Medical Terms Glossary

Explanation

May also be referred

to as

Abscess

A lump on or under the skin that contains pus.

Abnormal

Unusual / not normal.

Acute (as in an acute medical condition)

Something that comes on quickly and/or lasts for a short time.

Note that the exact meaning of "acute" (e.g. what the length of time is defined as) depends on the condition.

The opposite of "acute" in this context is "chronic".

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

Is an advanced form of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in which the body's cells have severely reduced immunity and are particularly vulnerable to infection and cancer.

Not all people that are HIV positive have AIDS and nor will all people that are HIV positive have AIDS at some point in their life.

AIDS

Adenoids

Are glands found in the roof of the mouth, between the back of the nose and the throat. They produce cells that help fight infections.

Adhesion

Is an abnormal band of scar-like tissue that forms between two surfaces inside the body that causes them to stick together.

Adjustment Disorder

Occurs when one experiences a strong emotional or behavioural reaction to a stressful event or change in life that is much more intense than would typically be expected. 

Adopted

When someone has been legally taken in and brought up by a person or people that aren't their biological parents.

Adrenal gland

A small gland located at the top of each kidney, that makes hormones in the body (like steroid hormones and adrenaline).

Aerial activity

For the purposes of an AA Life application, an aerial activity is an activity where any part of it is carried out at a height of more than 20 metres.

Alcohol abuse

Refers to the overuse or misuse of alcohol.

Problem drinking

Alcohol dependence

A condition where a person is addicted to consuming (e.g. drinking) alcohol. Symptoms include, but aren't limited to, strong desires or cravings to drink alcohol, or a physical dependence on alcohol to the extent that stopping alcohol use would bring on withdrawal symptoms.

Alcohol addiction

Alcohol use disorder (AUD)

Alcoholism

Alzheimer's disease

The most common form of dementia.  A condition that can impact many different functions of the brain.  People with Alzheimer's disease typically experience a gradual decline in their ability to remember, think, communicate and apply judgement. Symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.

Amphetamine

A synthetic (man-made) stimulant drug. Certain types can be prescribed by doctors to treat medical conditions. Other types of amphetamines, such as speed and meth, are produced and sold illegally. 

Methamphetamine

Meth

Speed

Amputation

Refers to the removal of a limb or part of a limb (like a finger or toe).

Anabolic steroids

A synthetic (man-made) version of the steroid hormone that helps build muscle. This can be prescribed by a doctor, but also used illegally to enhance physical performance.

Anaemia

A condition where there's a shortage of healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin. There are different types of anaemia, the most common being iron deficiency anaemia.

Aneurysm

A swelling or bulge in the wall of an artery.

Angina

Chest discomfort or pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. It's usually due to Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).

Angina Pectoris

Ante-natal depression

Depression that develops during pregnancy.  Either parent can be affected by this condition.  Factors that may contribute to developing this condition include hormonal changes, psychological adjustment to parenthood, financial or relationship stress, a lack of social support, a history of previous pregnancy complications or mental health related conditions, fatigue.

Anxiety

Anxiety is the body's physical response to worry, unease or fear. It can include symptoms like a racing heart, sweaty palms and "butterflies in your stomach". Everyone experiences some anxiety in life, however anxiety disorders involve anxiety symptoms that are overly persistent, extreme for the situation and/or difficult to control.

 Anxiousness

Appendicitis

Inflammation of the appendix. Is a potentially serious medical condition and it's not unusual for the appendix to be removed in order to treat it.

Appendix

It's located in your lower right abdomen and connected to your large intestine.

Arthritis

Inflammation, swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms include pain and stiffness in the joints.

Asthma

Condition in which breathing becomes difficult because of inflammation of the air passages. The breathing difficulties are typically sudden and recurrent 'attacks'.

Seasonal asthma is a type of allergic asthma that flares up at certain times if the year, like when it's cold or during hay fever season.

Bronchial asthma

Seasonal asthma

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

A common behavioural Disorder. Symptoms vary but tend to involve great difficulty concentrating or focussing for any length of time, along with impulsiveness and being excessively active in most situations. There are 3 different subgroups of ADHD: Inattentive, Hyperactive and Impulsive.

Inattentive ADHD is usually what's meant when someone uses the term "ADD" (Attention Deficit Disorder)

ADHD

ADD

Autoimmune disease

A group of conditions where the body's own immune system mistakenly attacks itself. Most of these can cause inflammation and pain in many different parts of the body.

Barrett's Oesophagus

A serious complication of chronic reflux where the normal cells lining the oesophagus (the muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) change to being abnormal.

Benign

Means something is not cancer, non-cancerous or non-malignant.

Non-cancerous

Non-malignant

Biological

Means being related to someone by blood.

Bipolar disorder

A mental health disorder that typically features alternating episodes of mania (e.g. being overly positive and active) and depression (e.g. being very low and inactive).

Bipolar I disorder

Bipolar II disorder

Bipolar affective disorder

Bladder

The (urinary) bladder stores urine, allowing urination to be infrequent and controlled.

Bladder stone(s)

A bladder stone is a hard mass of minerals present in the bladder. It results from minerals in concentrated urine crystallising. 

