A A - D
Access to Care
The ability of people to get the health services they need when they need them. This includes being able to afford the services, find a provider, and get to appointments in a timely manner to achieve the best possible health outcomes.
Adherence
Following the recommendations for a course of treatment, such as taking a medication as prescribed.
Adverse Event (AE)
Any unwanted medical event that happens to a person during a clinical trial or while using a treatment. It's a way to track all possible side effects.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
A chronic, life-threatening condition caused by the HIV virus, which severely damages the immune system.
AL Amyloidosis
A rare condition where abnormal proteins build up in organs and tissues, which can cause them to not work correctly.
Allergies
An overly strong or harmful immune response to something that is normally harmless, like pollen, dust, or pet dander.
Alopecia
A condition that causes hair to fall out in patches or all over the body.
Allostatic Load
The wear and tear on the body that results from chronic stress and is often linked to health disparities.
Alzheimer's Disease
A brain condition that slowly gets worse over time, causing problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common form of dementia.
Anorexia Nervosa
An eating disorder that involves an extreme fear of gaining weight, leading to severe food restriction and an unhealthy body image.
Anxiety
A mental health condition that involves feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear that can be so strong they get in the way of daily life.
Antibiotics
A type of medicine used to treat infections caused by bacteria.
Antifungals
A type of medicine used to treat infections caused by fungus.
Antivirals
A type of medicine used to treat infections caused by viruses.
Arrhythmia
A condition where the heart has an irregular or abnormal heartbeat. It may feel like a flutter or a racing pulse.
Asthma
A long-term lung disease that causes a person's airways to swell and get narrow, making it hard to breathe.
Autoimmune Disease
A condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body.
Bias (Clinical/Implicit)
Unfairly favoring or disfavoring one group over others in a medical setting, often without realizing it.
Biologics
A newer type of medicine made from living organisms. They are often used to treat conditions that are caused by problems with the immune system, such as some types of cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Bipolar Disorder
A serious mental health condition that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels.
Bipolar I Disorder
A type of bipolar disorder where a person has at least one full manic episode, which can last for a week or more.
Bipolar II Disorder
A type of bipolar disorder where a person has at least one depressive episode and one hypomanic episode (a less severe form of mania).
Biopsy
A medical procedure where a small piece of tissue or cells is taken from the body to be checked for disease under a microscope.
BiPAP Machine
A machine that helps a person breathe by providing air pressure through a mask. It is often used for people with sleep apnea or lung conditions.
Blood Pressure Cuff
A device used by doctors and nurses to measure blood pressure.
Bone Marrow Biopsy
A medical procedure where a small sample of bone marrow is taken from a person's hip bone to check for diseases like cancer or blood disorders.
Bulimia Nervosa
An eating disorder that involves a cycle of binge eating followed by behaviors to prevent weight gain, like self-induced vomiting.
Cancer Survivor
A person who has been diagnosed with cancer and is still living. This includes people who are undergoing treatment and those who have completed treatment.
CAR T-cell Therapy
A newer type of cancer treatment where a person's own immune cells are changed in a lab to better find and kill cancer cells.
Cardiomyopathy
A disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body.
Cardiovascular
Refers to the heart and blood vessels.
Case-Control Study
A research study that compares a group of people with a disease to a similar group of people without the disease to look for differences in their past exposures or risk factors.
Chemotherapy
A type of cancer treatment that uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
Chickenpox
A common childhood illness that causes an itchy, blister-like rash all over the body.
Chronic Conditions
Long-term health issues that cannot be cured but can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
A long-term condition where the kidneys are damaged and can't filter blood as well as they should.
Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS)
A condition where the lining of your nose and sinuses stays swollen and irritated for a long time, making it hard to breathe.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
A group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it hard to breathe, often caused by long-term smoking.
Clinical Trial
A research study that tests new medical treatments or devices on people to see if they are safe and effective.
Cohort Study
A type of research study that follows a group of people with similar characteristics over time to see what happens to their health.
Colonoscopy
A medical procedure where a doctor uses a flexible tube with a camera to look at the inside of the colon and rectum.
Comorbidity
The presence of two or more distinct medical conditions in an individual at the same time.
Concussion
A type of brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that makes the brain move around inside the skull.
Coronary Artery Disease
A common heart condition where the main blood vessels that supply the heart become damaged or diseased.
Corticosteroids
A class of drugs that reduce inflammation in the body.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
A protein in the blood that goes up when there is inflammation in the body. A blood test can measure it.
