Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) Glossary of TermsThe following are health and medical definitions of terms that appear in the Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) 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 painAcute: Of abrupt onset, in reference to a disease. Acute often also connotes an illness th... See the entire definition of AcuteAcute kidney failure: See: Acute renal failure. Alopecia: Baldness. There are many types of alopecia, each with a different cause. Alopec... See the entire definition of AlopeciaAnalysis: In psychology, a term for conversation-based therapeutic processes used to gain ... See the entire definition of AnalysisAnemia: The condition of having a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells or quantity ... See the entire definition of AnemiaAngina: Chest pain due to an inadequate supply of oxygen to the heart muscle. The pain is ... See the entire definition of AnginaAntibody: An immunoglobulin, a specialized immune protein, produced because of the introdu... See the entire definition of AntibodyAnticoagulant: An agent that is used to prevent the formation of blood clots. Anticoagulan... See the entire definition of AnticoagulantAntidepressants: Anything, and especially a drug, used to prevent or treat depression. Antimalarial: A drug directed against malaria. The original antimalarial agent was quinin... See the entire definition of AntimalarialAntinuclear antibody: An unusual antibody that is directed against structures within the n... See the entire definition of Antinuclear antibodyArms: An appendage in anatomy and in clinical trials. See: Arm. Artery: A vessel that carries blood high in oxygen content away from the heart to the far... See the entire definition of ArteryArthralgia: Pain in a joint. Arthritis: Inflammation of a joint. When joints are inflamed they can develop stiffness, w... See the entire definition of ArthritisAscites: An abnormal accumulation of fluid within the abdomen. There are many causes of as... See the entire definition of AscitesAspiration: Removal of a sample of fluid and cells through a needle. Aspiration also re... See the entire definition of AspirationAspirin: Once the Bayer trademark for acetylsalicylic acid, now the common name for this a... See the entire definition of AspirinAtherosclerosis: A process of progressive thickening and hardening of the walls of medium-... See the entire definition of AtherosclerosisAutoimmune: Pertaining to autoimmunity, a misdirected immune response that occurs when the... See the entire definition of AutoimmuneAutoimmune disease: An illness that occurs when the body tissues are attacked by its own i... See the entire definition of Autoimmune diseaseAvascular necrosis: A condition in which poor blood supply to an area of bone leads to bon... See the entire definition of Avascular necrosisBiopsy: The removal of a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope to check for ... See the entire definition of BiopsyBlood clot: A mass of coagulated blood. A blood clot can block a major blood vessel, causi... See the entire definition of Blood clotBlood clots: Blood that has been converted from a liquid to a solid state. Also called a t... See the entire definition of Blood clotsBlood in the urine: Blood that appears in the urine. Also known as hematuria. Gross hematu... See the entire definition of Blood in the urineBlood pressure: The blood pressure is the pressure of the blood within the arteries. It is... See the entire definition of Blood pressureBlush: Redness of the skin as a result of dilated capillaries, typically over the cheeks o... See the entire definition of BlushBrain: The portion of the central nervous system that is located within the skull. It func... See the entire definition of BrainCataract: A clouding or loss of transparency of the lens in the eye as a result of tissu... See the entire definition of CataractCell: The basic structural and functional unit of any living thing. Each cell is a small c... See the entire definition of CellCerebral: Of or pertaining to the cerebrum or the brain. Cerebritis: Inflammation of the brain. Cerebritis can be caused by infection or inflammati... See the entire definition of CerebritisChest: The area of the body located between the neck and the abdomen. The chest contains t... See the entire definition of ChestChest pain: Pain in the chest that can be a result of many things, including angina, heart... See the entire definition of Chest painChronic: In medicine, lasting a long time. A chronic condition is one that lasts 3 months ... See the entire definition of ChronicChronic illness: An illness that lasts 3 months or more. Complication: In medicine, an unanticipated problem that arises following, and is a result... See the entire definition of ComplicationContrast: Short for "contrast media." Contrast media are X-ray dyes used to provide contra... See the entire definition of ContrastCutaneous: Related to the skin. Dehydroepiandrosterone: Also DHEA; a steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands, that acts... See the entire definition of DehydroepiandrosteroneDepression: An illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts and that affects the way... See the entire definition of DepressionDHEA: Dehydroepiandrosterone. Diabetes: Refers to diabetes mellitus or, less often, to diabetes insipidus. Diabetes mell... See the entire definition of DiabetesDiagnosis: 1 The nature of a disease; the identification of an illness. 