Constipation (Adults) Glossary of TermsThe following are health and medical definitions of terms that appear in the Constipation (Adults) article.
Abdomen: The belly, that part of the body that contains all of the structures between the... See the entire definition of AbdomenAbdominal: Relating to the abdomen, the belly, that part of the body that contains all of ... See the entire definition of AbdominalAbdominal pain: Pain in the belly. Abdominal pain can be acute or chronic. It may reflect ... See the entire definition of Abdominal painAbsorption: Uptake. For example, intestinal absorption is the uptake of food (or other sub... See the entire definition of AbsorptionAcupressure: The application of pressure on specific points on the body to control symptom... See the entire definition of AcupressureAcute: Of abrupt onset, in reference to a disease. Acute often also connotes an illness th... See the entire definition of AcuteAluminum: A naturally occurring element that makes up about 8% of the surface of the earth... See the entire definition of AluminumAnal fissure: A tear in the anal canal, one of the most common causes of red blood in the ... See the entire definition of Anal fissureAnorexia: An eating disorder characterized by markedly reduced appetite or total aversion... See the entire definition of AnorexiaAnorexia nervosa: See Anorexia. Anticonvulsant: A medication used to control (prevent) seizures (convulsions) or stop an o... See the entire definition of AnticonvulsantAntidepressants: Anything, and especially a drug, used to prevent or treat depression. Antispasmodic: A medication that relieves, prevents, or lowers the incidence of muscle spa... See the entire definition of AntispasmodicAnus: The opening of the rectum to the outside of the body. Aromatherapy: A form of alternative medicine in which essential oils or other scents are i... See the entire definition of AromatherapyBarium: 1. A metallic element belonging to the alkaline earths with an atomic numbe... See the entire definition of BariumBarium enema: An enema using a white, chalky solution containing barium, in preparation fo... See the entire definition of Barium enemaBlood count: The calculated number of white or red blood cells (WBCs or RBCs) in a cubic m... See the entire definition of Blood countBowel: The small and large intestine. Caffeine: A stimulant compound found naturally in coffee, tea, cocoa (chocolate), and kola... See the entire definition of CaffeineCalcium: A mineral found mainly in the hard part of bones, where it is stored. Calcium is ... See the entire definition of CalciumCancer: An abnormal growth of cells which tend to proliferate in an uncontrolled way and, ... See the entire definition of CancerCBC: A commonly used abbreviation in medicine that stands for complete blood count, a set... See the entire definition of CBCChest: The area of the body located between the neck and the abdomen. The chest contains t... See the entire definition of ChestChronic: In medicine, lasting a long time. A chronic condition is one that lasts 3 months ... See the entire definition of ChronicColon: The long, coiled, tubelike organ that removes water from digested food. The remaini... See the entire definition of ColonColon cancer: A malignant tumor arising from the inner wall of the large intestine (the co... See the entire definition of Colon cancerColonic: 1. See: Colonic (adjective). 2. See: Colonic (noun). Colonoscopy: A procedure whereby a physician inserts a viewing tube (colonoscope) into the... See the entire definition of ColonoscopyComplete blood count: A set values of the cellular (formed elements) of blood. These meas... See the entire definition of Complete blood countCompression: 1. The act of pressing together. As in a compression fracture, nerve c... See the entire definition of CompressionConnective tissue: A material made up of fibers forming a framework and support structure... See the entire definition of Connective tissueConstipation: Infrequent and frequently incomplete bowel movements. Constipation is the op... See the entire definition of ConstipationCrohn's disease: A chronic inflammatory disease, primarily involving the small and large ... See the entire definition of Crohn's diseaseCure: 1. To heal, to make well, to restore to good health. 2. A time withou... See the entire definition of CureDehydration: Excessive loss of body water. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that ca... See the entire definition of DehydrationDiagnosis: 1 The nature of a disease; the identification of an illness. 2 A ... See the entire definition of DiagnosisDiarrhea: A common condition that involves unusually frequent and liquid bowel movements. ... See the entire definition of DiarrheaDigestive system: The system of organs responsible for getting food into and out of the bo... See the entire definition of Digestive systemDiverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula (small outpouchings) along the wall of th... See the entire definition of DiverticulitisElectrolyte: A substance that dissociates into ions in solution and acquires the capacity ... See the entire definition of ElectrolyteEmergency department: The department of a hospital responsible for the provision of medica... See the entire definition of Emergency departmentEndoscope: A lighted optical instrument that is used to get a deep look inside the body. A... See the entire definition of EndoscopeEnema: Liquid injected into the rectum. An enema may be used for therapeutic (such as to s... See the entire definition of EnemaFamily history: The family structure and relationships within the family, including inform... See the entire definition of Family historyFatigue: A condition characterized by a lessened capacity for work and reduced efficiency ... See the entire definition of FatigueFats: Plural of the word "fat". See the definition of fat. FDA: Food and Drug Administration. Fecal: Relating to the feces, the stool. The excrement discharged from the intestines. Fecal incontinence: Inability