Glossary

A1C (Hemoglobin A1C / HbA1c)

A blood test that measures average blood sugar levels over approximately the previous 2–3 months. It is commonly used to diagnose and monitor diabetes and prediabetes.

Abdominal

Related to the abdomen, the area of the body containing organs such as the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys.

Ablation

A medical procedure that removes or destroys abnormal tissue using methods such as heat, cold, lasers, chemicals, or electrical energy.

Abscess

A collection of pus caused by infection. Abscesses may occur in the skin, organs, or deeper tissues.

Absorption

The process by which the body takes in nutrients, medications, or other substances through tissues, especially the digestive tract.

Acetylcholine

A chemical messenger used by nerve cells to communicate. It plays roles in muscle movement, memory, learning, and nervous system function.

Acid Reflux

A condition where stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, chest discomfort, or a sour taste. Also called:Gastroesophageal reflux (GER)Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Acid-Base Balance

The body's process of maintaining the correct balance between acids and bases in the blood and tissues. This balance is regulated mainly by:LungsKidneysChemical buffering systems

Acidosis

A condition where the blood becomes too acidic due to changes in body chemistry. Types:Metabolic acidosisRespiratory acidosis

Acquired Condition

A disease or condition that develops after birth rather than being inherited. Examples:Acquired infectionsAcquired autoimmune disorders

Acute

An acute condition is one that develops suddenly and usually lasts for a relatively short period of time. Acute illnesses, injuries, or symptoms often appear quickly and may require prompt medical attention. Many acute conditions…

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Acute Care

Medical care focused on treating sudden illness, injury, or urgent health problems. Examples:Emergency department careHospital treatmentUrgent procedures

Acute Exacerbation

A sudden worsening of symptoms from an existing condition. Examples:Acute asthma exacerbationCOPD exacerbationChronic pain flare

Allodynia

Allodynia is commonly associated with conditions involving abnormal pain processing, including fibromyalgia, migraine, postherpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, and complex regional pain syndrome. It is considered one of the hallmark features of central sensitization.

ANA (Antinuclear Antibody)

An Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) test is a blood test that looks for antibodies directed against structures inside the nucleus of your body's own cells. These antibodies may be present in autoimmune diseases, where the immune…

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Arthralgia

Arthralgia is the medical term for joint pain. It describes pain that occurs in one or more joints but does not identify the underlying cause. Arthralgia is a symptom—not a diagnosis—and can result from injuries,…

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Arthritis

Arthritis refers to inflammation or disease affecting one or more joints. Rather than being a single disease, arthritis is an umbrella term that includes more than 100 different conditions. Common forms include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis,…

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Autoimmune Disease

An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own healthy tissues instead of protecting them from infections. The exact cause is often unknown but is believed to involve a combination of…