COVID-19
An infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which can cause respiratory symptoms and other health issues.
Crohn's Disease
A type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes swelling and irritation in any part of the digestive system.
Cross-Sectional Study
A type of research study that looks at data from a group of people at one specific point in time to see if there are any connections between a disease and a risk factor.
Cultural Competence
A set of behaviors and policies that allow a health system to function effectively in cross-cultural interactions.
Cystic Fibrosis
A genetic disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive system, and other organs.
CT Scan
A type of imaging test that uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of the inside of the body.
Defibrillator
A medical device that sends an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm.
Depression
A serious mental health condition that involves a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest, which can get in the way of daily life.
Determinants of Health (Social)
The non-medical factors that influence health outcomes, such as income, education, and neighborhood environment.
Diabetes
A chronic condition where the body has high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood.
Diabetes, Type 1
A type of diabetes where the body does not produce enough insulin. It is often diagnosed in children and young adults.
Diabetes, Type 2
A type of diabetes where the body does not use insulin properly. It is the most common form of diabetes.
Dialysis
A medical procedure that helps clean a person's blood when their kidneys are no longer able to do the job.
Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN)
A common skin condition in Black people that causes small, dark, raised bumps on the face, neck, and upper body.
Double-Blind Study
A type of clinical trial where neither the patient nor the doctor knows who is receiving the real treatment and who is receiving the placebo.
E E - H
Echocardiogram
An imaging test that uses sound waves to create a picture of the heart to check its function.
Eczema
A chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy, inflamed patches of skin.
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
A simple test that measures the electrical activity of the heart.
Endometriosis
A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain and other symptoms.
Endoscopy
A medical procedure where a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end to look inside a person's body.
Epilepsy
A brain disorder that causes a person to have seizures.
Fibroids
An imaging test that uses sound waves to create a picture of the heart to check its function.
Flu (Influenza)
A common viral infection that can cause fever, cough, and body aches.
Gout
A type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body, which can cause severe pain and swelling in the joints.
Healthcare Disparity
Differences in health and health care between groups, often linked to social or economic disadvantages.
Health Literacy
The ability to find, understand, and use information and services to make health decisions.
Health Outcomes
Changes in health status that result from a healthcare intervention or service.
Heart Failure
A chronic condition where the heart muscle is too weak to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
HER2+ Breast Cancer
A specific type of breast cancer with a gene that helps cancer cells grow. Treatments for this type of cancer are often targeted to block this gene.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)
A chronic skin condition that causes painful, inflamed bumps and boils to form under the skin.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
A condition where the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is too high.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
A virus that attacks the body's immune system. If left untreated, it can lead to AIDS.
Hyperpigmentation
A common skin condition in which patches of skin become darker than the surrounding skin.
I I - L
Immunotherapy
A type of cancer treatment that helps a person's own immune system fight cancer.
Inclusion Criteria
A list of requirements that a person must meet to be eligible to participate in a clinical study.
Informed Consent
The process of a person agreeing to take part in a clinical study after they have been given all the facts about the study, including its risks and benefits.
Inhaler
A medical device used to deliver medicine to the lungs to treat conditions like asthma.
Inhibitors
A type of drug that blocks a specific process in the body, such as the growth of cancer cells.
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
A committee of doctors, scientists, and community members that reviews and approves research to make sure it is ethical and protects the rights of participants.
Insulin
A hormone made by the body that helps regulate blood sugar.
Intersectionality
The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender as they apply to a given individual or group, creating overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage.
Interventional Trial
A type of clinical trial where participants are assigned to receive a specific intervention, like a new medicine, to see if it works.
Investigational New Drug (IND)
A drug that is used in a clinical investigation but is not yet approved for marketing by the FDA.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
A common digestive condition that causes stomach pain, bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea. It is not an autoimmune disease.
Long-Haul COVID
Persistent or long-term symptoms that continue for weeks or months after the initial infection with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
Longitudinal Study
A type of research study that follows the same group of people over a long period of time.
Lupus
A chronic autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation in many parts of the body, including the skin, joints, and organs.
Lung Cancer
A type of cancer that starts in the cells of the lungs.
Lung Health
The overall well-being of the lungs and respiratory system.
M M - P
Mammogram
An X-ray of the breast that is used to screen for breast cancer.
Mastectomy
Surgery to remove a breast, often as a treatment for breast cancer.