to hold feces in the rectum. This is due to failure of volun... See the entire definition of Fecal incontinenceFeces: The excrement discharged from the 'intestines. Fever: Although a fever technically is any body temperature above the normal of 98.6 degr... See the entire definition of FeverFiber: The parts of fruits and vegetables that cannot be digested. Fiber is of vital impor... See the entire definition of FiberFissure: A cleft or groove. A fissure can be normal or abnormal. Gallstones: Stones that form when substances in the bile harden. Gallstones can be as smal... See the entire definition of GallstonesGastroenterology: The medical specialty devoted to the study, diagnosis and treatment of d... See the entire definition of GastroenterologyGastrointestinal: Adjective referring collectively to the stomach and small and large inte... See the entire definition of GastrointestinalGland: A group of cells that secrete a substance for use in the body. For example, the thy... See the entire definition of GlandGoiter: A noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid gland. With a goiter, the levels of thyr... See the entire definition of GoiterHalitosis: An unpleasant odor from the mouth, commonly referred to as bad breath. Halitosi... See the entire definition of HalitosisHeart: The muscle that pumps blood received from veins into arteries throughout the body. ... See the entire definition of HeartHeart attack: The death of heart muscle due to the loss of blood supply. The loss of bloo... See the entire definition of Heart attackHemorrhoids: Dilated (enlarged) veins in the walls of the anus and sometimes around the re... See the entire definition of HemorrhoidsHernia: A general term referring to a protrusion of a tissue through the wall of the cavit... See the entire definition of HerniaHomeopathy: Founded in the 19th century, a practice that is based on the concept that dise... See the entire definition of HomeopathyHormone: A chemical substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activit... See the entire definition of HormoneHygiene: The science of preventive medicine and the preservation of health. Also commonly ... See the entire definition of HygieneHypothyroid: Deficiency of thyroid hormone which is normally made by the thyroid gland wh... See the entire definition of HypothyroidismIncontinence: The inability to control excretions, to hold urine in the bladder, or to kee... See the entire definition of IncontinenceIndicate: In medicine, to make a treatment or procedure advisable because of a particular ... See the entire definition of IndicateInflammation: A localized reaction that produces redness, warmth, swelling, and pain as a ... See the entire definition of InflammationInflammatory bowel disease: A group of chronic intestinal diseases characterized by infla... See the entire definition of Inflammatory bowel diseaseInjure: To harm, hurt, or wound. The word injure may be in physical or emotional sense. Fr... See the entire definition of InjureInternal medicine: The medical specialty dedicated to the diagnosis and medical treatment ... See the entire definition of Internal medicineIntestinal obstruction: Blockage of the intestine by infolding (intussusception), malform... See the entire definition of Intestinal obstructionIntestine: The long, tubelike organ in the abdomen that completes the process of digestion... See the entire definition of IntestineIntussusception: Infolding (prolapse) of a portion of the intestine within another immedia... See the entire definition of IntussusceptionIron: An essential mineral. Iron is necessary for the transport of oxygen (via hemoglobin ... See the entire definition of IronJoint: The area where two bones are attached for the purpose of permitting body parts to m... See the entire definition of JointKidney: One of a pair of organs located in the right and left side of the abdomen. The kid... See the entire definition of KidneyLaboratory: A place for doing tests and research procedures, and for preparing chemicals a... See the entire definition of LaboratoryLarge intestine: Comes after the small intestine. Large because it is wider than the smal... See the entire definition of Large intestineLaxative: Something that promotes emptying of the bowels. Laxatives are used to combat con... See the entire definition of LaxativeLead poisoning: An acute or chronic poisoning caused by the absorption of lead or any of i... See the entire definition of Lead poisoningLethal: Deadly. Lupus: A chronic inflammatory disease that is caused by autoimmunity. Patients with lupus ... See the entire definition of LupusMagnesia: Named after a town in present day Turkey where an ore containing magnesium carbo... See the entire definition of MagnesiaMetabolic: Relating to metabolism, the whole range of biochemical processes that occur wit... See the entire definition of MetabolicMicroscope: An optical instrument that augments the power of the eye to see small objects.... See the entire definition of MicroscopeMouth: 1. The upper opening of the digestive tract, beginning with the lips and con... See the entire definition of MouthMucous: Pertaining to mucus, a thick fluid produced by the lining of some tissues of the b... See the entire definition of MucousMucus: A thick fluid that is produced by the lining of some organs of the body. Multiple sclerosis: A disease that is characterized by loss of myelin (demyelinization). A... See the entire definition of Multiple sclerosisMuscle: Muscle is the tissue of the body which primarily functions as a source of power. T... See the entire definition of MuscleNausea: Stomach queasiness, the urge to vomit. Nausea can be brought on by many causes, in... See the entire definition of NauseaNeck: The part of the body joining the head to the shoulders. Also, any narrow or constric... See the entire definition of NeckNeck pain: Neck pain is the sensation of discomfort in the neck area. Neck pain can result... See the entire definition of Neck painNerve: A bundle of fibers that uses electrical and chemical signals to transmit sensory an... See the entire definition of NerveObstruction: Blockage of a passageway. See, for example: Airway obstruction; Intestinal o... See the entire definition of ObstructionOnset: In medicine, the first appearance of the signs or symptoms of an illness as, for ex... See the entire definition of OnsetPain: An unpleasant sensation that can range from mild, localized discomfort to agony. Pa... See the entire definition of PainPharmacist: A professional who fills prescriptions and, in the case of a compounding pharm... See the entire definition of PharmacistPhosphate: A form of phosphoric acid. Calcium phosphate makes bones and teeth hard. Piles: 1. A term in use since the 15th century for hemorrhoids. 