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.
"E Coli" is more commonly referred to as "Escherichia Coli" in the medical community. Escherichia Coli
A family of bacterium that cause severe foodborne illness. The most prominent type (E. coli 0157:H7) comes from eating undercooked ground beef. Infection is transmitted by eating undercooked, contaminated foods and person-to-person contact. More Information on Escherichia Coli: Gastroenteritis & Food Illness
"E Coli Infection" is more commonly referred to as "Escherichia Coli Infection" in the medical community. Escherichia Coli Infection
A type of intestinal infection caused by the Escherichia coli bacteria. The most prominent type (E. coli 0157:H7) comes from eating undercooked ground beef. These bacteria may also be spread via contaminated water and cooking utensils. More Information on Escherichia Coli Infection: Gastroenteritis & Food Illness
"EADV" is more commonly referred to as "European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology" in the medical community. European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology
A nonprofit association dedicated to offering European physicians continuing medical education opportunities, specialized information services and professional support networks.
"EAEC" is more commonly referred to as "Enteroaggregative E Coli" in the medical community. Enteroaggregative E Coli
Also Known As: "Enteroaggregative Escherichia Coli"
Bacteria that can stick to intestinal lining in a pattern resembling stacked bricks, causing inflammation and diarrhea. Infection occurs primarily from exposure to the bacteria while traveling in developing countries. More Information on Enteroaggregative E Coli: Gastroenteritis & Food Illness
Also Known As: "Prune Belly Syndrome, Triad Syndrome"
A birth defect where the abdominal muscles are missing. The skin of the abdomen is wrinkled and the outline of the intestines can be seen through the abdominal wall. More Information on Eagle Barrett Syndrome: Birth & Genetic Disorders
"EAR" is more commonly referred to as "Estimated Average Requirement" in the medical community. Estimated Average Requirement
The level of nutrients that meets the estimated nutrient needs of 50 percent of the individuals in a specific life-stage and gender group. More Information on Estimated Average Requirement: Nutrition Basics
Also Known As: "Primary Otalgia, Referred Otalgia, Otaliga, Earache, Ear Pressure"
Pain that is felt in the ear. Many ear conditions may cause pain, including infections, pressure changes, disorders in shared structures (e.g., nose, sinuses, jaw) and shingles that spreads to the facial nerve (Ramsay Hunt Syndrome). More Information on Ear Discomfort: Ear, Eye & Face Pain
An infection that may occur in the inner, middle or outer ear and may involve viral, fungal or bacterial infection. The most common type of ear infection occurs in the middle ear and occurs most frequently in young children. More Information on Ear Infections: Ear Conditions
Also Known As: "Primary Otalgia, Earache, Referred Otalgia, Ear Pressure, Otaliga, Ear Discomfort"
Pain that is felt in the ear. Many ear conditions may cause pain, including infections, pressure changes, disorders in shared structures (e.g., nose, sinuses, jaw) and shingles that spreads to the facial nerve (Ramsay Hunt Syndrome). More Information on Ear Pain: Ear, Eye & Face Pain
Also Known As: "Primary Otalgia, Referred Otalgia, Otaliga, Ear Discomfort, Earache"
Pain that is felt in the ear. Many ear conditions may cause pain, including infections, pressure changes, disorders in shared structures (e.g., nose, sinuses, jaw) and shingles that spreads to the facial nerve (Ramsay Hunt Syndrome). More Information on Ear Pressure: Ear, Eye & Face Pain
A number of conditions may affect children's ears, including infections that form in the ear behind the eardrum. These often cause pain, fever and difficulty hearing. They are very common in young children and frequently occur following a cold. More Information on Ear Related Conditions in Children: Ear Conditions
"Ear Tube Surgery" is more commonly referred to as "Myringotomy" in the medical community. Myringotomy
Also Known As: "Tympanostomy Tubes"
Surgical procedure to drain fluid from the ears and insert tubes in the ear drums, which equalizes pressure between the middle and outer ear. Performed to treat recurring ear infections, which may be related to allergies. More Information on Myringotomy: Ear Conditions
"Ear, Nose & Throat Physician" is more commonly referred to as "Otolaryngologist" in the medical community. Otolaryngologist
Also Known As: "ENT MD, ENT Physician"
Physicians trained in the diagnosis, management and treatment of conditions of the ears, nose and throat and related structures of the head and neck. More Information on Otolaryngologist: Nose & Throat
Also Known As: "Primary Otalgia, Referred Otalgia, Ear Pressure, Otaliga, Ear Discomfort"
