Use the A-Z list to browse more than 6,000 health-related topics in our library. Clicking on a term opens the definition and, in most cases, links to more information.
"Slapped Cheek" is more commonly referred to as "Fifth Disease" in the medical community. Fifth Disease
Also Known As: "Parvovirus B19, Erythema Infectiosum"
Viral disease that usually affects children. Also known as fifth disease, it produces a distinctive red rash on the face that spreads to the trunk, arms, and legs. It is relatively common and mildly contagious. More Information on Fifth Disease: Skin Related Infections
"SLE" is more commonly referred to as "Lupus" in the medical community. Lupus
Also Known As: "Neurological Sequelae Lupus, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus"
A chronic autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation of joints (arthritis), blood vessels (vasculitis), the lining of organs such as the heart (pericarditis) or lungs (pleuritis) and other problems. It also involves skin rashes. More Information on Lupus: Autoimmune Basics
A state of rest in which the body goes through five distinct phases that reduces voluntary movement and response to external stimuli. More Information on Sleep: Sleep
Older people often have problems related to sleep. They may have difficulty falling asleep, and are more likely to sleep less deeply and to awaken frequently at night. Mental and physical illness may be responsible for poor sleep. More Information on Sleep & Aging: Sleep
Children undergo rapid changes to their sleep cycle within the first year of their lives. As they grow, children often go through other normal changes to their sleep that can be baffling to parents. More Information on Sleep & Children: Growth & Development
Sleep problems are among the most common symptoms associated with menopause. Reduced hormone production, hot flashes and mood disorders all contribute to poor sleep at this time of life. Symptoms often continue past menopause. More Information on Sleep & Menopause: Menopause & HRT
Emotional disorders sometimes contribute to poor sleep. For example, depression often triggers bouts of insomnia. In other cases, untreated sleep disorders can lead to emotional, behavioral and cognitive problems. More Information on Sleep & Mental Illness: Sleep
Pregnancy often has a significant impact on a woman's quality of sleep, particularly during the first and third trimesters. Most often, this involves insomnia. However, some pregnant women may also develop other sleep disorders. More Information on Sleep & Pregnancy: Pregnancy Management
Also Known As: "Sleep Disordered Breathing, Apnea, Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea, SDB"
A disorder in which a person's breathing stops and starts many times during sleep. The interruptions last from 10 seconds to two minutes. It is linked to some degree with coronary artery disease, hypertension, heart failure and stroke. More Information on Sleep Apnea: Sleep
Therapies that treat symptoms associated with major types of sleep disorders. Lifestyle changes often are enough to reduce or eliminate symptoms. In other cases, medications, surgery or psychological therapy are necessary. More Information on Sleep Disorder Treatments: Sleep
Also Known As: "Apnea, Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea, SDB"
A disorder in which a person's breathing stops and starts many times during sleep. The interruptions last from 10 seconds to two minutes. It is linked to some degree with coronary artery disease, hypertension, heart failure and stroke. More Information on Sleep Disordered Breathing: Sleep
Any difficulties related to sleeping. These include difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep, falling asleep at inappropriate times and sleeping too much. More than 100 disorders have been identified. More Information on Sleep Disorders: Sleep
Sleep disorders are any difficulties related to sleeping. Abnormal behaviors (parasomnias) are quite common in children and include sleep terror disorder, sleepwalking and REM behavior disorder. More Information on Sleep Disorders & Children: Sleep
"Sleep Enuresis" is more commonly referred to as "Bedwetting" in the medical community. Bedwetting
Also Known As: "Primary Enuresis, Enuresis Nocturna, Enuresis, Noctural Enuresis, Sleep Wetting"
Involuntary urination during sleep. It is normal in infancy but can become a problem in children who have been toilet trained. More Information on Bedwetting: Growth & Development
An overnight test in which measurements of body functions are taken while the patient sleeps. It may be used to diagnose the cause of sleep disorders. More Information on Sleep Study: Sleep
"Sleep Terror Disorder" is more commonly referred to as "Night Terrors" in the medical community. Night Terrors
Also Known As: "Night Terror Disorder, Sleep Terrors"
A sleep disorder in which patients abruptly awaken from sleep in a terrified state during stage three and stage four sleep (deep sleep). The cause is unknown, but they are associated with periods of tension, stress or conflict. More Information on Night Terrors: Sleep
"Sleep Terrors" is more commonly referred to as "Night Terrors" in the medical community. Night Terrors
Also Known As: "Night Terror Disorder, Sleep Terror Disorder"
A sleep disorder in which patients abruptly awaken from sleep in a terrified state during stage three and stage four sleep (deep sleep). The cause is unknown, but they are associated with periods of tension, stress or conflict. More Information on Night Terrors: Sleep
"Sleep Wetting" is more commonly referred to as "Bedwetting" in the medical community. Bedwetting
Also Known As: "Primary Enuresis, Enuresis Nocturna, Enuresis, Noctural Enuresis, Sleep Enuresis"
Involuntary urination during sleep. It is normal in infancy but can become a problem in children who have been toilet trained. More Information on Bedwetting: Growth & Development
