Diseases vocabulary list with definitions

Diseases vocabulary list with definitions

Our bodies are amazing machines, but sometimes, they don’t run perfectly. That’s when disease comes in. Understanding the language of disease can be empowering, especially when navigating your own health or that of loved ones. This blog will equip you with essential disease vocabulary to wade through medical jargon and feel more informed.

Diseases: A disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, especially one that produces specific symptoms or that affects a specific location and is not simply a direct result of physical injury.

List of Diseases vocabulary

Diseases vocabulary with definition and example

Abortion

• Meaning: The deliberate termination of a human pregnancy.
• Example: The debate over abortion laws continues to be a contentious issue.

Ache

• Meaning: A continuous or prolonged dull pain.
• Example: She felt an ache in her lower back after sitting for too long.

Acne

• Meaning: A skin condition characterized by red pimples, often on the face, due to inflamed or infected sebaceous glands.
• Example: Many teenagers experience acne during puberty.

Ague

• Meaning: A fever or shivering fit.
• Example: He was suffering from ague and could not stop shaking.

Asthma

• Meaning: A respiratory condition marked by spasms in the bronchi of the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing.
• Example: She carries an inhaler for her asthma.

Baldness

• Meaning: The condition of having no hair on the scalp.
• Example: Male pattern baldness is common in his family.

Boil

• Meaning: A painful, pus-filled bump under the skin caused by infected, inflamed hair follicles.
• Example: He had a boil on his neck that needed to be treated.

Carbuncle

• Meaning: A severe abscess or multiple boils in the skin, typically infected with staphylococcus bacteria.
• Example: The doctor treated the carbuncle with antibiotics.

Chicken Pox

• Meaning: A contagious viral infection causing an itchy rash and red spots all over the body.
• Example: She missed school because she had chicken pox.

Cholera

• Meaning: An infectious disease causing severe watery diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and death if untreated.
• Example: Cholera outbreaks are common in areas with poor sanitation.

Constipation

• Meaning: A condition in which there is difficulty in emptying the bowels, usually associated with hardened feces.
• Example: Drinking more water can help relieve constipation.

Convulsion

• Meaning: A sudden, violent, irregular movement of the body, caused by involuntary contraction of muscles.
• Example: The patient experienced convulsions during the seizure.

Cough

• Meaning: A sudden, forceful hacking sound to release air and clear an irritation in the throat or airway.
• Example: He has a persistent cough that won’t go away.

Cramp

• Meaning: A painful, involuntary contraction of a muscle or muscles.
• Example: She woke up with a cramp in her leg.

Diabetes

• Meaning: A metabolic disease causing high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period.
• Example: She was diagnosed with diabetes and needs to monitor her blood sugar.

Dropsy

• Meaning: Old term for the swelling of soft tissues due to the accumulation of excess water.
• Example: The patient exhibited symptoms of dropsy in his legs.

Dysentery

• Meaning: An infection of the intestines resulting in severe diarrhea with blood.
• Example: Dysentery is common in areas with poor hygiene.

Fever

• Meaning: An abnormally high body temperature, usually accompanied by shivering, headache, and in severe instances, delirium.
• Example: He had a high fever and was advised to rest.

Germ

• Meaning: A microorganism, especially one that causes disease.
• Example: Washing hands frequently helps to kill germs.

Goitre

• Meaning: A swelling of the neck resulting from enlargement of the thyroid gland.
• Example: Goitre is often caused by iodine deficiency.

Gout

• Meaning: A form of arthritis characterized by severe pain, redness, and tenderness in joints.
• Example: Gout commonly affects the joint of the big toe.

Headache

• Meaning: A continuous pain in the head.
• Example: She took some aspirin for her headache.

Heart Disease

• Meaning: Any disorder that affects the heart’s ability to function normally.
• Example: Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death.

Hollow

• Meaning: Having a hole or empty space inside.
• Example: The tree had a hollow trunk.

Hysteria

• Meaning: Exaggerated or uncontrollable emotion or excitement.
• Example: The crowd was in a state of hysteria during the concert.

Ill

• Meaning: Suffering from an illness or disease.
• Example: He felt ill and decided to see a doctor.

Illness

• Meaning: A disease or period of sickness affecting the body or mind.
• Example: She was absent from work due to illness.

Indigestion

• Meaning: Pain or discomfort in the stomach associated with difficulty in digesting food.
• Example: Spicy foods often cause him indigestion.

Inflammation

• Meaning: A localized physical condition in which part of the body becomes reddened, swollen, hot, and often painful.
• Example: Inflammation of the joints can be a symptom of arthritis.

Itch

• Meaning: An uncomfortable sensation on the skin that causes a desire to scratch.
• Example: He had an itch on his back that he couldn’t reach.

Jaundice

• Meaning: A medical condition with yellowing of the skin or eyes, arising from excess bilirubin.
• Example: Newborns are often checked for signs of jaundice.

Leprosy

• Meaning: A chronic infectious disease causing severe disfiguring skin sores and nerve damage.
• Example: Leprosy is now treatable with medication.

Liver

• Meaning: A large, lobed glandular organ in the abdomen involved in many metabolic processes.
• Example: Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the liver.