Pain that is felt in the ear. Many ear conditions may cause pain, including infections, pressure changes, disorders in shared structures (e.g., nose, sinuses, jaw) and shingles that spreads to the facial nerve (Ramsay Hunt Syndrome). More Information on Earache: Ear, Eye & Face Pain
Developmental stage between the ages of 11 and 13. Attachments are formed to peer groups outside the family. Secondary sex characteristics (e.g., breast development, testicle and penis growth, underarm and pubic hair growth) begin to develop. More Information on Early Adolescence: Puberty & Sexual Maturity
The stage of childhood development that occurs between the ages of 1 and 4. At this stage, they learn to walk, talk, draw and begin to learn the alphabet. They display coordinated movement such as kicking or throwing a ball, running and pedaling. More Information on Early Childhood Development: Growth & Development
"Early Childhood Tooth Decay" is more commonly referred to as "Baby Bottle Tooth Decay" in the medical community. Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Also Known As: "Severe Early Childhood Caries, Bottle Mouth"
Severe tooth decay in infants and young children. The front upper teeth are usually the first affected. More Information on Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Pediatric Dental
"Early Infantile Epileptic Encephalopathy" is more commonly referred to as "Ohtahara Syndrome" in the medical community. Ohtahara Syndrome
A neurological disorder marked by seizures that affects newborns, usually within the first three months of life and most often within the first 10 days. Most cases are caused by lesions or structural damage in the brain. More Information on Ohtahara Syndrome: Epilepsy & Seizure
"Early Periodontal Disease" is more commonly referred to as "Gingivitis" in the medical community. Gingivitis
Inflammation of the gums that is caused by plaque buildup in the mouth. This causes pain and bleeding in the gums. It is reversible, but can lead to a more serious and destructive form of periodontal disease called periodontitis. More Information on Gingivitis: Oral Infections
"Early Pregnancy Loss" is more commonly referred to as "Miscarriage" in the medical community. Miscarriage
Also Known As: "Spontaneous Abortion"
Unplanned termination of a pregnancy before viability of the fetus. It often occurs when the fetus is developing abnormally. Other causes may include infection, uterine defects, hormonal imbalance, drug abuse, smoking or major diseases. More Information on Miscarriage: Fertility Issues
"East African Sleeping Sickness" is more commonly referred to as "African Sleeping Sickness" in the medical community. African Sleeping Sickness
Also Known As: "Gambian Sleeping Sickness, West African Trypanosomiasis, African Trypanosomiasis, Trypanosoma Brucei Rhodesiense, Trypanosoma Brucei Gambiense, West African Sleeping Sickness, East African Trypanosomiasis"
An illness caused by two parasites that trigger different diseases. East African is acute, while West African (Gambian) is chronic. Both are fatal if left untreated. The American form is called Chagas disease. More Information on African Sleeping Sickness: Parasitic Disease
"East African Trypanosomiasis" is more commonly referred to as "African Sleeping Sickness" in the medical community. African Sleeping Sickness
Also Known As: "Gambian Sleeping Sickness, West African Trypanosomiasis, African Trypanosomiasis, Trypanosoma Brucei Rhodesiense, Trypanosoma Brucei Gambiense, East African Sleeping Sickness, West African Sleeping Sickness"
An illness caused by two parasites that trigger different diseases. East African is acute, while West African (Gambian) is chronic. Both are fatal if left untreated. The American form is called Chagas disease. More Information on African Sleeping Sickness: Parasitic Disease
A mosquito-borne viral disease occurring in the Eastern half of the United States that causes disease in humans, horses and some birds. It has a high mortality rate and half of survivors have mild to severe permanent neurologic damage. More Information on Eastern Equine Encephalitis: Brain Related Infections
Disorders related to psychological and physiological disturbances in appetite and food intake, resulting in adverse effects on the patient's physical health. More Information on Eating Disorders: Eating Disorders
"EBCT" is more commonly referred to as "Ultrafast Computed Tomography" in the medical community. Ultrafast Computed Tomography
Also Known As: "Calcium CT, Ultrafast CT, Electron Beam Computed Tomography, Heart Scan, Ultrafast Heart Scan"
A test that takes multiple clear pictures of the beating heart and the coronary arteries. It also locates and measures the calcium deposits in the coronary arteries, which may provide an indication of how much hard (calcified) plaque is present. More Information on Ultrafast Computed Tomography: Heart Imaging & Rhythm Tests
Also Known As: "Ebola Virus Infection, Ebola Sudan, Ebola Reston, Ebola Ivory Coast, Ebola Zaire"