2 A ... See the entire definition of DiagnosisDiscoid lupus: A chronic inflammatory condition that is limited to the skin and is caused ... See the entire definition of Discoid lupusDNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid. One of two types of molecules that encode genetic information... See the entire definition of DNADysfunction: Difficult function or abnormal function. Echinacea: An herb that has been claimed to boost the body's immune system and help fight ... See the entire definition of EchinaceaEstrogen: A female steroid hormone that is produced by the ovaries and, in lesser amounts,... See the entire definition of EstrogenEstrogens: Female hormones produced by the ovaries. Estrogen deficiency can lead to osteop... See the entire definition of EstrogensFather: (1) The male parent. (2) One who originates. For example, "Wilhelm Roentgen is con... See the entire definition of FatherFatigue: A condition characterized by a lessened capacity for work and reduced efficiency ... See the entire definition of FatigueFertility: The ability to conceive and bear children, the ability to become pregnant throu... See the entire definition of FertilityFetus: An unborn offspring, from the embryo stage (the end of the eighth week after concep... See the entire definition of FetusFever: Although a fever technically is any body temperature above the normal of 98.6 degr... See the entire definition of FeverFlare: 1. an exacerbation of a chronic disease. Sometimes referred to as a flare-up, a fla... See the entire definition of FlareGenetic: Having to do with genes and genetic Hair loss: Hair loss is the thinning of hair on the scalp. The medical term for hair loss ... See the entire definition of Hair lossHeadache: A pain in the head with the pain being above the eyes or the ears, behind the he... See the entire definition of HeadacheHeart: 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 attackHeart block: A blockage in the conduction of the normal electrical impulses in the heart. ... See the entire definition of Heart blockHeart rate: The number of heartbeats per unit of time, usually per minute. The heart rate ... See the entire definition of Heart rateHeart valves: There are four heart valves. All are one-way valves. Blood entering the ... See the entire definition of Heart valvesHeparin: An anticoagulant (anti-clotting) medication. Heparin is useful in preventing thro... See the entire definition of HeparinHigh blood pressure: A repeatedly elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg. Chro... See the entire definition of High blood pressureIbuprofen: A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly used to treat pa... See the entire definition of IbuprofenImmune: Protected against infection, usually by the presence of antibodies. Immune system: A complex system that is responsible for distinguishing a person from every... See the entire definition of Immune systemImmunosuppressive: 1. Pertaining to immunosuppression, the suppression of the immun... See the entire definition of ImmunosuppressiveIncidence: The frequency with which something, such as a disease or trait, appears in a pa... See the entire definition of IncidenceInfant: A young baby, from birth to 12 months of age. Infection: The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, an... See the entire definition of InfectionInflammation: A localized reaction that produces redness, warmth, swelling, and pain as a ... See the entire definition of InflammationInjury: Harm or hurt. To harm, hurt, or wound. The word injure may be in physical or emot... See the entire definition of InjuryInsomnia: The perception or complaint of inadequate or poor-quality sleep due to a number ... See the entire definition of InsomniaInternal bleeding: Bleeding inside the body that is not seen from the outside. Internal bl... See the entire definition of Internal bleedingInternal medicine: The medical specialty dedicated to the diagnosis and medical treatment ... See the entire definition of Internal medicineJoint: 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 LaboratoryLeg: In popular usage, the part of the body from the top of the thigh down to the foot, an... See the entire definition of