Use the A-Z list to browse more than 6,000 health-related topics in our library. Clicking on a term opens the definition and, in most cases, links to more information.
"AI" is more commonly referred to as "Artificial Insemination" in the medical community. Artificial Insemination
Also Known As: "Intracervical Insemination, Artificial Insemination by Husband, ICI, Intratubal Insemination, Artificial Insemination by Donor, AID, AIH"
The placement of sperm into a woman's reproductive tract (other than through intercourse) for the purpose of starting a pregnancy. Placement of sperm varies (e.g., vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes). More Information on Artificial Insemination: Fertility Issues
A rare birth defect present only in girls in which the corpus callosum (which connects the left and right hemipheres of the brain) is missing. It usually leads to seizures and may also involve mental retardation and/or vision problems. More Information on Aicardi Syndrome: Pediatric Brain & Nerve
"AICD" is more commonly referred to as "Implantable Defibrillator (ICD)" in the medical community. Implantable Defibrillator (ICD)
Also Known As: "Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator, Implantable Cardioverter, Automatic Defibrillator Implantation, Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator, Single Chamber ICD, ICD, Dual Chamber ICD"
Implanted in the chest, an ICD is a battery-powered device that monitors and, if necessary, corrects an abnormal heart rhythm by sending electrical charges to the heart. ICD stands for Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator. More Information on Implantable Defibrillator (ICD): Arrhythmia
"AID" is more commonly referred to as "Artificial Insemination" in the medical community. Artificial Insemination
Also Known As: "Intracervical Insemination, Artificial Insemination by Husband, ICI, AIH, AI, Intratubal Insemination, Artificial Insemination by Donor"
The placement of sperm into a woman's reproductive tract (other than through intercourse) for the purpose of starting a pregnancy. Placement of sperm varies (e.g., vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes). More Information on Artificial Insemination: Fertility Issues
Also Known As: "Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome"
An infectious disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that attacks the immune system and reduces or eliminates its ability to fight infections. More Information on AIDS: STD & Genital Infections
Also Known As: "Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Pain"
AIDS-related pain is often under-treated for a number of reasons. Associated illnesses are often responsible for pain (e.g., nerve damage, pneumonia). More Information on AIDS Pain: Infection & Trauma Pain
A type of lymphoma (cancer of certain white blood cells) that occurs in people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These tumors grow rapidly and are estimated to occur in 10 percent of HIV patients. More Information on AIDS Related Lymphoma: Lymphoma (Hodgkin's & Non)
Skin disorders that are commonly seen in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Many of these conditions also occur in healthy people, but are less severe and easier to treat. More Information on AIDS Skin Conditions: Skin Related Infections
People infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at higher risk for certain forms of cancer, including lymphomas and Kaposi's sarcomas. More Information on AIDS, HIV & Cancer: Cancer Risk Factors
"AIH" is more commonly referred to as "Artificial Insemination" in the medical community. Artificial Insemination
Also Known As: "Intracervical Insemination, Artificial Insemination by Husband, ICI, AI, Intratubal Insemination, Artificial Insemination by Donor, AID"
The placement of sperm into a woman's reproductive tract (other than through intercourse) for the purpose of starting a pregnancy. Placement of sperm varies (e.g., vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes). More Information on Artificial Insemination: Fertility Issues
"AIL" is more commonly referred to as "Angioimmunoblastic T Cell Lymphoma" in the medical community. Angioimmunoblastic T Cell Lymphoma
Also Known As: "Angioimmunoblastic Lymphadenopathy with Dysproteinemia, AILD"
A rare but aggressive form of non Hodgkin's lymphoma that involves the T cells. It is marked by an increase of antibodies in the blood, enlarged lymph nodes, anemia, skin rash, night sweats and other symptoms. More Information on Angioimmunoblastic T Cell Lymphoma: Lymphoma (Hodgkin's & Non)
"AILD" is more commonly referred to as "Angioimmunoblastic T Cell Lymphoma" in the medical community. Angioimmunoblastic T Cell Lymphoma