2. A street ... See the entire definition of PilesPoisoning: Taking a substance that is injurious to health or can cause death. Poisoning i... See the entire definition of PoisoningPostoperative: After surgery. As opposed to preoperative, before surgery. Pregnancy: The state of carrying a developing embryo or fetus within the female body. Thi... See the entire definition of PregnancyPregnant: The state of carrying a developing fetus within the body. Prescription: A physician's order for the preparation and administration of a drug or dev... See the entire definition of PrescriptionPrognosis: The forecast of the probable outcome or course of a disease; the patient's chan... See the entire definition of PrognosisProgressive: Increasing in scope or severity, advancing, or going forward. For example, a ... See the entire definition of ProgressiveRectal bleeding: Blood passed rectally. Blood in the stool can be bright red or maroon in ... See the entire definition of Rectal bleedingRectum: The last 6 to 8 inches of the large intestine. The rectum stores solid waste until... See the entire definition of RectumRecurrent: Appearing or occurring again. For example, a recurrent fever is a fever that ha... See the entire definition of RecurrentReflex: An involuntary reaction. For example, the corneal reflex is the blink that occurs ... See the entire definition of ReflexRemedy: Something that consistently helps treat or cure a disease. Renal: Having to do with the kidney. For example, renal cancer is cancer of the kidneys. Saline: Relating to salt. As an adjective, "saline" means "salty, containing salt." As a n... See the entire definition of SalineScleroderma: A disease of connective tissue that causes scar tissue (fibrosis) to form in ... See the entire definition of SclerodermaSclerosis: Localized hardening of skin. Sclerosis is generally caused by underlying diseas... See the entire definition of SclerosisSigmoidoscopy: A procedure in which a physician inserts a viewing tube (sigmoidoscope) int... See the entire definition of SigmoidoscopySmall intestine: The part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the larg... See the entire definition of Small intestineSodium: The major positive ion (cation) in the fluid surrounding cells in the body. The ch... See the entire definition of SodiumSpasm: A brief, automatic jerking movement. A muscle spasm can be quite painful, with the ... See the entire definition of SpasmSpastic colon: A term sometimes used to refer to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Although... See the entire definition of Spastic colonSpinal cord: The major column of nerve tissue that is connected to the brain and lies with... See the entire definition of Spinal cordStenosis: A narrowing. For example, aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve in ... See the entire definition of StenosisStool: The solid matter that is discharged in a bowel movement. Strain: 1. An injury to a tendon or muscle resulting from overuse or trauma. 2. A heredita... See the entire definition of StrainSubstance: 1. Material with particular features. Sunburn: Sunburn is an inflammation of the skin that develops in response to exposure to u... See the entire definition of SunburnSurgery: The branch of medicine that employs operations in the treatment of disease or inj... See the entire definition of SurgerySymptom: Any subjective evidence of disease. In contrast, a sign is objective. Blood comin... See the entire definition of SymptomSyndrome: A combination of symptoms and signs that together represent a disease process. Taste: A perception that results from stimulation of a gustatory nerve. Taste belongs to t... See the entire definition of TasteThyroid: 1. The thyroid gland. Also, pertaining to the thyroid gland. 2. A p... See the entire definition of ThyroidThyroid gland: A gland that makes and stores hormones that help regulate the heart rate, b... See the entire definition of Thyroid glandTired: A feeling of a lessened capacity for work and reduced efficiency of accomplishment,... See the entire definition of TiredTiredness: See: Tired. Tongue: A strong muscle that is anchored to the floor of the mouth. The tongue is covered ... See the entire definition of TongueTrigger: Something that either sets off a disease in people who are genetically predispose... See the entire definition of TriggerVagina: The muscular canal that extends from the cervix to the outside of the body. It is ... See the entire definition of VaginaVoluntary: Done in accordance with the conscious will of the individual. The opposite of i... See the entire definition of VoluntaryVolvulus: Abnormal twisting of a portion of the gastrointestinal tract, usually the intest... See the entire definition of VolvulusWomb: The womb (uterus) is a hollow, pear-shaped organ located in a woman's lower abdomen ... See the entire definition of WombX-ray: High-energy radiation with waves shorter than those of visible light. X-ray is used... See the entire definition of X-ray
|
Women's Health
Find out what women really need.
From WebMD
Healthy Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Featured Topics
Medical Dictionary
Pill Identifier on RxList
- quick, easy,
pill identification
Find a Local Pharmacy
- including 24 hour, pharmacies