Medical Device
Any instrument, apparatus, or implant used to diagnose, prevent, or treat a disease or other condition.
Meditation
A practice that involves focusing the mind on a particular thought, object, or activity to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.
Metformin
A common medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes.
Microbiome
The collection of all microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that naturally live on and inside a human body.
Monoclonal Antibodies
A type of drug that can be used to treat some types of cancer and autoimmune diseases by targeting specific cells in the body.
Mononucleosis
A viral infection that can cause fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
A chronic disease of the brain and spinal cord that can cause problems with vision, balance, and movement.
Multiple Myeloma
A type of cancer that starts in the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow.
MRI
A type of imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of the body.
Myositis
A rare autoimmune condition that causes muscle inflammation, leading to weakness and fatigue.
Nebulizer
A medical device that turns liquid medicine into a fine mist that a person can inhale to treat lung conditions.
NT-proBNP
A protein released by the heart in response to stress. A blood test can measure it to check for heart failure.
Observational Study
A type of research study where researchers observe a group of people without trying to change anything.
Open-Label Study
A type of clinical trial where both the patient and the doctor know which treatment the patient is receiving.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
A mental health condition that involves unwanted, repetitive thoughts and behaviors.
Pacemaker
A small medical device that is placed in the chest to help regulate the heartbeat.
Parkinson's Disease
A progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement.
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis
Allergies that last all year long, often caused by indoor allergens like dust mites or pet dander.
Perimenopause
The time leading up to menopause, when a woman's body is making the transition to the end of her reproductive years.
Pneumonia
An infection that causes swelling in one or both of a person's lungs.
Placebo
A substance or treatment that looks real but has no medical effect. It is often used in clinical trials to compare the effects of a new medicine.
Placebo-Controlled Study
A type of clinical trial where one group of people receives the real treatment and another group receives a placebo.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
A hormonal disorder that can cause irregular periods, excess hair growth, and other symptoms.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
A mental health condition that can develop after a person has gone through a traumatic event.
Postpartum Depression
A serious mental health condition that can affect a woman after she gives birth, causing extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion.
Precision Medicine
An approach to disease treatment and prevention that considers individual variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle for each person.
Principal Investigator (PI)
The doctor or researcher in charge of a clinical trial at a specific site.
Prostate Cancer
A type of cancer that starts in the prostate gland.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
A class of drugs that reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach. They are often used to treat heartburn and acid reflux.
Psoriasis
A chronic autoimmune condition that causes red, scaly patches of skin.
Q Q -T
Radiation Therapy
A type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.
Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
A type of clinical trial where people are randomly assigned to a treatment group or a control group. This is considered the gold standard of clinical research.
Rare Conditions
Diseases that affect a very small number of people.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
A chronic autoimmune disease that causes painful swelling and inflammation in the joints.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
A common respiratory virus that can cause cold-like symptoms, but can be serious for infants and older adults.
Sarcoidosis
An inflammatory disease that can affect any organ in the body, but most commonly the lungs, skin, and lymph nodes.
Schizoaffective Disorder
A mental health condition that includes symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations or delusions, and symptoms of a mood disorder, such as depression or mania.
Schizophrenia
A serious mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and acts.
Scleroderma
A chronic autoimmune disease that causes the skin and connective tissues to become thick and hard.
Sepsis
A serious and life-threatening condition caused by an extreme immune response to an infection
Sickle Cell Anemia
A genetic blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become hard and sticky, shaped like a C-shaped farm tool called a sickle.
Stem Cell Transplant
A procedure that replaces a person's unhealthy blood-forming cells with healthy stem cells.
Strep Throat
A bacterial infection of the throat that can cause a sore throat and fever.
Stroke
A medical emergency that happens when blood flow to the brain is stopped or blocked.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
A specific type of breast cancer that does not have three of the most common receptors. It is often more aggressive and may require different treatment than other types.
Telehealth
The use of technology to provide healthcare services and information, such as video visits with a doctor.
Therapy
The process of talking to a trained professional, such as a therapist or counselor, to help with mental health issues.
U U - Z
Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
A type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes swelling and sores in the lining of the large intestine.
Ultrasound
An imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of the inside of the body.
Vaccine
A substance used to stimulate the body's immune system to protect against a specific disease.
Vitiligo
A condition that causes the skin to lose its color in patches.
Vasculitis
A group of conditions that cause inflammation of the blood vessels.