Bleeding

Means the loss of blood from the body, or internal bleeding, like a bruise under the skin or bleeding from an internal organ.

Blood disorder

Disorders or conditions that affect the ability of blood to function properly

Blood pressure

Blood pressure refers to the amount of pressure on the walls of your arteries. It is measured using two numbers:

1) Systolic: This is the top number, or the number to the left of the "/" symbol in a full blood pressure reading.
For example, in the blood pressure reading 120/80, the "120" is the systolic part of the reading.
The systolic reading measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats (when the heart muscle contracts).

2) Diastolic: This is the bottom number, or the number to the right of the "/" symbol in a full blood pressure reading.
For example, in the blood pressure reading 120/80, the "80" is the diastolic part of the reading.
The diastolic reading measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats (when the heart muscle is resting between beats and refilling with blood).

BMI

Stands for "Body Mass Index". It's commonly used as a measure of someone's build and is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres-squared (m²).

Body Mass Index

Body size

Height to weight ratio

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

A condition where a person thinks about perceived flaws with their body for long periods each day. This could develop into obsessional or compulsive behaviours, and lead to eating disorders or mental health related conditions such as depression and anxiety.  

Body dysmorphia

BDD

B.D.D

Brain haemorrhage

A type of stroke where there is bleeding in or around the brain.

Breast screening

Refers to breast surveillance that is done in order to detect breast cancer in it's early stages.

Bronchitis

Is an inflammation or swelling of the bronchial tubes (bronchi), the air passages between the mouth and nose and the lungs. It impacts breathing, and those with the condition can also have difficulty clearing heavy mucus from their airways. It can be acute, chronic or recurrent.

Brothers

For the purposes of this application, we mean biological brothers i.e. not step brothers or adopted brothers.

Cancer

Some of the body's cells start to divide uncontrollably and eventually spread into surrounding tissues. Some cancers form tumours while others (e.g. leukaemia) generally do not.

Note that not all tumours are cancerous.

Malignant tumour, growth or lesion

Cardiomyopathy

Is a disease of the heart muscle. It makes it harder for the heart to pump blood around the rest of the body.

CBD oil

An oil made from the cannabis plant which is sometimes used for pain relief and relaxation.

Cannabidol oil

Cerebral palsy

A group of permanent disorders that that affect a person's ability to move, maintain balance and posture. This is usually caused by lack of oxygen to the brain at birth.

CP

Cervical cyst

Cyst of the cervix.

Chest infection

An infection that affects your lungs.

Chest pain

Pain or discomfort in the area between your neck and your ribs.

Cholesterol

Is a waxy, fat-like substance found in the blood and other tissues within the body. Although cholesterol is needed by the body to build healthy cells, it can lead to health problems when present in amounts outside of a healthy range.

Lipids

Chronic (as in a chronic medical condition)

Something that comes on slowly and/or lasts for a long time.

Note that that the exact meaning of "chronic" (e.g. what the length of time is defined as) depends on the condition.

The opposite of "chronic" in this context is "acute".

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

A long-term illness with wide-ranging symptoms, the most common of which being persistent and extreme tiredness.

CFS

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (en-sef-uh-lo-mai-lie-tis)

ME

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder

COPD is an umbrella term for a group of lung diseases that cause breathing difficulties. The two main conditions are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The most common cause of COPD is exposure to tobacco smoke.

COPD

Chronic obstructiverespiratory disease (CORD)

Emphysema (Em-fuh-see-muh)

Chronic bronchitis

Chronic pain disorder(s)

A group of disorders that all involve long-term pain as the main symptom. Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is an example of such a disorder.

CIN (as in CIN 1, 2 or 3)

The abnormal growth of cells on the surface of the cervix that could potentially lead to cervical cancer. The number alongside the "CIN" is a grading of the cells - with CIN 1 being the lowest grade.

Cirrhosis

A condition of the liver involving scarring (fibrosis).

Clotting disorder

A disorder where the body isn't able to control how the blood clots.

Cocaine

A man-made substance usually used illegally as a stimulant.

Coke

Crack Cocaine

Coeliac disease

A permanent disease where the small intestine is very sensitive to gluten resulting in inflammation, difficulties absorbing nutrients from glutenous foods and other complications.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley.

Celiac disease

Coma

A state of unconsciousness where the brain doesn't respond to sounds or stimulation.

Commercial airline

An airline company that uses planes for carrying goods or people, rather than for military purposes.

Air New Zealand, Qantas and Emirates are some examples of commercial airlines.

Compliant

In terms of how "compliant" is used in an AA Life application, it means "acting in accordance with" e.g. another way of saying "Have you been fully compliant with medical advice?" is "Have you been following all the medical advice fully?"

Concussion

A kind of injury caused by trauma to the brain. Often occurs where the head and brain has moved rapidly back and forth, causing the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull resulting in chemical changes and sometimes damage. Some of the signs and symptoms include confusion or feeling dazed, clumsiness, nausea, balance problems, ringing in the ears, noise or light sensitivity.

Confusion

A mental state where someone's ability to think, learn and understand is diminished.

