asleep throughout the night.
INTELLECTUALISATION - A defence mechanism in which reasoning is used as a means of blocking a confrontation with an unconscious conflict. Also the emotional stress associated with it.
INTERCOSTAL NEURALGIA - Pain in the intercostal spaces of the chest wall involving intercostals nerves
INTERMITTENT CLAUDICATION - Cramp-like pains in the calves caused by poor circulation to the leg muscles
INTESTINAL COLIC - Spasmodic pains in intestinal disorders
INTOLERANCE TO FOOD/DRUGS - Inability to absorb or metabolise a nutrient or medication
INTROVERSION - Tending to direct one’s interests, thoughts and energies inwards or toward things concerned with self
IRITIS - Inflammatory condition concerned with the eye
IRRITABILITY - Abnormal excitement or sensitivity
IRRITABLE BLADDER - Constant urge to urinate despite lack of evidence or a cause
IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME - Also called Spastic Colon or Mucous Colitis. An intestine inflammatory, causes can include stress, fast foods, poor diet, fast eating etc
ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE - A pathological condition of the myocardium caused by a lack of oxygen in the tissue cells.
ISCHEMIC NECROSIS - Death of tissue caused by an interruption of its blood supply
ISCHEMIC PAIN - Severe excruciating pain caused by an obstruction of the blood flow
JAUNDICE - Yellow discolouration of the skin and eyes caused by excessive amounts of bilirubin in the blood. It is a symptom of other diseases
JOINT SUBLUXATION - Dislocation of a joint
KERATITIS - Any inflammation of the cornea
KIDNEY STONE or RENAL CALCULUS - A stone in the kidney that may stop urine flowing down the ureters.
LARYNGITIS - Inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the larynx
LAXATIVE - Implies the elimination of a soft-formed stool whereas cathartic implies a fluid evacuation
LEPROSY - A chronic disease caused by a bacterium
LEPTOSPIROSIS - An acute infectious disease caused by a bacterium. The most serious form of this disease is called Weil’s disease which is caused by contact with the urine of wild animals.
LETHARGY - State or quality of dullness, prolonged sleepiness, sluggishness or serious drowsiness
LEUCORRHOEA - White discharge from the vagina
LEUKAEMIA - A group of malignant diseases
LICE - Small wingless insects
LIGAMENT - White shiny flexible band of fibrous tissue binding joints together and connecting various bones and cartilages
LIGHT HEADEDNESS - Condition of feeling feint, dizzy and or delirious
LIPOMA - Tumour made up of fatty tissues that are usually benign
LIPS AND TONGUE BLUE - See cyanosis
LIVER CANCER - Malignant neoplastic disease, usually a metastasis from another site
LIVER FLUKE - Parasitic trematode that is usually acquired by eating uncooked or partially cooked fish
LOCHIA - The discharge that flows from the vagina after childbirth
LORDOSIS - An abnormal anterior concavity of the lumbar part of the back
LUMBAGO - Pain in the lumbar region caused by muscle strain, rheumatoid arthritis or other causes. Pain is located in the lower back or the buttock.
LYME DISEASE - An acute recurrent inflammatory infection transmitted by a tick borne spirochete
LYMPHADENITIS - Inflammation of the lymph nodes
LYMPHADENOMA - Infectious granuloma of the lymphatic system
LYMPHOGRANULOMATOSIS - See above
LYMPHANGITIS - Inflammation of one or more lymphatic vessels usually from acute streptococcal infection
LYMPHEDEMA - Accumulation of lymph in soft tissue caused by the inflammation, obstruction or removal of lymph channels
LYMPHOMA - Neoplasm of lymphoid tissue, usually malignant but may be benign
LYMPHOSARCOMA - Malignant tumour involving lymphoid tissue
NON-HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA - See above
MACULAR DEGENERATION - Progressive deterioration of the maculae of the retina and choroids of the eye
MACULAR DYSTROPHY - Damage of the central part of the retina - symptom of many diseases
MALABSORPTION - Impaired absorption of nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract. Many causes
MALAISE - Vague uneasy feelings of body weakness and distress or discomfort, may be the forerunner of a disease occurring
MALARIA - Severe infectious illness caused by a species of protozoan
MALNUTRITION - A disorder of nutrition. May be caused by eating an unbalanced diet or an insufficient diet, or by eating a balanced diet but suffering from impaired absorption, assimilation or a disease such as celiac disease.