LegLeukopenia: A shortage of white blood cells. Lungs: The lungs are a pair of breathing organs located with the chest which remove carbon... See the entire definition of LungsLupus: A chronic inflammatory disease that is caused by autoimmunity. Patients with lupus ... See the entire definition of LupusLupus in pregnancy: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) during pregnancy, a high-risk situa... See the entire definition of Lupus in pregnancyLymph: The almost colorless fluid that travels through the lymphatic system, carrying cell... See the entire definition of LymphMalar: Referring to the cheek. For example, a malar rash is a rash that appears over the c... See the entire definition of MalarMarker: A piece of DNA that lies on a chromosome so close to a gene that the marker and t... See the entire definition of MarkerMenstrual: Pertaining to menstruation (the menses), as in last menstrual period, menstrua... See the entire definition of MenstrualMenstruation: The periodic blood that flows as a discharge from the uterus. Also called me... See the entire definition of MenstruationMicroscopic: So small it cannot be seen without the aid of microscope. As opposed to macro... See the entire definition of MicroscopicMiscarriage: Inadvertent loss of a pregnancy before the fetus is viable. A considerable pr... See the entire definition of MiscarriageMouth: 1. The upper opening of the digestive tract, beginning with the lips and con... See the entire definition of MouthMuscle: Muscle is the tissue of the body which primarily functions as a source of power. T... See the entire definition of MuscleMyalgia: Pain in the muscles or within muscle 'tissue. Necrosis: The death of living cells or tissues. Necrosis can be due, for example, to ische... See the entire definition of NecrosisNeonatal: Pertaining to the newborn period, specifically the first 4 weeks after birth. Neonatal lupus: A lupus-like disease in a baby. This is due to the transfer through the pl... See the entire definition of Neonatal lupusNephritis: Inflammation of the kidney, which causes impaired kidney function. Nephritis ca... See the entire definition of NephritisNerve: A bundle of fibers that uses electrical and chemical signals to transmit sensory an... See the entire definition of NerveNeurological: Having to do with the nerves or the nervous system as, for example, a neurol... See the entire definition of NeurologicalNose: The external midline projection from the face. The purpose of the nose is to warm, c... See the entire definition of NoseOnset: In medicine, the first appearance of the signs or symptoms of an illness as, for ex... See the entire definition of OnsetOperation: In medicine, a surgical procedure. Many operations are named after persons. The... See the entire definition of OperationOphthalmologist: A physician who practices ophthalmology. Organ: A relatively independent part of the body that carries out one or more special func... See the entire definition of OrganOvulation: The release of the ripe egg (ovum) from the ovary. The egg is released when the... See the entire definition of OvulationPain: An unpleasant sensation that can range from mild, localized discomfort to agony. Pa... See the entire definition of PainParalysis: Loss of voluntary movement (motor function). Paralysis that affects only one mu... See the entire definition of ParalysisPericarditis: Inflammation of the lining around the heart (the pericardium) that causes ch... See the entire definition of PericarditisPharmacy: A location where prescription medications are sold. A pharmacy is constantly sup... See the entire definition of PharmacyPhlebitis: Inflammation of a vein. With phlebitis, there is infiltration of the walls of t... See the entire definition of PhlebitisPhosphate: A form of phosphoric acid. Calcium phosphate makes bones and teeth hard. Photosensitivity: Oversensitivity of skin to light. Photosensitivity can be a side effect ... See the entire definition of PhotosensitivityPlatelet: An irregular, disc-shaped element in the blood that assists in blood clotting.... See the entire definition of PlateletPleural: Pertaining to the pleura, the thin covering that protects the lungs. The term "pl... See the entire definition of PleuralPleurisy: Inflammation of the pleurae, the membranes surrounding the lungs. Symptoms inclu... See the entire definition of PleurisyPneumonia: Inflammation of one or both lungs, with dense areas of lung inflammation. Pneum... See the entire definition of PneumoniaPregnancy: 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. Premature birth: A birth that takes place before 37 weeks of gestation have passed. Histor... See the entire definition of Premature birthProbability: The likelihood that something will happen. For example, a probability of less... See the entire definition of ProbabilityPrognosis: The forecast of the