Congenital

A word used to describe something present from birth.

Controlled drug

Usually a drug or chemical where possession is tightly controlled by the government, including some prescription medications.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is an infectious disease that has resulted in a global pandemic being declared by the World Health organisation. Most people who get COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover without special treatment. In other instances it can require special treatment or hospitalisation, affect long term health or even result in death. It can affect the lungs and airways but also other areas of the body.

Coronavirus

Novel Coronavirus

SARS-CoV-2

CREST

Is a connective tissue disorder and a type of scleroderma (which means "hardened skin"). Sometimes it can affect the digestive tract, heart, lungs or kidneys.

CREST refers to the 5 main features involved: Calcinosis, Raynaud's Phenomenon, Eosphageal dysmotility, Sclerodactyl, Telangiectasia.

CREST syndrome

Limited cutaneous form of systemic sclerosis

lcSSc

Limited Scleroderma

Crohn's disease

An inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can lead to things like abdominal pain, severe diarrhoea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition.

Cyst

A fluid-filled sac that can occur in tissue in any part of the body.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Is a blood clot that develops within a deep vein in the body, usually in the leg, which can lead to serious health complications.

DVT

Dementia

A general term for the decline of memory, thinking, the ability to make decisions, and other brain functions. Symptoms will eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. It is not a normal part of aging.

There are several types of dementia, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common.

Depression

A mental health related disorder characterised by persistent low moods. There may also be a range of other symptoms, which vary from person to person.

Dermatitis

A general term used to describe inflammation of the skin.

Diabetes

Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas which helps transport glucose (sugar) from the blood stream into the cells in the body where it can be used for energy.

Diabetes is a disease where the body doesn't use the insulin effectively and/or doesn't produce enough insulin. If not properly treated, the sugar levels in the blood stream rise to unhealthy levels. Over time, high blood sugar levels can lead to damage to the body.

There are 3 main types of diabetes with the main differences between them being as follows:

* Gestational diabetes/Pregnancy related diabetes - where diabetes occurs as a result of pregnancy. The diagnosis may later change to type 2 diabetes if the diabetes continues beyond pregnancy. Gestational diabetes doesn't necessarily require insulin injections, but may require medication.

* Type 1 diabetes / Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM): Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas is not able to create insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes MUST be treated with insulin e.g. have insulin injections.

* Type 2 diabetes / Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM): Type 2 diabetes is when the body doesn't produce as much insulin as it used to and cannot use the insulin it produces. People with Type 2 diabetes don't necessarily have to be treated with insulin (though they may be).

Diabetes Mellitus

High blood sugar

Abnormal blood sugar

Diagnose

Diagnosed

Diagnosis

Undiagnosed

To diagnose means to classify or determine on the basis of scientific examination.

Example: A person sees a doctor because they feel sick.
The doctor is unable to determine what the sickness is and no diagnosis is made i.e. at this time, the sickness is undiagnosed.

The doctor then refers the person for some tests and from those tests, determines the unwellness is due to a kidney infection i.e. the person has been diagnosed with a kidney infection.

Dialysis

Dialysis is a procedure to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys stop working properly. It often involves running a person's blood through a machine that cleans it.

Diastolic

This is the bottom number, or the number to the right of the "/" symbol in a full blood pressure reading.

For example, in the blood pressure reading 120/80, the "80" is the diastolic part of the reading.

The diastolic reading measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats (when the heart muscle is resting between beats and refilling with blood).

Discomfort

Feeling uncomfortable or having mild pain somewhere in the body.

Disorder

In a medical context, simply means a medical problem.

Dizziness

The sensation of feeling dizzy or losing your balance.

Early-stage

A term used to describe cancer that is in early stages of growth, and may not have spread to other parts of the body.

Eating disorder

A group of conditions that involve complex and damaging relationships with food, eating, exercise, and body image.

Anorexia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa

Binge Eating Disorder

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Ecstasy

A substance that is a stimulant and psychedelic that is usually used illegally.

MDMA

Eczema

A condition that causes the skin to become itchy, red, dry and cracked. Atopic eczema/dermatitis is the most common form of eczema.

Atopic dermatitis

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Is a group of inherited genetic disorders that affects connective tissues and can cause hypermobility of joints, skin and blood vessels.

EHDS

EDS

Emphysema

Is a form of long-term lung disease. Often emphysema is caused by cigarette smoking.

Endometriosis

A common inflammatory disease, where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is found in places outside of the uterus. It typically involves the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the tissue that lines the pelvis, and the bowel.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological/nervous disorder that affects the brain and causes seizures. There are many types of seizures. Symptoms may include sensory changes, altered awareness, thought, movement and behaviour, and loss of consciousness.

Not everyone who experiences a seizure is diagnosed with epilepsy.

Erectile Dysfunction

The inability to get and/or sustain an erection. There are a number of causes including tiredness, stress, or lifestyle factors such as drinking too much alcohol. It can be a side effect of medication, or it can be a symptom of an underlying condition.

ED

Impotence

Family history 

A family history of disease or death, especially occurring at younger ages, may imply that a person is also at increased risk for the same or related illness.