MANGE - Cutaneous disease of both domestic and wild animals caused by skin burrowing mites. See scabies
MASTITIS - Inflammation condition of the breast
MEASLES - Viral disease involving the respiratory tract
MELANCHOLIA - Severe form of depression
MELANOMA - Malignant neoplasm originating in the skin and composed of melanocytes
MENIERE’S DISEASE - Chronic disease of the inner ear, symptoms include vertigo, sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus
MENOPAUSE - Cessation of menses, as a the hormones change so various bodily problems occur all of which are normal, natures way of ending a woman’s cycle to start a new one.
MENORRHAGIA - Abnormally long or heavy menstrual periods
MENOSSHOEA - Normal uterine menstrual cycle of discharging of blood and tissue monthly
MENSTRUAL CRAMPS - Lob abdominal pain at the start of menses (periods)
MENTAL ILLNESS - Any disturbance of emotional normality
MERCURIAL - Any side effect such as mercurial tremor
METABOLIC ACIDOSIS - Acidosis in which excess acid is added to the body fluids or bicarbonate is lost from them. Acidosis is indicated by a pH below 7.4 of blood.
METABOLIC ALKALOSIS - The opposite to acidosis. E.g. loss of acid plus too much bicarbonate
METABOLIC BALANCE - An equilibrium between the intake of nutrients and their eventual loss through absorption or excretion
METABOLIC CIRRHOSIS - Cirrhosis of the liver associated with a metabolic disease
METABOLIC DISORDER - Any pathophysiologic dysfunction that results in a loss of metabolic control of homeostasis in the body.
METABOLISM - The total of all chemical processes that take place in living organisms, resulting in growth, generating of energy and the elimination of waste material.
MICTURITION - The act of passing urine
MIGRAINE - Recurring vascular headache
MONONUCLEOSIS - Abnormal increase in the number of mononuclear leukocytes in the blood
MOOD - Prolonged subjective emotional state that influences one’s whole personality and perception of the world
MOTION SICKNESS Condition caused by erratic or rhythmic motions in any combination of directions. Includes air, car and seasickness.
MUCOUS COLITIS - Irritable bowel syndrome
MUCOUS MEMBRANE - Any kind of four kinds of thin sheets of tissue that cover or line various parts of the body.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS - A progressive disease, caused by a disseminating demyelination of the nerve fibres of the brain and spinal cord.
MUMPS - Acute viral disease identified by a swelling of the paratoid glands caused by a paramyxovirus
MUSCLE - Tissue composed of fibres or cells that are able to contract enabling the movement of bones, organs and body parts.
MUSCLE CRAMP - Sudden intermittent pain in almost any part of the body
MUSCULAR ATROPHY - Condition of motor unit dysfunctions.
MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY/MYODYSTROPHY - Group of genetically transmitted diseases
MUSCULAR FATIGUE - Refactory condition in which the contractile tissue of a muscle loses its response to stimulation as a result of overactivity
MUSCULAR TENSION - Strain that results from muscular contractions
MYALGIA - Muscle pain usually with malaise (also suffix)
MYASTHENIA GRAVIS - Abnormal condition seen as chronic fatigue and muscle weakness especially in the face and throat as a result of a defect in the conduction of nerve impulses at the myoneural junction
MYELOMALACIA - Abnormal softening of the spinal cord caused primarily by an inadequate blood supply
MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION - Necrosis of a portion of cardiac muscle caused by an obstruction in a coronary artery through atherosclerosis, thrombosis or spasm
MYOCARDITIS - Inflammatory condition of the thick contractile middle layer of the muscle cells that form the bulk of the heart wall
MYOMA - A common benign fibroid tumour of the uterine muscle
NASAL POLYP - Rounded elongated bit of pulpy dependent mucosa that projects into the nasal cavity.
NAUSEA - Sensation of the urge to vomit but one not always leading to vomiting
NEBULA - Murkiness in the urine
NEBULA – CORNEAL - Slight opacity or scar that seldom obstructs the vision
NECROSIS - Localised tissue death usually in response to disease (gangrene or lack of blood etc) or injury (burns).
NEOPLASM - Any abnormal growth of new tissue benign or malignant.
NEPHRITIS - Any of a large group of diseases of the kidney. Inflammation and/or abnormal function.