"Sleeping Sickness" is more commonly referred to as "Encephalitis Lethargica" in the medical community. Encephalitis Lethargica
Also Known As: "Von Economo's Disease"
A type of encephalitis marked by high fever, headache, double vision, delayed physical and mental response and lethargy. Other symptoms are abnormal eye movements, muscular pains and weakness, behavioral changes, and coma. More Information on Encephalitis Lethargica: Brain Related Infections
Also Known As: "Sleepwalking Disorder, Somnabulism"
Disorder marked by walking or other activity while a person is asleep. It usually occurs during deep, non-REM sleep (stage 3 or stage 4) but also can occur during REM sleep. Fatigue, prior sleep loss and anxiety all may play a role. More Information on Sleepwalking: Sleep
Disorder marked by walking or other activity while a person is asleep. It usually occurs during deep, non-REM sleep (stage 3 or stage 4) but also can occur during REM sleep. Fatigue, prior sleep loss and anxiety all may play a role. More Information on Sleepwalking Disorder: Sleep
A hiatal hernia where a portion of the stomach and a section of the esophagus attached to the stomach slide up through the hole in the diaphragm called the hiatus. More Information on Sliding Hiatal Hernia: GERD & Heartburn
A hiatal hernia where a portion of the stomach and a section of the esophagus attached to the stomach slide up through the hole in the diaphragm called the hiatus. More Information on Sliding Hiatus Hernia: GERD & Heartburn
A set of instructions on how to adjust insulin based on blood glucose test results, meals and/or activity levels. More Information on Sliding Scale: Insulin
"Slipped Disc" is more commonly referred to as "Herniated Disc" in the medical community. Herniated Disc
Also Known As: "Injured Disc, Disc Prolapse, Protruding Disc, Disc Herniation, Ruptured Disc, Prolapsed Disc, Bulging Disc"
A disc in the spine displaced from its normal position in between two vertebrae. Tissue within the disc ruptures and then the disc protrudes into the spinal canal, causing pain, numbness and/or weakness. More Information on Herniated Disc: Back, Neck & Shoulder Pain
An examination technique that uses a low-power microscope combined with a high-intensity light source to focus a slit beam on the eye. This helps reveal structures at the front of the eye. More Information on Slit Lamp Eye Exams: Brain & Nerve Tests
An examination technique that uses a low-power microscope combined with a high-intensity light source to focus a slit beam on the eye. This helps reveal structures at the front of the eye. More Information on Slit Lamp Eye Tests: Brain & Nerve Tests
Also Known As: "RSH/SLO Syndrome, RSH Syndrome, SLOS, RSH/Smith Lemli Opitz Syndrome, Smith Syndrome"
A multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation (MCA/MR) syndrome that is classified as type I (mild) or type II (severe). It may include heart defects such as patent ductus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot or others. More Information on SLO: Pediatric Heart
Also Known As: "RSH/SLO Syndrome, RSH Syndrome, RSH/Smith Lemli Opitz Syndrome, Smith Syndrome, SLO"
A multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation (MCA/MR) syndrome that is classified as type I (mild) or type II (severe). It may include heart defects such as patent ductus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot or others. More Information on SLOS: Pediatric Heart
A type of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). They are used to alter the course of the rheumatoid arthritis and prevent joint and cartilage destruction. They work more slowly than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). More Information on Slow Acting Antirheumatic Drugs: Arthritis
"Slow Channel Blockers" is more commonly referred to as "Calcium Channel Blockers" in the medical community. Calcium Channel Blockers
Also Known As: "CCB, Calcium Antagonists, Calcium Channel Antagonists, Slow Channel Calcium Antagonists"
Medications that block the movement of calcium ions into heart cells and blood vessels. This increases the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart, lowers blood pressure and reduces the heart's workload. More Information on Calcium Channel Blockers: Blood Pressure
"Slow Channel Calcium Antagonists" is more commonly referred to as "Calcium Channel Blockers" in the medical community. Calcium Channel Blockers
Also Known As: "CCB, Calcium Antagonists, Slow Channel Blockers, Calcium Channel Antagonists"
Medications that block the movement of calcium ions into heart cells and blood vessels. This increases the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart, lowers blood pressure and reduces the heart's workload. More Information on Calcium Channel Blockers: Blood Pressure
"Slow Onset Type 1 Diabetes" is more commonly referred to as "Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adulthood" in the medical community. Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adulthood
Also Known As: "LADA, Late Onset Autoimmune Diabetes of Adulthood, Youth Onset Diabetes of Maturity, Autoimmune Diabetes of Adults, Progressive Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, Latent Type 1 Diabetes, Slowly Progressive Type 1 Diabetes"
A form of type 1 diabetes that develops in adults and has some characteristics of type 2 diabetes. It may be referred to as type 1.5 (along with other conditions). Some people diagnosed with type 2 may actually have this condition. More Information on Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adulthood: Type 1 Diabetes Basics
Muscle fibers that develop tension more slowly and to a lesser extent than fast-twitch muscle fibers. These are slower to fatigue than fast-twitch fibers.