Please note that on the AA Life Insurance application any questions we do ask about your family history are limited to being about your biological parents, brothers and sisters only.

Fatigue

A more extreme sense of tiredness, lack of energy or exhaustion.

Fatty liver

A condition where there is a build up of extra fat in the liver.

Fibromyalgia

A long-term condition causing pain or stiffness all over the body. It can also be accompanied by fatigue, and impact sleep, memory and mood.

Fibromyalgia syndrome

FMS

Fistula

An abnormal connection between an organ and another structure.

Floating kidney

A condition where the kidney drops down into the pelvis when a person stands up.

Wandering kidney

Nephroptosis

Renal ptosis

Food poisoning

An illness from something someone has eaten or drank. Symptoms often include upset stomach, diarrhoea or vomiting.

Gastroenteritis

Freckle

A small, flat patch of light brown colour on the skin.

Gall Bladder

Small organ located just beneath the liver that stores bile (which plays a part in digestion) before releasing it into the intestine.

Gallbladder

Gallstone

Is a hardened deposit of digestive fluid that has formed in the gall bladder.

Cholelithiasis

Gall bladder stone

Gastro-intestinal tract

The gastro-intestinal tract is a series of organs that is joined by a long twisting tube that leads from the mouth to the anus. The tract includes the mouth, throat, oesophagus, stomach, and the small & large intestines, appendix, bowel and anus.

Gender dysphoria

Gender dysphoria is a diagnosis that describes the discomfort or distress a person can feel when there is a mismatch between their body and their gender or sense of self. (https://mentalhealth.org.nz/conditions/condition/gender-dysphoria)

Gender incongruence

General Practitioner

GP

General Physician

Regular doctor

A general medical doctor who provides medical care in the community.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a particular type of diabetes that occurs in a mother during pregnancy. The diagnosis may later change to type 2 diabetes if the diabetes continues beyond pregnancy. Gestational diabetes doesn't necessarily require insulin injections.

Pregnancy related diabetes

Pregnancy-related diabetes

Diabetes while pregnant

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Gestational DM

Gland

An organ that produces and releases chemical substances that perform specific functions within the body

Human glands include the hypothalamus, pineal gland, pituitary gland, thyroid, parathyroid, thymus, adrenal, pancreas, ovaries and testes.

Glandular fever

A viral infection that is caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and usually affects teenagers and young adults.

Infectious mononucleosis

Mono

Goitre

Is a swelling or enlargement of the thyroid gland. Note that it doesn't necessarily indicate the presence of a tumour or cancer.

Goitre

Gout

Gout is a common form of arthritis caused by a build up of uric acid in the bloodstream. Gout attacks/flare ups, cause severe pain and swelling in the joints. Gout most commonly affects the big toe, but other joints can be affected. Treatment for gout involves managing uric acid levels in the bloodstream.

Growth

Something that has grown or is in the process of growing.

Haematuria

When there is blood visible in the urine, either under a microscope (microscopic) or visible to the eye (macroscopic).

Blood in the urine

Haemorrhoids

Swellings containing enlarged blood vessels found inside or around the bottom (the rectum and anus).

Piles

Haemochromatosis

A condition in which iron levels in the body build up over many years - unless successfully treated.

Iron overload

Haemophilia

Is a condition where blood doesn't clot properly. It may take longer than normal for bleeding to stop, or cause spontaneous and/or excessive bleeding.

HbA1c

HbA1c is your average blood glucose (sugar) levels for the last 2 to 3 months. Mmol/mol is a ratio of two compounds and is the typical unit of measurement for HbA1c. HbA1c is the gold standard for monitoring diabetic control and is also very commonly used in diagnosing diabetes also.

Haemoglobin A1c

Headache

A painful sensation in any part of the head.

Health professional

Refers to someone who works in the medical profession, like a Doctor or Nurse.

Heart attack

A heart attack happens when there is a sudden blockage of an artery that supplies blood to an area of your heart.

If the flow of blood isn’t returned quickly, the section of heart muscle becomes damaged from lack of oxygen and starts to die. This damage to the heart muscle could be permanent.

Myocardial infarction

MI

Heart defect

Is a problem with a structure of the heart. A congenital heart defect is a heart defect present from birth.

Heart flutter

When the beats too quickly or skips beats.

Palpitation

Heart murmur

Where a person's heartbeat has an extra or unusual sound caused by the disruption of the blood flow as it travels through the heart.

Heart disease

Heart Disease is a term used to refer to a range of diseases affecting the heart including diseases of blood vessels such as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias), heart infections, and disorders of the heart muscle and valves.

Heart valve disorder

A disorder where one or more of the heart's 4 valves are damaged, diseased or don’t function properly. This affects the direction the blood flows in from the heart, and the amount of blood flow to the rest of the body.

Valvular heart disease

Hepatitis

Refers to inflammation of the liver and can be caused by a number of things including but not limited to viruses (viral hepatitis) and toxins. There are 5 types of viral hepatitis known as hepatitis A, B, C, D & E.

Hernia

Where an internal part of the body pushes through a weak part of the muscle or surrounding wall of tissue that holds it in place.