NEPHROSIS/NEPHROTIC SYNDROME - Kidney abnormality marked by proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia and oedema symptoms, or complications of other diseases.
NERVOUS BREAKDOWN - Non technical term for a mental illness serious enough to interfere with daily activities.
NERVOUS TACHYPNEA - Neurotic symptom of quick shallow breathing
NEUROLOGICAL - Referring to the body’s nervous system.
NEUROMA - Tumour on nerve tissue
NEUROSIS - Mental illness in which anxiety is controlled by avoidance, blaming others, developing bodily complaints or by other mechanisms
NEURALGIA - A severe stabbing pain that is caused by a variety of disorders of nervous system origin
NEURASTHENIA - Abnormal condition that includes nervous exhaustion and fatigue that often follows depression.
NEURINOMA - Tumour of the nerve sheath
NEURITIS - Inflammation of a nerve, it is a symptom of a disease.
NEUROPATHY - Inflammation and/or degeneration of the peripheral nerves
NEUROSIS - Disease of the nerves or a mental disorder
NIGHT BLINDNESS - Poor vision in dim light or at night
NYCTALOPIA - See above
NODE - Small rounded mass
NODULE - Small node
NODULAR GOITRE - An enlarged goitre that contains nodules
OBSESSION - Persistent thought or idea with which the mind is continually and involuntarily preoccupies and cannot be changed by logic or reasoning
OEDEMA - Abnormal accumulation of fluid in interstitial spaces of tissues. Many causes, treat as a symptom.
OLIGURIA - Diminished capacity to form and pass urine.
OPACITY – CORNEAL - Opaque quality of a substance. E.g. cataract
OPHTHALMIC - Pertaining to the eyes
ORCHITIS - Testes inflammation, a symptom of many diseases including mumps, syphilis or tuberculosis
OREXIGENIC - Substance that stimulates the appetite
OSTEOARTHRITIS - Non inflammatory form of arthritis in which one or more joints undergo degenerative changes
OSTEOMA - A tumour composed of bone tissue
OSTEOMALACIA - Bone that is soft because it has lost its calcification
OSTEOMYLITIS - infection of bone and bone marrow by a bacterium
OSTEOPOROSIS - A disorder in which abnormal loss of bone density occurs. (Do not take only calcium; take also magnesium and preferably boron)
OSTEOPHYTES - Proliferation of bone spurs as found in many bone/joint disorders
OTITIS - Inflammation or infection of the ear
OTITIS EXTERNAL/INTERNAL/MEDIA - Shows which part of the ear has the inflammation or infection.
OVARIAN CANCER / CARCINOMA - Malignant neoplasm of the ovaries
OVARIAN CYST - Globular sac in the ovary
OVARIAN VARICOCELL - Varicose swelling of the veins of the uterine broad ligament.
OVULATION PAINS - Sharp lower abdominal pains at times of ovulation
OXALATE - An anion of oxalic acid
OXALIC ACID - Acid found in many plants including rhubarb and parsley, poisonous if ingested. In foods containing it the substance binds with calcium and forms renal calculus. (Kidney stones)
OXYTOCIC - Stimulator of uterine smooth muscle - contracts it
PAGET’S DISEASE - Non-metabolic disease of bone causing excessive bone destruction and unorganised bone repair
PALPITATIONS - Pounding or racing heart - may or may not be a cause of diseasePANCREATIC INSUFFICIENCY - Inadequate production and secretion of pancreatic hormones and/or enzymes
PANCREATITIS - Inflammatory condition of the pancreas
PANIC - Intense sudden or overwhelming fear
PANIC ATTACK - Episode of acute anxiety
PANOPHTHALMITIS - Inflammation of the entire eye
PARANOIA - Having a very suspicious system of thinking
PARAPLEGIA - Motor or sensory loss in the lower limbs and trunk
PARASITE - An organism living in or on and obtaining nourishment from another organism
PARENSI - Incomplete or partial paralysis
PARAESTHESIA - Pins and needles - numbness, tingling
PARKINSON’S DISEASE - Slowly degenerative neurological disorder
PAROTITIS - Inflammation or infection of one or both of the parotid salivary glands
PARTURIENT - The actual act of childbirth
PECTORAL - Pertaining to the thorax or chest
PEDICULOSIS SYNDROME - Abnormal gynaecological condition with low back pain, dysmenorrhoea and dyspareunia
PELVIC INFLAMMATION DISEASE - Any inflammation of the female pelvic organs
PEMPHIGUS - Uncommon chronic disease of the skin and muscle membranes
PERICARDITIS - Inflammation of the pericardium
PERINEAL BODY - A mass of tissue composed of muscle and fascia between the vagina and rectum in females and between the scrotum and rectum in males
PERIODONTITIS - Inflammation of the periodontium (mouth)
PERIOSTEUM - Fibrous vascular membrane covering the bones
PERIOSTITIS - inflammation of the periosteum
PERISTALSIS - The co-ordinated rhythmic serial contraction of the smooth muscle that forces food through the digestive tract, urine through ureter etc.