"Slowly Progressive Type 1 Diabetes" is more commonly referred to as "Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adulthood" in the medical community. Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adulthood
Also Known As: "LADA, Late Onset Autoimmune Diabetes of Adulthood, Youth Onset Diabetes of Maturity, Autoimmune Diabetes of Adults, Progressive Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, Latent Type 1 Diabetes, Slow Onset Type 1 Diabetes"
A form of type 1 diabetes that develops in adults and has some characteristics of type 2 diabetes. It may be referred to as type 1.5 (along with other conditions). Some people diagnosed with type 2 may actually have this condition. More Information on Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adulthood: Type 1 Diabetes Basics
"SMA" is more commonly referred to as "Spinal Muscular Atrophy" in the medical community. Spinal Muscular Atrophy
A rare genetic disorder that involves the wasting of muscles that affect voluntary movements. It affects walking, swallowing and head and neck control. The condition in inherited and present from birth. There are four types. More Information on Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Pediatric Brain & Nerve
"SMA26" is more commonly referred to as "Serum Metabolic Analysis" in the medical community. Serum Metabolic Analysis
A blood test that measures many different substances (e.g., electrolytes, blood sugar) used in the process of metabolism (converting food into energy). Blood levels indicate how well the liver, kidneys or other organs are functioning.
A series of x-rays of the small intestine following an enema with a barium liquid as a contrast medium. More Information on Small Bowel Enema: Digestive Imaging Tests
Also Known As: "Dedicated Small Bowel Follow Through"
A test in which the patient, after fasting, ingests liquid containing barium (a material that shows opaque during imaging tests) prior to an x-ray of the small intestines. It is often done after a barium swallow assessing the esophagus and stomach. More Information on Small Bowel Follow Through: Digestive Imaging Tests
Also Known As: "Small Bowel Follow Through, Dedicated Small Bowel Follow Through"
A test in which the patient, after fasting, ingests liquid containing barium (a material that shows opaque during imaging tests) prior to an x-ray of the small intestines. It is often done after a barium swallow assessing the esophagus and stomach. More Information on Small Bowel Series: Digestive Imaging Tests
Round little cancer cells that develop from nerve-like cells. It is most commonly found in the lungs, but can also affect the ovaries, cervix, prostate and other organs. More Information on Small Cell Carcinoma: Cancer Basics
Also Known As: "SCLC, Oat Cell Carcinoma, Small Cell Lung Carcinoma, Oat Cell Cancer"
A type of lung cancer that accounts for 20 percent of all lung cancer diagnoses. It spreads more quickly than other types of lung cancer. There are several types of this cancer. More Information on Small Cell Lung Cancer: Lung & Chest Cancer
Also Known As: "SCLC, Oat Cell Carcinoma, Oat Cell Cancer"
A type of lung cancer that accounts for 20 percent of all lung cancer diagnoses. It spreads more quickly than other types of lung cancer. There are several types of this cancer. More Information on Small Cell Lung Carcinoma: Lung & Chest Cancer
The long, slender organ where most digestion occurs. Includes the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. More Information on Small Intestine: Digestive Health Basics
"Small MI" is more commonly referred to as "Subendocardial MI" in the medical community. Subendocardial MI
Also Known As: "Non-Q MI"
A "mini" heart attack. It often results from the closure of a large artery that re-opened before permanent muscle damage could occur, or from the total closure of a smaller, less significant artery. More Information on Subendocardial MI: Cholesterol
A viral disease characterized by a skin rash and a high death rate. Once a common and deadly problem, it has since been eradicated. However, experts fear that terrorists could use the virus as a biological weapon. More Information on Smallpox: Skin Related Infections
"SMI" is more commonly referred to as "Severe Mental Illness" in the medical community. Severe Mental Illness
Any mental disorder than significantly affects the patient's ability to function or quality of life. More Information on Severe Mental Illness: Emotional Health Basics
Also Known As: "Smith Syndrome, RSH/SLO Syndrome, SLO, RSH Syndrome, SLOS, RSH/Smith Lemli Opitz Syndrome"
A multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation (MCA/MR) syndrome that is classified as type I (mild) or type II (severe). It may include heart defects such as patent ductus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot or others. More Information on Smith Lemli Opitz Syndrome: Pediatric Heart