Hiatus hernia

Happens when part of the stomach pushes up into the chest cavity, through the diaphragm.

Hiatal hernia

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a common condition in which the force of the blood against your artery walls is high. This can cause damage to your arteries and other health problems over time.

Hypertension

Human Immunodeficiency Virus

A virus that weakens the immunity of cells in the body (that fight off infections and disease). The virus is primarily spread by sexual contact. It can also be transmitted by infected blood or blood products. It may advance to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) where the body's cells have severely reduced immunity and are particularly vulnerable to infection and cancer.

HIV

Hodgkin's disease

A type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's germ-fighting immune system.

Hodgkin's lymphoma

HPV

A type of virus that is very common and certain sub-types of it carry an increased risk of cervical cancer in females.

Human Pappilomavirus

Huntington's Disease

It is an inherited (genetic) condition that affects the brain and nervous system that causes a person’s functional abilities to worsen over time.

Huntington's Chorea

Hypothyroidism

Condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone.

Underactive thyroid

Hyperthyroidism

Condition in which the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone.

Overactive thyroid

Graves' disease

Hypospadias

A condition where the open end of the urethral tube is located somewhere along the underside of the penis or scrotum instead of where it's normally found at the tip of the penis.

Illegal drugs

Drugs that one is not allowed (i.e. against the law) to produce, sell, distribute or consume.

Impaired

Weakened, diminished, damaged, or functioning poorly or inadequately. 

Impaired Glucose Tolerance

A state where the levels of blood glucose (blood sugar) are inbetween normal and diabetic levels. People that have this condition are not diabetic but are generally considered to be at a higher risk of becoming diabetic in the future. 

IGT

Prediabetes

Borderline diabetes

Immune system

A network of cells, tissues and organs that work together to protect the body from things like viruses, bacteria and foreign bodies. 

In situ

In the context of cancer or tumour, "in situ" means that the cancer or tumour cells have not spread from their site of origin and invaded neighbouring tissue or gone elsewhere in the body.

In-situ

Non-invasive

Non invasive

Infertility

Not being able to get pregnant after more than one year of trying.

Inflammation

In general terms, inflammation is the body's immune system's response to an irritant or injury. More specifically, it’s a localized response which serves to destroy, dilute or wall off whatever is causing the irritation or injury and any damaged tissue. Signs and symptoms of inflammation include heat, redness, swelling, pain and loss of function.

Irregular

Aberrant, abnormal, atypical or untypical, not uniform or regular.

Irregular heart beat

An abnormal condition where one's heart beats, too fast, too slow or irregularly.

Arrhythmia

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Common digestive system condition that's usually long-term. It's main symptoms are stomach pain or cramps, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation and there is no test for it - typically it will be diagnosed where other conditions suspected of causing the symptoms have been ruled out. 

IBS

I.B.S

Kidney blood tests

Blood test which measures how well the kidneys are working. Abnormalities in these tests can indicate kidney problems.

Renal function tests

RFTs

Kidney donation

Where one of a person's two kidneys is donated to someone in need of one. Usually, the remaining kidney enables the donor to live a full life without kidney-related complications.

Kidney Failure

Kidney failure refers to when one or both of the kidneys no longer function well on their own. This means they are unable to remove waste and extra fluid from the body or help control blood pressure. Kidney failure can lead to other health problems or complications. It can be sudden and temporary, or a longer, chronic condition.

Renal failure

Kidney stone(s)

Are small hardened lumps of minerals and salts that form within the kidneys, and can cause pain (sometimes called renal colic), infection, and other symptoms.

Nephrolithiasis

Renal calculi

Renal lithiasis

Renal stones

Lesion

A lesion is a region in an organ or tissue that has suffered damage through injury or disease.

Leukaemia

Leukaemia is a malignant disease (cancer) that affects the blood and bone marrow.

Cancer of the blood cells

Liver disorder

A condition where the liver is damaged and can't properly filter toxins out of the blood like normal.

Liver disease

Liver Function Test

Blood test which measures levels of several substances excreted by the liver. Abnormalities in these levels can indicate liver problems.

LFT

Low Blood Pressure

Condition in which the force of the blood against your artery walls is low.

Hypotension

Lupus

Is a long term autoimmune disease in which the immune system becomes overactive and attacks normal, healthy tissue. There are 2 main forms: Discoid lupus and Systemic Lupus (SLE)

Lymphoma

Cancer of the lymph nodes

Cancer of the lymphatic system

Lymphatic cancer

Mammogram

A mammogram is a safe low dose x-ray of the breast tissue, to check for breast cancer.

Breast screening

Marijuana

A drug made up of the dried and shredded leaves, stems, seeds and flowers of the hemp plant (Cannibas Sativa).
It is used in a variety of ways, including being eaten, drunk (tea), smoked, breathed in through a water pipe (bong).
Other names that it may be called include: Pot, grass, herb, weed, Mary Jane, reefer, skunk, boom, gangster, kif, chronic and ganja.

Cannabis

Hash

Hashish

Mastitis

Condition that causes breast tissue to become painful and inflamed. It's most commonly seen in breastfeeding women and in the first three months after giving birth. 