Also Known As: "Angioimmunoblastic Lymphadenopathy with Dysproteinemia, AIL"
A rare but aggressive form of non Hodgkin's lymphoma that involves the T cells. It is marked by an increase of antibodies in the blood, enlarged lymph nodes, anemia, skin rash, night sweats and other symptoms. More Information on Angioimmunoblastic T Cell Lymphoma: Lymphoma (Hodgkin's & Non)
"Air Abrasion" is more commonly referred to as "Microabrasion" in the medical community. Microabrasion
Also Known As: "Drill Less Dentistry, Microair Abrasion"
A method of cutting away tooth structure without the use of a drill and, usually, anesthesia. A device blasts tiny aluminum particles in a stream of compressed air onto the surface of the tooth to cut away the decayed area. More Information on Microabrasion: Dental Restorations
"Air Conditioner Lung" is more commonly referred to as "Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis" in the medical community. Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Also Known As: "Farmer's Lung, Mushroom Picker's Disease, Bird Breeder's Lung, Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis, Humidifier Lung"
An inflammation in the lungs caused by exposure to an allergen, usually organic dust. This dust may come from animal dander, molds, or plants. More Information on Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Breathing & Lung
"Air Contrast Barium Enema" is more commonly referred to as "Lower GI Barium Tests" in the medical community. Lower GI Barium Tests
Also Known As: "Barium Enema, Lower GI Series, Single Contrast Barium Enema, Barium Enema X-Ray, Double Contrast Barium Enema"
An imaging test taken after a chemical compound containing barium is administered into the patient's rectum through a tube (enema). The barium coats the colon and rectum for easier viewing on x-rays and helps reveal abnormalities such as polyps. More Information on Lower GI Barium Tests: Digestive Imaging Tests
"Air Hunger" is more commonly referred to as "Kussmaul Breathing" in the medical community. Kussmaul Breathing
Also Known As: "Kussmaul Respiration"
A pattern of rapid, deep or labored breathing that is associated with metabolic acidosis (e.g., ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis) -- a serious condition that can lead to coma or death. More Information on Kussmaul Breathing: Diabetes Signs & Symptoms
A transmission mechanism in which an infectious agent spreads as an aerosol. It typically enters a person through the respiratory tract. More Information on Airborne Transmission: Infectious Disease Basics
Structural changes in the airway wall caused by chronic inflammation of asthma. The condition can lead to irreversible decline in lung function. More Information on Airway Remodeling: Asthma Basics
"AJCC Staging System" is more commonly referred to as "TNM System" in the medical community. TNM System
Also Known As: "American Joint Committee on Cancer Stages"
A standard for determining the stage of a cancer developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer. It is based on tumor size (T) and whether it has spread to lymph nodes (N) and other organs (metastasized [M]). More Information on TNM System: Cancer Basics
"AKA" is more commonly referred to as "Antikeratin Antibody" in the medical community. Antikeratin Antibody
An antibody that, when detected in blood, may indicate rheumatoid arthritis. It is highly specific, but not very sensitive. It may used in conjunction with other, more sensitive blood tests (e.g., rheumatoid factor). More Information on Antikeratin Antibody: Arthritis
An inability to remain still due to psychological anxiety. Patients often complain of a feeling of inner restlessness, urgent needs to move and quivering muscles. It often manifests as a side effect of antipsychotic medications. More Information on Akathisia: Anxiety Disorders
"Akinetic Seizures" is more commonly referred to as "Atonic Seizures" in the medical community. Atonic Seizures
Also Known As: "Drop Attacks, Astatic Seizures"
A type of generalized seizure that causes an abrupt loss of muscle tone. This leads to sudden collapse, posture loss or head drop. They occur without warning and those affected fall hard, risking head injury. More Information on Atonic Seizures: Epilepsy & Seizure
"AKs" is more commonly referred to as "Actinic Keratosis" in the medical community. Actinic Keratosis
Also Known As: "Solar Keratosis, Senile Keratosis"
Small, rough spots on skin that has been chronically exposed to the sun. They are commonly found on the face, scalp, back of the neck, upper chest, forearm and back of the hand. They often involve scaly or crusty bumps and may become cancerous. More Information on Actinic Keratosis: Skin Growths
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