Jellyfish Stings Glossary of Terms

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Abdominal: Relating to the abdomen, the belly, that part of the body that contains all of ...

Abdominal pain: Pain in the belly. Abdominal pain can be acute or chronic. It may reflect ...

Acetaminophen: A nonaspirin pain reliever or analgesic. Acetaminophen may be given alone t...

Acetic acid: The acid most commonly associated with vinegar. Acetic acid is a two-carbon c...

Adrenaline: A stress hormone produced within the adrenal gland that quickens the heart bea...

Allergic reaction: The hypersensitive response of the immune system of an allergic indiv...

Allergy: A misguided reaction to foreign substances by the immune system, the body system ...

Ankle: The ankle joint is complex. It is made up of two joints: the true ankle joint and ...

Arms: An appendage in anatomy and in clinical trials. See: Arm.

Bacteria: Single-celled microorganisms that can exist either as independent (free-living) ...

Bather's eruption: An intensely itchy rash due to contact with the tiny thimble jellyfish ...

Breathing: The process of respiration, during which air is inhaled into the lungs through ...

Cellulitis: A spreading bacterial infection underneath the skin surface characterized by r...

Chest: The area of the body located between the neck and the abdomen. The chest contains t...

Chest pain: Pain in the chest that can be a result of many things, including angina, heart...

Coma: A state of deep, unarousable unconsciousness. A coma may occur as a result of head t...

CPR: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Diarrhea: A common condition that involves unusually frequent and liquid bowel movements. ...

Epinephrine: A substance produced by the medulla (inside) of the adrenal gland. The name e...

Hyperbaric: Pertaining to gas pressures greater than 1 atmosphere* of pressure. Also perta...

Ibuprofen: A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly used to treat pa...

Insect sting: A sting from a stinging insect, such as a bee, hornet, yellow jacket, or was...

Itching: An uncomfortable sensation in the skin that feels as if something is crawling on ...

Jellyfish sting: The injection into the skin of venom from the stinging unit (nematocyst) ...

Lips: Aside from the lips of the mouth, there are two pairs of lips at the entrance to the...

Lymph: The almost colorless fluid that travels through the lymphatic system, carrying cell...

Lymph node: One of many small, bean-shaped organs located throughout the lymphatic system....

Mouth: 1. The upper opening of the digestive tract, beginning with the lips and con...

Muscle: Muscle is the tissue of the body which primarily functions as a source of power. T...

Nausea: Stomach queasiness, the urge to vomit. Nausea can be brought on by many causes, in...

Node: Literally a knot, a node is a collection of tissue. For example a lymph node, is a ...

Pain: An unpleasant sensation that can range from mild, localized discomfort to agony. Pa...

Pharmacy: A location where prescription medications are sold. A pharmacy is constantly sup...

Poison: Any substance that can cause severe organ damage or death if ingested, breathed in...

Progressive: Increasing in scope or severity, advancing, or going forward. For example, a ...

Pulse: The rhythmic dilation of an artery that results from beating of the heart. Pulse is...

Rash: Breaking out (eruption) of the skin. A rash can be caused by an underlying medical c...

Saline: Relating to salt. As an adjective, "saline" means "salty, containing salt." As a n...

Sprained ankle: See: Ankle sprain.

Temple: The area just behind and to the side of the forehead and the eye, above the side o...

Tetanus: An often fatal infectious disease that is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tet...

Tongue: A strong muscle that is anchored to the floor of the mouth. The tongue is covered ...

Topical: Pertaining to a particular surface area. For example, a topical agent is applied ...

Toxin: A poison produced by certain animals, plants, or bacteria.

Tylenol: See: Acetaminophen.

Venom: A poison, particularly one secreted by an animal. Examples are bee venom, snake ven...

Venomous: 1. Full of venom. 2. Having venom, like some snakes and insects. ...