PERITONEUM - External membrane that lines the abdomen wall
PERITONITIS - Inflammation of the peritoneum
PHAGOCYTOSIS - Part of the immune system in which vitamin cells engulf and destroy microorganisms and cellular debris
PHARYNGEAL - Pertaining to the pharynx
PHARYNGITIS - Inflammation or infection of the pharynx
PHLEBITIS (also called THROMBOPHLEBITIS) - Inflammation of a vein often accompanied by formation of a clot
PHLEGM - Thick mucus secreted by the tissues lining the airways to the lungs
PHOBIA - Obsessive intense fear of an object
PHOTOPHOBIA - Abnormal sensitivity to light
PITUITARY GLAND - Gland situated in the brain supplying numerous hormones that govern many vital processes
PITYRIASIS - Number of skin diseases that have in common lesions that resemble dandruff like scales
PLASMA - The liquid part of the blood
PLEURISY - Inflammation of the parietal pleura of the lungs
PNEUMOCONIOSIS - Any disorder of the lungs caused by chronic inhalation of dust
PNEUMONIA - Acute inflammation of the lungs caused by inhaling streptococcus pneumoniae. The alveoli and bronchioles of the lungs become plugged with fibrous exudates.
POLIOMYELITIS - Infectious disease caused by a virus
POLYMYALGIA - Chronic inflammatory disease of the large arteries
POLYURIA - Excretion of a large quantity of urine
POST-PARTUM - The time after childbirth
POST-PARTUM BLUES - Feelings of sadness after childbirth usually to do with the trauma of birth
POST-PARTUM DEPRESSION - An abnormal psychiatric condition
POST-PARTUM UTERINE SUBINVOLUTION - Inability of the uterus to return to its normal size
POST VIRAL FATIGUE - Also called M.E. Chronic muscle fatigue unrelieved by rest. (Often an imbalance of minerals - author)
PREMENSTRUAL TENSION - A syndrome of nervous tension, oedema, headache, mastalgia and other symptoms thought to be an imbalance of hormones connected to the woman’s cycle
PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME - See above
PRESSURE SORES/ULCERS - Inflammation, sore or ulcer on the skin over a bony prominence - can be serious if not treated.
PRIAPISM - Prolonged or constant penile erection, often painful and seldom associated with sexual arousal
PROLAPSE - Feeling or sinking of any organ from its normal position
PROPHYACTIC - Preventing the spread of disease
PROSTATIS - Acute or chronic inflammation of the prostate gland
PRURITUS - Symptom of itching
PRURITUS ANI - Symptom of chronic itching round the skin of the anus
PRURITUS VULVAE - Symptom of chronic itching round the genitalia of a female
PSORIASIS - A common chronic skin disorder, red patches covered by dry silvery adherent scales that are the result of excessive development of epithelial cells
PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS - A form of arthritis associated with psoriatic lesions of the skin and nails.
PSYCHOSIS - A serious mental disorder
PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGIC - Having physical symptoms usually under the control of the autonomic nervous system
PSYCHOSOMATIC - Having emotional origins and involving a single organ system
PUERPERAL - The period of time immediately after childbirth
PULMONARY - Pertaining to the lungs or respiratory system
PURULENCE - Condition of producing or discharging pus
POSTULE - Small elevation of skin controlling fluid usually puerperal
PUTREFACTION - Decay of enzymes, especially proteins that produce foul smelling compounds
PYELITIS - Inflammation of the pelvis
PYELONEPHRITIS - Diffuse pyogenic infection of the pelvis and parenchyma of the kidney.