Medical test

Any medical procedure performed to detect, diagnose, or monitor diseases / disorders, their processes and susceptibilities. May or may not involve the use of specialised testing equipment.

Medical investigation

Medical check

Melanoma

A melanoma is predominantly a type of skin cancer, although some may form at other sites, including the eye or gastrointestinal or genitourinary tract.

Skin cancer (one of several types)

Memory loss

The inability to remember events for a period of time.

Forgetfulness

Menstrual condition

A condition relating to a woman's period / monthly cycle.

Mental Illness/Disorder

A wide variety of conditions that relate to significant and potentially distressing or disruptive changes to a person's thoughts, emotions or behaviour (or a combination of these).

Mental Health condition

Mole

A mole or nevus is a dark spot on our skin comprised of skin cells called melanocytes that have grown in a group rather than individually. Moles are usually brown or black and can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups.

Naevus

Motor Neuron Disease

Motor neuron diseases are a group of neurological disorders that destroy motor neurons, the cells that control voluntary muscle activity such as speaking, walking, breathing and swallowing.

The main types are:

- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

- Progressive bulbar palsy (PBP)

- Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA)

- Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)

MND

ALS

PBP

PMA

PLS

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, inflammatory disease that affects the brain and central nervous system.

MS

Muscle strain

Is the stretching or tearing of muscle fibres. Most occur because the muscle has stretched beyond it's limits or because they've been forced to contract too strongly.

Pulled muscle

Muscular Dystrophy

The muscular dystrophies are a group of genetic diseases characterised by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles that control movement.

 MD

Nausea

A feeling of sickness with an inclination to vomit

Nervous System

Note the the nervous system doesn't just refer to the nerves. It refers to the system of cells, tissues and organs that regulates the body's responses to internal and external stimuli. In humans it consists of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, ganglia and parts of the receptor and effector organs.

Neurological (essentially means "to do with the nervous system")

Neurogenic bladder

Abormal condition of the bladder where the nerves that control it's function are damaged and prevent the sufferer from being able to fully empty it.

Non-cancerous skin lesion

A region of skin that has suffered damage through injury or disease and that is not cancerous. Eczema, psoriasis and benign cysts near the surface of the skin are 3 examples.

Benign skin lesion

Numbness

A loss of feeling or sensation of touch in a part of the body.

One-off

Something done once only. An isolated event.

Opiates

A drug derived from or related to opium.

Operation

A surgical procedure for treating an injury, ailment, defect, or dysfunction.

Optic neuritis

A condition that occurs when the optic nerve (in the eye) becomes inflamed or damaged, which can cause vision loss in one or both eyes.

Osteoporosis

Condition that causes bones to become brittle, weak and more likely to fracture.

Ovarian cyst

A sac filled with fluid or semisolid material that forms on or inside an ovary.

Pancreas

A large gland behind the stomach which secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum. Secretes hormones and insulin into the blood.

Pancreatitis

Condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed. 

Panic attack

A sudden episode of intense fear that can cause physical reactions, like lightheaded or dizziness, sweating, tingling or shaking.

Pap smear

A pap smear is a screening method to detect pre-cancerous cells of the cervix.

An abnormal pap smear result may be due to the sample being insufficient, or it may be due to the discovery of cells suspected or known having an increased cancer risk e.g. HPV, CIN1, CIN2, CIN3.

Smear test

Cervical smear

Paralysis

The loss of the ability to move (and sometimes to feel anything) in part or most of the body, typically as a result of illness, poison, or injury.

Parents

For the purposes of this application, we mean biological parents i.e. not step parents or parental guardians.

Parkinson's Disease

Is a disorder of part of the brain. It mainly affects the way the brain co-ordinates the movements of the

muscles in various part of the body where symptoms usually include stiffness, shaking (tremor) and slowness of movement.

PD

Peri-natal depression

Peri-natal depression encompasses both ante-natal and post-natal depression, and can occur any time during pregnancy or up to a year after a baby is born. It can also occur after a pregnancy loss.

Either parent can be affected by this condition. Factors that may contribute to developing this condition include hormonal changes, psychological adjustment to parenthood, financial or relationship stress, a lack of social support, a history of previous pregnancy complications or mental health related conditions, fatigue.

Persistent

Continuing to exist or occur over a prolonged period.

Personality disorder

Personality disorders are long-term patterns of behaviour and inner experiences that differ significantly from what is socially/culturally expected. A person with a personality disorder may have aspects of their personality that they find personally debilitating or distressing, and/or challenging for those around them.

There are many types of personality disorder including Borderline personality disorder.

Pituitary gland

A small, pea-sized organ at the base of the brain that produces hormones that control many bodily functions.

Pneumonia

Is an infection in one or both lungs caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. It causes the air sacs in the lungs to fill with pus or fluid which in turn causes breathing difficulties.

Polycystic Kidney Disease

Is a condition where many cysts develop in the kidneys.

PKD

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Condition affecting how a woman's ovaries function with sufferers having at least two of:

* Irregular periods,

* Excessive amounts of the hormone androgen,

* Enlarged ovaries that contain many fluid-filled sacs.

