APPENDIX B | Glossary of Medical Terms

Bronchitis

Inflammation of the lungs

Colitis

Inflammation of the colon (large intestines)

*colon - segment found in large intestines

Conjunctivitis

Inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the eyelids and covering part of the eyeball

Cystitis

Inflammation of the urinary bladder

Dermatitis

Inflammation of the skin

Gastritis

Inflammation of the stomach

Gingivitis

Inflammation of the gums

Meningitis

Inflammation of the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord

Nephritis

Inflammation of the kidney

Neuritis

Inflammation of the nerves

Phlebitis

Inflammation of the veins

Rhinitis

Inflammation of the nose

Stomatitis

Inflammation of the mouth

Antibiotic

Medical preparation containing chemical substances produced by (sourced from) microorganism or artificially synthesized which can inhibit or destroy bacteria in dilute solution.

*help treat bacterial infection, not for viral infection

Antimicrobial agent

Agent that kills microorganisms or suppresses their multiplication or growth

*bigger than bacteria, ex. bacteria, fungi, virus

Fungicide

Agent that kills both pathogenic (disease causing) and non-pathogenic fungi

Amebicide

• Also amoebicide or amoebacide

• Drug used to treat both intestinal and extra-intestinal (outside intestine) forms of amebic infections

• Ideally capable of eliminating amebic cysts from the intestines

Antimalarial

Drug used in the treatment of malaria caused by several species of the protozoa, Plasmodium

Antidote

Substance given to counteract a poison

Analeptic

A central nervous system (CNS) stimulant (to activate/more active) employed primarily to counteract drug-induced respiratory depression by direct stimulation of the respiratory center

Anorexia

Lack of desire for food

*a condition

Anorexic/Anorectic

Drug that induces loss of appetite for food

*agent that can bring about the condition

Bitters

Substance used to increase salivary and gastric secretions, and to improve appetite

Enzymes/Biocatalysts

Proteins (molecule) whose biological function is to catalyze (to hasten the reaction/hastening) highly specific chemical reactions in living systems

Cholagogue

Medication used to increase the flow of bile (for absorption/breaking down of fats)

Adsorbent

A chemically inert (not/non reactive) powder used to adsorb gases, toxins and bacteria

*surface only, does not go inside the substance

*ex. charcoal

*so bacteria/toxin cannot cause harm

Antiflatulent

Agent that relieves or prevents flatulence

*Filo: kabag

*air/gas in stomach

Astringent

Agent that causes contraction or constriction of tissues

Cataplasm/Poultice

A soft, semi-liquid external preparation used to either stimulate a body surface or alleviate an inflamed area by supplying medicated substance in the presence of heat and moisture

Caustic/Corrosive

Topical agent that causes destruction of tissues at the site of application

Demulcent

Protective agent employed to alleviate irritations, particularly of the mucous membranes or abraded tissues; often applied on the skin

Emollient

A bland, fatty or oleaginous substance applied locally on the skin, mucous membranes or abraded tissues

Antiphlogistic

Substance like alcohol and creams that cool by evaporation

Antipruritic

Substance that relieves itching

Deodorant

Substance that masks offensive odors

Depilatories

Preparation used to remove hair from the body

Diaphoretic

Agent used to promote sweating or perspiration

Amenorrhea

Failure (absence) of menstruation

*A - without

Dysmenorrhea

Painful or difficult menstruation

*dys - painful/difficult

Aphrodisiac

Agent that stimulates s*xual desire

Contraceptive

Agent that prevents the passage of active spermatozoa from the vagina into the uterus

*no fertilization

*preventing conception (contraception)

Oxytocics

Drugs that stimulate the smooth muscles of the uterus

Galactagogue

Agent that promotes the secretion of milk

Antipyretic

Drug that relieves fever

Antiarthritic

Medication used to combat or relieve the distress and pain associated with arthritis (inflammation of the joints)

Antispasmodic

Agent that relieves or prevents spasms

Ataractic/Tranquilizer

Agent capable of producing ataraxia (perfect peace or calmness)

*ataraxia - condition of

Insomnia

Sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep

Infection

Invasion and multiplication of a pathogenic organism inside the body of humans or animals

*ex. bacteria, fungus, virus

Expectorant

Drug that increases respiratory tract secretions, lowers their viscosity, and promotes their removal

Hematinic

Agent that increases the hemoglobin content of the blood through the erythrocytes

Palliative

Medication or treatment used to relieve rather than cure a disease