PYOGENIC - Pus producing
PYORRHOEA - Discharge of pus or a purulent inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth
QUINSY or called medically PERITON SILLAR ABSCESS - Infection of tissue between the tonsil and pharynx
RABIES - Acute and usually fatal viral infection of the C.N.S
RADIATION - Emission of energy, rays or waves
RADIOTHERAPY - Treatment of neoplastic disease by using Gamma or X-rays.
RAYNAUD’S PHENOMENON - Intermittent attacks of ischemia of the extremities of the body especially fingers, toes, ears and nose, caused by exposure to cold or an emotional stimuli.
REACTIVE DEPRESSION - An emotional condition that includes an acute feeling of despondency, sadness and depressive dysphoria which varies in intensity and duration
REACTIVE HYPOGLYCAEMIA - Low levels of glucose in the circulating blood related to the diet, pancreas insufficiency, hormones or emotions. It is not the same as hypoglycaemia of a diabetic
RECTAL ABSCESS - Abscess in the perianal area
RED EYE - See allergic conjunctivitis
REFLUX - Abnormal or return flow of a liquid
REFLUX OESOPHAGITIS - Oesophageal irritation and inflammation that results from the stomach contents (or part) returning or flowing back into the oesophagus
RENAL - Pertaining to the kidney
RESPIRATION - The process of the molecular exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide within the body’s tissue from the lungs to cellular oxidation processes
RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME - Benign condition that includes an irritating sensation and itching deep within the muscles of the leg with some twitching and pain.
RETINAL DETACHMENT - Separation of the retina from the choroids in the back of the eye
RETINITIS - Inflammation of the retina
RETINOPATHY - Non inflammatory eye disorder caused by changes in the retinal blood vessels
RHEUMATIC AORITIS - Inflammatory condition of the aorta occurring in rheumatic fever
RHEUMATIC CHOREA - See Sydenham’s chorea
RHEUMATIC FEVER - An inflammatory disease that may affect any parts or all of the body
RHEUMATIC NODULES - Aggregations of fibroblasts and lymphoid cells that may accumulate in soft tissues and over bony prominences of patients, usually toes and fingers.
RHEUMATIC SCOLIOSIS - Form of scoliosis associated with muscle spasms and acute inflammation.
RHEUMATISM - Name used to cover a large number of inflammatory conditions of the bursae, joints and muscles. All will include pain and degeneration of parts of the musculaskeletal system
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS - Inflammation of the arterial walls associated with a rheumatic disorder
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA) - chronic, inflammatory, destructive, sometimes deforming, collagen disease that has an autoimmune component. Seropositive means the person has the RF (Rheumatoid factor) in their body and will get the full disease. Seronegative means without the RF factor and will have RA but not the full-blown disease.
RHINITIS - Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose usually accompanied by swelling of the mucosa and a nasal discharge.
RICKETS - Abnormal bone formation caused by a vitamin D deficiency.
RINGWORM - See TINEA
SALPINGITIS - Inflammation or infection of the fallopian tube
SATYIASIS - Excessive uncontrolled sexual desire in a male
SCABIES - Contagious disease caused by the itch mite
SCAPULA PAIN - Shoulder blade pain
SCARLET FEVER - A contagious disease caused by haemolytic streptococcus. Causes enlarged lymph nodes and a red rash.
SCHISTOSOMIASIS - A parasitic infection caused by a species of blood flukes
SCHIZOPHRENIA - Psychotic disorder - includes a gross disorder of reality
SCIATICA - Inflammation of the sciatic nerve
SCLERITIS - Inflammation of the sclera of the eye
SCOLIOSIS - Lateral curvature of the spine
SCROFULA - A form of tuberculosis with abscesses in the cervical lymph nodes
SCURVY - Severe ascorbic acid deficiency (Vitamin C)
SEBORRHOEA - Overproduction of sebum results in excessive oiliness, may become infected with bacterium
SEBORRHEIC BLEPHARITIS - Form of seborrheic dermatitis in the eyelids
SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS - Inflammatory skin disease recognised by dry or moist greasy scales and yellowish crusts.
SELF ESTEEM - Degree of worth and competence one attributes to oneself.
SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS - Defect of the inner ear or the auditory nerve that results in a hearing loss.
