Medical Dictionary

Health Glossary

Demystifying medical language. Browse or search for clear, human-centered explanations of common medical terms.

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Oxygen Saturation

A measurement that shows how much oxygen the blood is carrying. Low oxygen saturation may occur in: Related:

Painkiller

A medicine used to reduce pain. Different painkillers work in different ways and may have side effects if misused. Related:

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Pandemic

An epidemic that spreads across multiple countries or continents. Pandemics affect large populations and often require coordinated public health responses.…

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Papule

A papule is a small, solid, inflamed bump on the skin. Papules develop when a blocked hair follicle becomes inflamed.…

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Paralysis

Loss of muscle movement in part or all of the body. Paralysis may occur because of: Related:

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Parasite

An organism that lives in or on another living organism and depends on it for survival. Some parasites can cause…

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Pillow protector

A pillow protector is a removable fabric cover placed over a pillow and beneath the pillowcase to help protect the…

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Pimple

A pimple is a common, non-medical term for a visible acne lesion, such as a papule or pustule. Most people…

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Pneumonia

An infection that affects the lungs and can make breathing difficult. Symptoms may include: Pneumonia can range from mild to…

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Pore

A pore is a tiny opening on the surface of the skin through which sweat and sebum reach the skin.…

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Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a darkened area of skin that remains after inflammation or injury has healed. After an acne…

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Prognosis

An estimate of how a disease or condition is likely to progress over time. Prognosis may depend on: Related:

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Protein

An essential nutrient used for growth, repair, and body function. Protein helps build: Related:

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Pustule

A pustule is a small, raised skin lesion filled with pus. Pustules can occur in acne, bacterial infections, fungal infections,…

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Rash

A visible change in the skin. A rash may appear as: Rashes can result from infection, allergy, irritation, or disease.…

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Receptor

A receptor is a specialised molecule or cell that detects and responds to a specific signal. Some receptors are located…

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Respiratory System

The body system involved in breathing and oxygen exchange. It includes: Related:

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Rheumatoid Arthritis

A chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. It may lead to: Related:

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Risk Factor

Anything that increases the chance of developing a disease or health problem. Risk factors may be: Related:

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Sanitation

Systems and practices that help maintain clean and healthy living conditions. Good sanitation helps reduce the spread of disease. Examples…

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Sarcoma

A type of cancer that develops in connective tissues. It may affect: Related:

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Scar

A scar is an area of fibrous tissue that replaces normal tissue as part of the body’s healing process after…

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Screening

Medical testing used to look for disease before symptoms appear. Screening can help detect illnesses early when treatment may work…

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Sebaceous gland

A sebaceous gland is a small oil-producing gland attached to a hair follicle that releases sebum onto the surface of…

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