probable outcome or course of a disease; the patient's chan... See the entire definition of PrognosisProtein: One of the three nutrients used as energy sources (calories) by the body. Protein... See the entire definition of ProteinPsychiatric: Pertaining to or within the purview of psychiatry, the medical specialty conc... See the entire definition of PsychiatricPsychosis: In the general sense, a mental illness that markedly interferes with a person'... See the entire definition of PsychosisPuberty: Adolescence, the period in which the human body first becomes capable of reproduc... See the entire definition of PubertyRadiology: The medical specialty concerned with radiation for the diagnosis and treatment ... See the entire definition of RadiologyRandom: Determined solely by chance. Rash: Breaking out (eruption) of the skin. A rash can be caused by an underlying medical c... See the entire definition of RashRecurrent: Appearing or occurring again. For example, a recurrent fever is a fever that ha... See the entire definition of RecurrentRed blood cell: The blood cell that carries oxygen. Red cells contain hemoglobin and it is... See the entire definition of Red blood cellRelapse: The return of signs and symptoms of a disease after a remission. Remission: Disappearance of the signs and symptoms of cancer or other disease. A remission... See the entire definition of RemissionRetina: The retina is the nerve layer that lines the back of the eye, senses light, and c... See the entire definition of RetinaRheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of joint... See the entire definition of Rheumatoid arthritisRheumatologist: A specialist in the non-surgical treatment of rheumatic illnesses, espec... See the entire definition of RheumatologistRheumatology: A subspecialty of internal medicine that involves the nonsurgical evaluation... See the entire definition of RheumatologyScaling: Abnormal shedding or accumulation of an upper layer of skin (the stratum corneum)... See the entire definition of ScalingSensitivity: 1. In psychology, the quality of being sensitive. As, for example, sen... See the entire definition of SensitivitySerositis: Inflammation of the serous tissues of the body (the tissues that line the lungs... See the entire definition of SerositisShortness of breath: Difficulty in breathing. Medically referred to as dyspnea. Shortness ... See the entire definition of Shortness of breathSibling: A brother or sister. Spasm: A brief, automatic jerking movement. A muscle spasm can be quite painful, with the ... See the entire definition of SpasmSPF (sun protection factor): A number on a scale for rating the degree of protection prov... See the entire definition of SPFSpinal cord: The major column of nerve tissue that is connected to the brain and lies with... See the entire definition of Spinal cordStage: As regards cancer, the extent of a cancer, especially whether the disease has spre... See the entire definition of StageSteroid: One of a large group of chemical substances classified by a specific carbon struc... See the entire definition of SteroidStomach: The digestive organ that is located in the upper abdomen, under the ribs. The upp... See the entire definition of StomachSunscreen: A substance that blocks the effect of the sun's harmful rays. Using lotions tha... See the entire definition of SunscreenSymptom: 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. Syphilis: A sexually transmitted disease caused by Treponema pallidum, a microscopic orga... See the entire definition of SyphilisSystemic: Affecting the entire body. A systemic disease such as diabetes can affect the wh... See the entire definition of SystemicSystemic lupus erythematosus: A chronic inflammatory condition caused by an autoimmune di... See the entire definition of Systemic lupus erythematosusTherapy: The treatment of disease. Therapy is synonymous with treatment. Thrombocytopenia: : A low platelet count. Platelets are irregular, disc-shaped element in ... See the entire definition of ThrombocytopeniaThrombosis: The formation or presence of a blood clot in a blood vessel. The vessel may be... See the entire definition of ThrombosisTopical: Pertaining to a particular surface area. For example, a topical agent is applied ... See the entire definition of TopicalTrigger: Something that either sets off a disease in people who are genetically predispose... See the entire definition of TriggerUrinalysis: A test that is done in order to analyze urine. Because toxins and excess fluid... See the entire definition of UrinalysisUrine: Liquid waste produced by the kidneys. Urine is a clear, transparent fluid that norm... See the entire definition of UrineWarfarin: An anticoagulant drug (brand names: Coumarin, Panwarfin, Sofarin) taken to prev... See the entire definition of Warfarin |
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