SEPTICAEMIA - Blood stream pathogen having spread from an infection that causes the circulating blood to be infected
SEPTIC ARTHRITIS - An acute form of arthritis caused by bacterial inflammation of a joint
SHINGLES - See Herpes Zoster
SHOCK - Inadequate blood flow to the body’s peripheral tissues with life threatening cellular dysfunction.
SILICOSIS - Lung disorder caused by continual inhalation of dust or an inorganic compound i.e. silicon dioxide
SINEW - The tendon of a muscle
SINUSITIS - Inflammation of one or more paranasal sinuses
SJOGREN’S SYNDROME - Immunologic disorder seen by a deficiency of moisture production on the salivary glands
SMALLPOX - Contagious viral disease that attacks only humans
SPASMODIC ASTHMA - Airway obstruction caused by paroxysms of wheezing and coughing caused in turn, by spasms of the bronchioles and inflammation of the bronchial mucosa.
SPASMODIC DYSMENORRHOEA - Difficult menstruation accompanied by painful uterine contractions
SPRAIN - Traumatic injury to the tendons, muscles or ligaments round a joint.
STOMATITIS - Inflammatory condition of the mouth
STRAINS - Muscular damage usually from physical effort
STRESS - Any emotional, physical, social or economic problem that is more than a persons intellect, emotions or otherwise can cope with.
STRETCH MARKS/STRIA - A streak of lineal scar that is caused by skin tension such as pregnancy
STRICTURE - Narrowing of a hollow organ caused by inflammation.
STYE - Purulent infection of a meibomian sebaceous gland of the eyelid
SYCOSIS - Inflammation of hair follicles
SYDENHAM’S CHOREA - Associated with rheumatic fever, the cause is a streptococcal infection
SYNDROME - A complex of signs and symptoms resulting from a common cause
SYPHILIS - A sexually transmitted disease of which there are several stages.
TACHYCARDIA - Rapid heartbeat that is not caused but over exertion
TEMPORAL ARTHRITIS - Progressive inflammatory disorder of the cranial blood vessels.
TENDONITIS - Inflammatory condition of a tendon usually from strain
TENDON - Dense fibrous connective tissue that attach muscle to bone
TENESMUS - Persistent ineffectual spasms of the rectum or bladder
TENSION - Condition resulting from reaction to stress
TETANUS - An acute fatal infection of the Central Nervous System
THROMBOSIS - Vascular condition in which a thrombus (or clot) develops within a blood vessel of the body
THYROID - See Hyper/Hypothyroidism
TINEA - Group of fungal skin diseases caused by dermatophytes. Also called Ringworm
TINNITUS - Noise sensation heard in the ear but inaudible to anyone else
TOXAEMIA - Pressure of bacterial toxins in the bloodstream
TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME - Severe acute disease caused by infection with strains of staphylocococcus aureus that produces a unique toxin
TOXICOSIS - Disease condition caused by absorption of metabolic or bacterial poisons.
TRACHEITIS - Inflammatory condition of the trachea
TRACHOMA - Chronic infectious bacterial disease of the eye
TRAUMA - Physical injury caused by violent or disruptive action or by the introduction into the body of toxins. Can also be caused by a psychic injury from a severe emotional shock
TREMOR - Rhythmic, purposeless, quivering movements caused by involuntary contraction and relaxation of opposing groups of skeletal muscles. Many causes.
TRICHOMANIA or TRICHOTILLOMANIA - Pulling one’s own hair out
TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS - Parasite protozoan flagellate that causes many diseases including vaginitis, cystitis etc.
TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA - Neurological condition of the trigeminal facial nerve, causes paroxysms of flashing stablike pain radiating along the course of a branch of the nerve from the angle of the jaw
TRIGGER POINT - A sensitive point to touch on the body, when it is touched it becomes the site of a painful neuralgia
TUBERCULOSIS - Chronic granulomatous infection caused by an acid-fast bacterium - mycobacterium tuberculosis.
TUMOURS - Swelling occurring in inflammatory condition or also caused a neoplasm, which is a growth of uncontrolled proliferation of cells. May be localised, invasive, benign or malignant.
TWITCH - Contraction of small muscle units - causes a quick spasmodic contraction or a jerk.
TYPHOID FEVER - A bacterial infection usually caused by Salmonella Typhi transmitted by contaminated foodstuffs.
