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Definitions II
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Peristalsis | involuntary, wave-like muscular contractions that move food, liquid, and other substances through the digestive tract and other tubular organs |
| Mydriasis: | dilated pupils |
| Miosis | constricted pupils |
| Photophobia | an abnormal sensitivity or discomfort in the eyes caused by exposure to light |
| Defecation | the process of eliminating solid or semi-solid waste (feces) |
| Lacrimation | the process of producing and releasing tears from the lacrimal glands |
| Agonist | Drug that binds to the receptor and produces an effect |
| Antagonist | Drug that attach to the receptor but do not elicit a response. |
| Paralytic ileus | condition where there is temporary loss of normal movement in the intestines: inability to pass food, gas, or stool through the digestive tract. |
| Hyperpyrexia | extremely high fever (greater than 106.7 F) |
| Acetylcholine | is primarily involved in muscle activation, learning, and memory. |
| Norepinephrine | is a neurotransmitter implicated in mood disorders like depression, but it is not as widely recognized as serotonin for its role in depression. More often associated with attention and alertness |
| Serotonin | neurotransmitter that plays a key role in mood regulation, sleep, appetite, and other physiological processes. Low levels are most commonly associated with depression. |
| Myocardial Infarction (MI): | commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when there is a sudden blockage of blood flow to a part of the heart muscle (myocardium). |
| Hypertension: | Referred to as high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition where the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently elevated. |
| Heart Failure (HF): | also known as congestive heart failure (CHF), is a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body’s needs. |
| Vasoconstriction: | is the process by which blood vessels narrow due to the contraction of smooth muscle in their walls. |
| Vasodilation: | is the process by which blood vessels widen due to the relaxation of smooth muscle in their walls. |
| Diuretic: | is a type of medication or substance that promotes the increased production and excretion of urine. |
| Dysgeusia: | Altered sense of taste |
| Angina: | is a type of chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t receive enough oxygen-rich blood. |
| Arrhythmia: | is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal rhythm or rate of the heartbeat. |
| Anticoagulants: | are drugs that in some way interfere with coagulation |
| Hemostasis | is a normal mechanism in the body that is designed to prevent the loss of blood after injury to a blood vessel. |
| Dyslipidemias | abnormal amounts of lipids (fats), such as cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood |
| Flushing | temporary, reddening or warming of the skin. Usually in the face, neck or chest area. |
| Pruritus | medical term for itching |
| Prolong QT | an irregular heart rhythm. Patients that take drugs that prolong the QT interval need periodic ECGs and need to be careful with tachycardia. |
| LDL: | Bad Cholesterol |
| HDL: | Good Cholesterol |
| Asthma | Reversible airway obstruction, associated with reduction in expiratory airflow. |
| COPD | chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Irreversible airway obstruction which occurs with either chronic bronchitis or emphysema |
| Bronchitis | inflammation of the bronchial tubes |
| Emphysema | Chronic lung condition that involves damage to the air sacs in the lungs |
| Rhinitis | inflammation or irritation of the mucous membrane inside the nose |
| Antitussive | class of drugs used to suppress or reduce coughing |
| Expectorant | Class of drugs that helps loosen and thin mucus in the respiratory tract, making it easier to couch it up. |
| Mucolytic | type of medication that helps break down and thin mucus in the respiratory tract, making it easier to clear through coughing or other means |
| Candidiasis | also known as a yeast infection, is a fungal infection caused by candida, a type of yeast |
| Rhinorrhea | refers to the excessive discharge or flow of mucus from the nose. Commonly known as a “runny nose”. |
| Dysphonia | refers to a disorder of the voice that results in difficulties in speaking, often characterized by changes in vocal quality, pitch, loudness, or vocal effort. |
| White Blood Cells (WBC) | also known as leukocytes, are an essential component of the immune system. They help the body fight infections, foreign invaders and abnormal cells. |
| Antacids | are medication that help neutralized stomach acid to relieve symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, or an upset stomach. |
| Antiemetics | are medications used to prevent or treat nausea and comiting |
| Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) | unlike IBS – IBD involves actual inflammation and damage to the digestive tract. Two forms: Ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease |
| Ulcerative colitis | Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes long-term inflammation and ulcers ONLY in the lining of the colon and rectum. |
| Crohn disease | Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes long-term inflammation and ulcers in any part of the digestive system from the mouth to the anus. It most commonly impacts the ileum and colon |
| GERD | condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus. |
| Cardiac sphincter | is the ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus where it meets the stomach. Its job is to keep food and stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus |
| Barrett esophagus | condition where the lining of the esophagus changes due to long-term GERD |
| PUD | peptic ulcer disease – is a condition where open sores, called ulcers, form on the lining of the stomach, upper part of the small intestine (duodenum) or the esophagus |
| Laxatives | are substances or medications used to relieve constipation |