Malaria

• Meaning: A disease caused by a plasmodium parasite, transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
• Example: They took precautions to avoid malaria while traveling.

Mark

• Meaning: A small area on a surface having a different color from its surroundings, typically one caused by accident or damage.
• Example: He had a birthmark on his arm.

Measles

• Meaning: A contagious viral disease causing fever and a red rash on the skin, typically occurring in childhood.
• Example: Measles vaccination is important for children.

Mole

• Meaning: A small, often slightly raised blemish on the skin made dark by a high concentration of melanin.
• Example: She had a mole on her cheek that she decided to get checked.

Naphtha

• Meaning: A flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture.
• Example: Naphtha is used as a solvent in the chemical industry.

Ophthalmia

• Meaning: Inflammation of the eye, especially conjunctivitis.
• Example: The patient was diagnosed with ophthalmia and prescribed eye drops.

Pain

• Meaning: Physical suffering or discomfort caused by illness or injury.
• Example: He felt a sharp pain in his knee.

Piles

• Meaning: Hemorrhoids, swollen veins in the lower part of the anus and rectum.
• Example: He needed treatment for his piles.

Pimple

• Meaning: A small, hard inflamed spot on the skin.
• Example: Teenagers often get pimples during puberty.

Plague

• Meaning: A contagious bacterial disease characterized by fever and delirium.
• Example: The plague caused widespread devastation in medieval times.

Pneumonia

• Meaning: Lung inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infection.
• Example: He was hospitalized with severe pneumonia.

Pox

• Meaning: A viral disease producing a rash of pustules that leave scars.
• Example: Smallpox was eradicated through vaccination.

Prickly

• Meaning: Having small, sharp thorns or points.
• Example: The plant has prickly leaves that can irritate the skin.

Pus

• Meaning: A thick yellowish or greenish liquid produced in infected tissue.
• Example: The wound started to ooze pus and needed medical attention.

Roasted

• Meaning: (In medical context) Refers to a burning sensation.
• Example: He described a roasted feeling in his chest after eating spicy food.

Scabies

• Meaning: A contagious skin disease marked by itching and small raised red spots, caused by the itch mite.
• Example: Scabies can spread quickly through close physical contact.

Schizophrenia

• Meaning: A mental disorder characterized by abnormal behavior, strange speech, and a decreased ability to understand reality.
• Example: People with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations and delusions.

Shivering

• Meaning: Involuntary trembling, as from cold or fear.
• Example: He was shivering with cold after getting wet in the rain.

Sinus

• Meaning: A cavity within a bone or other tissue, especially one in the bones of the face or skull connecting with the nasal cavities.
• Example: She suffers from chronic sinus infections.

Skin

• Meaning: The thin layer of tissue forming the natural outer covering of the body of a person or animal.
• Example: He has sensitive skin that reacts to harsh chemicals.

Small

• Meaning: Of limited size; not large.
• Example: The doctor noted a small lump during the examination.

Sore

• Meaning: A painful area on the body caused by a wound or infection.
• Example: She had a sore throat and couldn’t swallow.

Spasm

• Meaning: A sudden involuntary muscular contraction or convulsive movement.
• Example: He had a muscle spasm in his back.

Spleen

• Meaning: An organ involved in the production and removal of blood cells and forming part of the immune system.
• Example: The injury caused damage to his spleen.

Stale

• Meaning: No longer fresh and pleasant to eat; hard, musty, or dry.
• Example: The bread had gone stale.

Vomit

• Meaning: Eject matter from the stomach through the mouth.
• Example: The patient began to vomit after the surgery.

Wart

• Meaning: A small, hard, benign growth on the skin, typically caused by a virus.
• Example: He had a wart removed from his hand.

Worm

• Meaning: An invertebrate animal with a long, slender, soft body.
• Example: Intestinal worms can cause severe health issues.

Wound

• Meaning: An injury to living tissue caused by a cut, blow, or other impact.
• Example: He had a deep wound that needed stitches.

Influenza

• Meaning: A highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory passages.
• Example: The influenza outbreak led to many school closures.

Tuberculosis

• Meaning: An infectious bacterial disease characterized by the growth of nodules (tubercles) in the tissues, especially the lungs.
• Example: Tuberculosis can be spread through the air when people who have an active infection cough or sneeze.

Hepatitis

• Meaning: Inflammation of the liver, typically caused by viral infection or toxins.
• Example: Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus.

Hypertension

• Meaning: Abnormally high blood pressure.
• Example: Hypertension can lead to severe health complications if left untreated.

Bronchitis

• Meaning: Inflammation of the mucous membrane in the bronchial tubes.
• Example: He was diagnosed with bronchitis after a persistent cough.

Cancer

• Meaning: A disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body.
• Example: She is undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Mumps

• Meaning: A contagious viral disease causing swelling of the salivary glands.
• Example: Mumps can be prevented with a vaccine.

Rubella

• Meaning: A contagious viral infection best known by its distinctive red rash.
• Example: Rubella is also known as German measles.

Dengue

• Meaning: A mosquito-borne viral disease occurring in tropical and subtropical areas.
• Example: Dengue fever causes severe joint and muscle pain.