TYPHUS - Group of infectious diseases caused by various species of rickettsia
TYRAMINE - An amino-red synthesised in the blood from the essential acid tyrosine. Tyramine stimulates the release of catecholamines epinephrine and norpinephrine. It is important that peoples taking monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MOR or MOI) avoid the ingestion of foods containing tyramine.
ULCER - Crater like lesion of the skin or mucous membrane resulting from necrosis that is found in conjunction with inflammatory, malignant or/and diabetic conditions
ULCERATION - process of ulcer formation
ULCERATIVE BLEPHARITIS - Blepharitis plus ulcers as sticky weeping crusts
ULCERATIVE COLITIS - Chronic inflammatory disease of the colon and rectum
ULCERATIVE INFLAMMATION - Development of an ulcer over the area of inflammation
ULCERATIVE STOMATITIS - Infectious disease of the mouth. Symptoms Include swollen spongy gums, ulcers and loose teeth.
URAEMIA - Presence of excessive amounts of urea and other nitrogenous waste products in the blood - a symptom of other diseases.
URETERITIS - Inflammatory condition of a ureter may be a kidney stone or a bacterium
URETHRITIS - Inflammatory condition of urethra usually the result of a bladder or kidney infection
URINARY CALCULUS - Stone in the urinary tract
URINARY TRACT - All organs and ducts involved in the secretion and elimination of urine from the body.
URTICARIA - Pruritic skin eruption caused by capillary dilation of the dermis that results from the release of vasoactive mediators including histamine. Often a result of drugs or allergies. NB If from drugs or foods NEVER have that substance again without seeing a doctor.
UTERINE - Pertaining to the uterus
UTERINE FIBROID - Growth of fibrous tissue in the uterus
UTERINE ISCHEMIA - Decreasing or an ineffective uterus blood supply
UTERINE POLYPS - Sinking of the uterus from its normal position in the body
UVULITIS - Inflammation of the uvula - often allergy or infection
VAGINAL DISCHARGE - Discharge is secretions from the endocervical glands, any increase is usually due to inflammation and may have a foul odour. May be perineum and/or genitalia pruritus.
VAGINITIS - Inflammation of the vaginal tissues, such as trichomonas vaginitis
VARICOSE - Vein abnormality. Permanently distended as seen in bulging veins.
VARICOSE VEINS - Tortuous, dilated vein with incomplete valves
VARICOSIS - Common condition as seen in tortuous abnormally dilated veins.
VASODILATION - Increase in the diameter of a blood vessel caused by inhibition of its constrictor nerves or stimulation of dilated nerves.
VENTRICULO - Ventrice of the heart or brain (prefix)
VERRUCA - Benign viral warty skin lesion
VERTIGO - Sensation of instability caused by a disturbance in the semicircular canal of the inner ear or the vestibular nuclei of the brainstem
VESICAL - Pertaining to a fluid filled sac e.g. Bladder
VESICLE - Small bladder or blister containing clear fluid.
VESICULAR - Pertaining to a blister-like condition.
VIRULENCE - Power of a microorganism to produce a disease
VIRUS - Minute parasitic microorganism that has no metabolic activity. It can only replicate within a cell in a living plant or an animal host.
VISCERA - Internal organs enclosed within a body cavity. Includes the abdominal, thoracic, pelvic and endocrine organs
VITILIGO - Benign skin disease of unknown cause. The skin pigment is lacking it appears in irregular areas.
VULVITIS - Inflammation of the vulva
WARTS - See VERRUCA
WEEPING ECZEMA - Inflammatory form of skin disease marked by fluid exudates.
WHITLOW - Inflammation of the end of finger or toe that results in suppuration (producing pus)
WHOOPING COUGH - Serious contagious bacterial infection of the bronchial tubes and lungs
WORTHLESSNESS - A component of low self esteem having feelings of uselessness and inability to contribute to society.
WRIST GANGLION - Cystic enlargement of a tendon sheath on the back of the wrist
WRITERS CRAMP - Painful involuntary contraction of the hand muscles when attempting to write. Repetitive strain injury.
XANTHO - Prefix meaning yellow
XANTHOMATOSIS BULBI - Fatty degeneration of the cornea
XEROSIS - Dry skin
ZYGOMYCOSIS - Fungal infection of the lungs - usually fatal
ZYMOPROTEIN - Any protein that functions as an enzyme
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