PCOS

P.C.O.S

Polyp

Polyps are abnormal tissue growths that most often look like small, flat bumps or tiny mushroomlike stalks. Some polyps are benign and can't turn into cancer whereas others can. Polyps most commonly occur in the colon but can occur elsewhere in the body.

Post-natal Depression

Depression that develops after pregnancy or pregnancy loss. Either parent can be affected by this condition. Factors that may contribute to developing this condition include hormonal changes, psychological adjustment to parenthood, financial or relationship stress, a lack of social support, a history of previous pregnancy complications or mental health related conditions, fatigue.

Postnatal depression

Post natal depression

PND

Postpartum depression

PPD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

In post traumatic stress disorder there are commonly flashbacks, nightmares and vivid recollections of an initiating traumatic event, the defining characteristics of which include the ability to invoke fear, horror or helplessness in response to the threat of injury or death.

PTSD

Premalignant

A condition that may (or is likely to) become cancer.

Precancerous

Pre-malignant

Pre-cancerous

Prostate disorder

The prostate is a gland about the size of a walnut found in men that secretes a fluid that forms a part of semen. A prostate disorder is any abnormal condition of this gland.

Prostate enlargement

A condition where the prostate gland grows larger.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the prostate gland, which can be painful. It can also cause pain in the pelvic area, genitals, or groin

Proteinuria

Where there is too much protein in the urine. It's not a disease itself, but can be a symptom of kidney problems.

Protein in the urine

Psoriasis

A skin condition that causes red, flaky, crusty, scale-like skin that are normally located on the sufferer's elbows, knees, scalp or lower back. It usually has periods where the symptoms disappear or are relatively mild followed by periods where they return or are of greater severity.

Psychotic disorders

A person with this condition may experience losing contact with reality and a range of extreme symptoms that typically include:

* Hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren't real e.g. voices)

* Delusions (believing things that aren't true).

Schizophrenia is an example of a psychotic disorder.

Reactive depression

There are many different factors that can trigger depression. For some people, upsetting or stressful life events, such as grief or bereavement, divorce, illness, redundancy, job or money worries, can be the cause.

This is often known as 'reactive depression', where depression is a reaction to the event.

Note that while grief and depression have several characteristics in common, grief is an entirely natural response to a loss whereas depression is an illness.

Recreational drugs

Refers to legal and illegal drugs that are used without medical supervision and for non-medical reasons such as enjoyment or leisure. This includes but is not limited to cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine, heroin, opiates, and amphetamines such as speed.

Recurrent

Something that happens repeatedly (though not necessarily at regular intervals)

Reflux / GORD

Common condition where stomach acide leaks up into the oesophagus (gullet), damaging it.

Reflux oesophagitis

Gastro-Oespophageal Reflux Disease

Reproductive system

The organs involved in the production of offspring.

Where biological sex is female, it includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and the vagina.

Where biological sex is male, it includes the prostate, the testes (testicles) and the penis.

Respiratory condition

The human respiratory system is a series of organs responsible for breathing (mainly the lungs) and a respiratory condition is a condition affecting those organs.

Scleroderma

Condition that results in hard, thickened skin areas and also sometimes internal organs and blood vessels as a result of the immune system attacking connective tissue in the affected areas.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a type of mental illness of unknown cause with characteristics that can include hallucinations, disorganised speech, paranoia, blunted mood, delusions, withdrawal from reality, illogical thinking and other symptoms.

Seizure

A sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain that causes temporary changes in behaviour, sensations, or awareness.

Convulsion

Fit

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and (STDs) are infections and diseases that are passed on via sexual activity.

Infection involves the invasion of the body by microscopic germs that begin to multiply and disease occurs when the signs and symptoms of an illness appear.

Examples include but aren't limited to: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), gonorrhoea, Hepatitis B, syphilis, chlamydia.

STI

Sexually Transmitted Disease

STD

Sign

In a medical context, a sign is any objective evidence of a disease or disorder i.e. a person other than the person with the sign, can identify it and without need of the person with the sign having to explain what they're experiencing; For example, a doctor might identify a rash on a person who is unaware of it's existence.

Sisters

For the purposes of this application, we mean biological sisters i.e. not step sisters or adopted sisters.

Shortness of breath

Is the feeling of being unable to breathe normally or feeling suffocated. It can feel like an intense tightening in the chest, air hunger, or difficulty breathing.

Skin Cancer

Cancer of the skin , of which there are 3 common types: Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) and Melanoma.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

BCC

Melanoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

SCC

Skin spot

A small blemish, mole, or lesion on the skin.

Sleep disorder

Sleep disorders are abnormal conditions that affect one's sleep and involve problems with the quality, timing and amount of sleep.

Sleep Apnoea

Is a common and potentially serious condition in which a person stops breathing for periods of time while asleep. The 2 main types of sleep apnoea are Obstructuve Sleep Apnoea and Restrictive Sleep Apnoea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

OSA

Restrictive Sleep Apnoea

Sleep apnea

Specialist

A medical physician who has additional training and expertise in a specific area of medicine e.g. a Cardiologist is a heart specialist.