HIV/AIDS

• Meaning: A virus that attacks the immune system, the body’s natural defense against illness.
• Example: HIV/AIDS remains a global health issue.

Ebola

• Meaning: A rare but deadly virus that causes severe bleeding, organ failure, and can lead to death.
• Example: The Ebola outbreak required a swift international response.

Zika

• Meaning: A disease caused by Zika virus that’s spread through mosquito bites.
• Example: Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects.

Chickenpox

• Meaning: A highly contagious viral infection causing an itchy, blister-like rash.
• Example: Chickenpox is most common in children.

Smallpox

• Meaning: An eradicated virus that used to be contagious, disfiguring, and often deadly.
• Example: Smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980.

Typhoid

• Meaning: A bacterial infection due to Salmonella typhi causing symptoms such as fever and rash.
• Example: Typhoid fever is contracted by consuming contaminated food or water.

Polio

• Meaning: A viral disease that can affect nerves and can lead to partial or full paralysis.
• Example: Polio has been nearly eradicated through widespread vaccination.

Rabies

• Meaning: A deadly virus spread to people from the saliva of infected animals.
• Example: Rabies can be prevented through vaccination.

Tetanus

• Meaning: A bacterial disease marked by rigidity and spasms of the voluntary muscles.
• Example: Tetanus can enter the body through a puncture wound.

Diphtheria

• Meaning: A serious bacterial infection affecting the mucous membranes of the throat and nose.
• Example: Diphtheria can cause severe breathing problems and heart failure.

Whooping Cough

• Meaning: A contagious bacterial disease chiefly affecting children, characterized by convulsive coughs followed by a whoop.
• Example: Whooping cough can be prevented by vaccination.

Scarlet Fever

• Meaning: A bacterial illness that develops in some people who have strep throat.
• Example: Scarlet fever is characterized by a bright red rash.

Meningitis

• Meaning: Inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
• Example: Meningitis can be caused by viral or bacterial infections.

Syphilis

• Meaning: A chronic bacterial disease that is contracted chiefly by infection during sexual intercourse.
• Example: Syphilis can be effectively treated with antibiotics if detected early.

Gonorrhea

• Meaning: A sexually transmitted bacterial infection that, if untreated, may cause infertility.
• Example: Gonorrhea is preventable with the use of condoms.

Herpes

• Meaning: A viral infection causing sores, typically around the mouth or genitals.
• Example: Herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection.

Lyme Disease

• Meaning: An infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia, spread by ticks.
• Example: Lyme disease can cause serious long-term health problems if not treated.

Yellow Fever

• Meaning: A viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, characterized by fever, chills, and jaundice.
• Example: Yellow fever can be prevented by vaccination.

West Nile Virus

• Meaning: A mosquito-borne virus that can cause encephalitis or meningitis.
• Example: Protecting against mosquito bites helps prevent West Nile Virus.

SARS

• Meaning: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, a viral respiratory illness.
• Example: The SARS outbreak in 2003 led to increased global health precautions.

COVID-19

• Meaning: An infectious disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
• Example: COVID-19 has led to a global pandemic with significant health and economic impacts.

H1N1 (Swine Flu)

• Meaning: A human respiratory infection caused by an influenza strain that started in pigs.
• Example: H1N1 spread rapidly and was declared a pandemic in 2009.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

• Meaning: A viral infection spread from bird to bird, sometimes capable of affecting humans.
• Example: Avian influenza outbreaks can cause severe economic impacts on poultry farming.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• Meaning: A chronic inflammatory lung disease causing obstructed airflow from the lungs.
• Example: COPD is commonly caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoke.

Lupus

• Meaning: An autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue.
• Example: Lupus can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Meaning: A chronic inflammatory disorder affecting many joints, including those in the hands and feet.
• Example: Rheumatoid arthritis can cause painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.

Alzheimer’s Disease

• Meaning: A progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions.
• Example: Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.

Parkinson’s Disease

• Meaning: A neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominantly dopamine-producing neurons in the brain.
• Example: Parkinson’s disease causes tremors, stiffness, and slowing of movement.

Multiple Sclerosis

• Meaning: A disease in which the immune system eats away at the protective covering of nerves.
• Example: Multiple sclerosis can cause permanent damage or deterioration of the nerves.

Crohn’s Disease

• Meaning: A type of inflammatory bowel disease that may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Example: Crohn’s disease can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.

Ulcerative Colitis

• Meaning: A chronic disease of the colon characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the colonic mucosa.
• Example: Ulcerative colitis often results in diarrhea with blood.

Celiac Disease

• Meaning: An immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
• Example: People with celiac disease must follow a strict gluten-free diet.

Psoriasis

• Meaning: A skin disease marked by red, itchy, scaly patches.
• Example: Psoriasis is a chronic condition that can be managed with treatment.

By understanding disease vocabulary, you can become a more informed patient and advocate for your own health. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and express your concerns to your doctor. The more you know, the better equipped you are to navigate your health journey.

Do you have any questions about disease terminology or experiences you’d like to share? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments below!

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