Also Known As: "RSH/SLO Syndrome, SLO, RSH Syndrome, SLOS, RSH/Smith Lemli Opitz Syndrome"
A multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation (MCA/MR) syndrome that is classified as type I (mild) or type II (severe). It may include heart defects such as patent ductus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot or others. More Information on Smith Syndrome: Pediatric Heart
Smoking reduces fertility by its effects on estrogen production and causing abnormalities in eggs. Smoke exposure also harms the developing fetus, because the placenta cannot filter chemicals contained in the smoke. More Information on Smoke Exposure & Pregnancy: Smoking & Tobacco
Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and decreases the amount of vitamins in the skin, increasing damage to elastic fibers and collagen from sun exposure. Exposure to smoke can also cause thinner skin, wrinkles and rashes. More Information on Smoke Exposure & Skin: Smoking & Tobacco
Smokeless tobacco is associated with cancers of the cheek, gums and lining of the lips. Risk of these cancers is increased by about 50 times in users, according to the American Dental Association. More Information on Smokeless Tobacco: Head, Neck & Mouth Cancer
Tobacco smoke is one of the common triggers of asthma, a condition in which the airways become blocked or narrowed, causing shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. More Information on Smoking & Asthma: Smoking & Tobacco
Also Known As: "Tobacco & Black Americans, Cigarettes & Black Americans"
Black American children and teenagers are less likely than white youths to have a smoking habit. However, black American adults continue to be diagnosed with smoking-related diseases at a greater rate than other groups in the United States. More Information on Smoking & Black Americans: Smoking & Tobacco
"Smoking & Cancer Risk" is more commonly referred to as "Tobacco & Cancer Risk" in the medical community. Tobacco & Cancer Risk
Cigarette smoking is believed to cause 87 percent of lung cancers and tobacco use is culpable for most cancers of the mouth, larynx, esophagus and bladder. Quitting tobacco use can dramatically reduce the chance of cancer and many other diseases. More Information on Tobacco & Cancer Risk: Cancer Risk Factors
Smoking has many effects on children. Secondhand smoke may lead to many problems, including asthma. As children age, they may also experiment with smoking directly, potentially leading to a chronic addiction. More Information on Smoking & Children: Smoking & Tobacco
Cigarette smoking is the leading contributor to preventable deaths in the United States.For people with diabetes, it can contribute to numerous diabetic complications. More Information on Smoking & Diabetes: Smoking & Tobacco
Smoking may interfere with the effectiveness of many medications and treatments for mental disorders, including antipsychotics. Many mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, may exacerbate withdrawal symptoms, making it harder to quit. More Information on Smoking & Mental Disorders: Smoking & Tobacco
Smoking can cause a number of adverse effects on the digestive system, including increasing the risk of heartburn, peptic ulcers and Crohn's disease. Smoking also affects the way the liver processes drugs and alcohol. More Information on Smoking & the Digestive System: Smoking & Tobacco
Cigarette smoking is the leading contributor to preventable deaths in the United States. Smoking can result in chronic conditions that affect the heart, circulatory and respiratory systems, contributing or causing more than 25 specific diseases. More Information on Smoking Basics: Smoking & Tobacco
Quitting smoking is not easy. The average person tries to quit five to eight times before actually succeeding. The key to quitting is preparation. More Information on Smoking Cessation: Smoking & Tobacco
Cigarette smoking is the leading contributor to preventable deaths in the United States. More than 430,000 deaths in the United States are due to tobacco use each year, with more than 175,000 deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke alone. More Information on Smoking Related Diseases: Smoking & Tobacco
"Smoldering Leukemia" is more commonly referred to as "Myelodysplastic Syndromes" in the medical community. Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Also Known As: "Myelodysplastic Disorders, Preleukemia"
A condition in which the bone marrow does not function normally and can not produce enough blood cells. More Information on Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Leukemia & Bone Cancer
"Smooth Muscle" is more commonly referred to as "Muscle" in the medical community. Muscle
Also Known As: "Cardiac Muscle"
Specialized fibers in bundles that have the ability to lengthen and shorten (contract) to provide movement and support. Muscles attach to bone by tendons. There are three types: skeletal, smooth and cardiac.
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