Sponge Kidney

Is a condition present from birth but not usually noticed until many years later,  where tiny cysts form within an inner part of the kidney, that appear sponge-like. These cysts affect the flow of urine where they're present.

Medullary sponge kidney

Cacchi-Ricci disease

Standard drink (of alcohol)

The following are examples of what can be considered a standard drink for the purposes of your AA Life application:

* A regular sized can or bottle of beer

* A medium sized glass of wine

* A 30mL nip, tot or shot of spirits

Stress

A state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances

Stroke

A Stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and food. Minutes without blood cause the brain cells to die.

Sustained

Something is maintained without interruption or weakening, or lasts for a long time.

Symptom

A feature (physical or mental), that's regarded as indicating a disease or disorder that is apparent to the person experiencing it. Feelings of pain or fatigue are examples as the person experiencing them has to communicate them to be known by someone else (such as a doctor for example).

Signs can also be identified by someone other than the individual that has them without the person experiencing them communicating their awareness of it e.g. a doctor might notice a rash on a person who is unaware of it's existence.

Systolic

This is the top number, or the number to the left of the "/" symbol in a full blood pressure reading.

For example, in the blood pressure reading 120/80, the "120" is the systolic part of the reading.

The systolic reading measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats (when the heart muscle contracts).

Thyroid

Gland in the neck that secretes hormones that control growth and development via metabolism (the chemical processes that occur within us in order to keep us alive)

Tonsils

Are a pair of soft tissue masses located at the back of the throat. They are part of the lymphatic system, that helps fight infections.

Testicular disorders

Any abnormal condition of the testicle or testicles (also known as the testes).

Tingling

Can be described as a slight prickling, stinging, itching, or a burning, "pins and needles" feeling.

Thalassaemia

Condition of the blood where people don't produce enough haemoglobin or perhaps none at all. There are several types of Thalassaemia.

Note that haemoglobin is used in red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body.

Thalassemia

Thyroiditis

Thyroiditis is the inflammation (swelling) of the thyroid gland, resulting in abnormal levels of thyroid hormones in the blood.

Hashimoto's disease, also known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, is one of the forms of thyroiditis caused by the immune system attacking the thyroid gland. 

Hashimoto's disease

Transient ischaemic attack

Is a cerebrovascular event resulting in reversible neurological symptoms that usually last a few minutes. Most symptoms resolve within an hour, but by timebased definition symptoms must resolve within 24 hours.

TIA

Mini-stroke

Mini stroke

Transplant

For the purposes of this application, a transplant is where something healthy from one person's body is transferred to another person's body who is in need of it for example a kidney transplant or liver transplant.

Tremor

A condition that includes shaking or trembling movements in one or more parts of your body.

Tuberculosis

A bacterial infection that spreads through the air from person to person. It's caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and usually affects the lungs, but can affect any part of the body.

Tumour

An abnormal mass of tissue that may be solid or fluid-filled and may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). They may also be pre-malignant (pre-cancerous) meaning that they're not cancerous yet but may (or are likely to) do so.

Neoplasm

Type 1 diabetes

A disease where the body doesn't use the insulin effectively and/or doesn't produce enough insulin (used  to transport sugar in the blood stream into cells where it can be used); If not properly treated, the blood sugar levels in the blood stream rise to unhealthy levels.

People who have Type 1 specifically, MUST be treated with insulin e.g. have insulin injections.

Type one diabetes

T1DM

IDDM

Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes

A disease where the body doesn't use the insulin effectively and/or doesn't produce enough insulin (used  to transport sugar in the blood stream into cells where it can be used); If not properly treated, the blood sugar levels in the blood stream rise to unhealthy levels.

People who have type 2 specifically, don't necessarily have to be treated with insulin (though they may be).

Type two diabetes

T2DM

NIDDM

Non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

Ulcerative

Means affected by ulcers, which are breaks in the skin or on the surface of an organ that don't heal by themselves.

Ulcerative Colitis

Colitis is inflammation of the colon. Ulcerative colitis is a common variant where ulcers develop (when the lining of the colon is damaged and the tissue beneath is exposed).

Ulcerated colitis

Colitis with ulcers

UC

Ultrasound

Urinary tract

The body's drainage system for removing urine. It includes the kidneys, ureters and bladder. 

Unusual

For the purposes of this application, this means something abnormal or extraordinary for any normal, healthy person (as opposed to something that might be usual/normal for you because you've had it for a long time and are used to it).

Uterine Fibroid

Uterine Fibroids are types of growths made up of fibrous and muscle tissue located in or around the uterus (womb).

Fibroid of the Uterus

Uterine myoma

Uterine leimyoma

Vitamin Deficiency

A condition involving the body not having enough of one or more vitamins. Vitamins are tiny nutrients that one's body needs in small quantities for health and growth.

Vomiting

A forceful discharge of stomach contents through the mouth.

Weakness

Can be described as loss of muscle strength, which can feel like you need to use extra effort to move your muscles.

Weight loss surgery

A procedure used to treat severe obesity and related conditions.

Bariatric surgery

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch

Gastric bypass

Gastric banding

Gastric stapling

Gastroplasty

Roux-en-Y

Sleeve Gastrectomy