A severe, deadly disease in humans and nonhuman primates that is caused by infection with Ebola virus, named after a river in Africa where it was first recognized. There are four subtypes -- Zaire, Sudan and Ivory Coast (found in humans), and Reston. More Information on Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever: Tropical Disease
Also Known As: "Ebola Zaire, Ebola Virus Infection, Ebola Sudan, Ebola Reston"
A severe, deadly disease in humans and nonhuman primates that is caused by infection with Ebola virus, named after a river in Africa where it was first recognized. There are four subtypes -- Zaire, Sudan and Ivory Coast (found in humans), and Reston. More Information on Ebola Ivory Coast: Tropical Disease
Also Known As: "Ebola Ivory Coast, Ebola Zaire, Ebola Virus Infection, Ebola Sudan"
A severe, deadly disease in humans and nonhuman primates that is caused by infection with Ebola virus, named after a river in Africa where it was first recognized. There are four subtypes -- Zaire, Sudan and Ivory Coast (found in humans), and Reston. More Information on Ebola Reston: Tropical Disease
Also Known As: "Ebola Reston, Ebola Ivory Coast, Ebola Zaire, Ebola Virus Infection"
A severe, deadly disease in humans and nonhuman primates that is caused by infection with Ebola virus, named after a river in Africa where it was first recognized. There are four subtypes -- Zaire, Sudan and Ivory Coast (found in humans), and Reston. More Information on Ebola Sudan: Tropical Disease
Also Known As: "Ebola Sudan, Ebola Reston, Ebola Ivory Coast, Ebola Zaire"
A severe, deadly disease in humans and nonhuman primates that is caused by infection with Ebola virus, named after a river in Africa where it was first recognized. There are four subtypes -- Zaire, Sudan and Ivory Coast (found in humans), and Reston. More Information on Ebola Virus Infection: Tropical Disease
Also Known As: "Ebola Virus Infection, Ebola Sudan, Ebola Reston, Ebola Ivory Coast"
A severe, deadly disease in humans and nonhuman primates that is caused by infection with Ebola virus, named after a river in Africa where it was first recognized. There are four subtypes -- Zaire, Sudan and Ivory Coast (found in humans), and Reston. More Information on Ebola Zaire: Tropical Disease
A rare birth defect in which the heart's tricuspid valve, located between the upper-right and lower-right chambers of the heart, is deformed and misplaced. Oxygen-poor blood mixes with oxygen-rich blood and the body does not receive enough oxygen. More Information on Ebstein Malformation: Pediatric Heart
A rare birth defect in which the heart's tricuspid valve, located between the upper-right and lower-right chambers of the heart, is deformed and misplaced. Oxygen-poor blood mixes with oxygen-rich blood and the body does not receive enough oxygen. More Information on Ebstein's Anomaly: Pediatric Heart
"EBV" is more commonly referred to as "Epstein Barr Virus" in the medical community. Epstein Barr Virus
Also Known As: "Epstein Barr Virus Infection, EBV Infection"
A member of the herpesvirus family. Infection during adolescence or young adulthood often causes infectious mononucleosis and symptoms such as fever and swollen lymph glands. More Information on Epstein Barr Virus: Nose & Throat
"EBV Infection" is more commonly referred to as "Epstein Barr Virus" in the medical community. Epstein Barr Virus
Also Known As: "Epstein Barr Virus Infection, EBV"
A member of the herpesvirus family. Infection during adolescence or young adulthood often causes infectious mononucleosis and symptoms such as fever and swollen lymph glands. More Information on Epstein Barr Virus: Nose & Throat
"ECC" is more commonly referred to as "Cardiopulmonary Bypass" in the medical community. Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Also Known As: "Cardiopulmonary Bypass Circuit, Extracorporeal Circulation"
The process by which a heart-lung machine takes over the functions of the heart and lungs once the heart has been carefully stopped during an open-heart surgery. More Information on Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Bypass Surgery
"Ecchymoses" is more commonly referred to as "Purpura" in the medical community. Purpura
Also Known As: "Petechiae"
Purplish discoloration in the skin caused when small vessels bleed near the surface of the skin. Small spots are known as petechiae and larger spots are known as ecchymoses. More Information on Purpura: Skin Discoloration
"ECG" is more commonly referred to as "Electrocardiogram" in the medical community. Electrocardiogram
Also Known As: "Electrocardiography, Resting EKG, EKG, Cardiogram, Resting Electrocardiogram"
A painless, very common test that records the heart's electrical activity as a graph on a moving strip of paper or video monitor. More Information on Electrocardiogram: Heart Imaging & Rhythm Tests
Also Known As: "Purple Coneflower, Echinacea purpurea"
A plant believed by some to have an ability to boost the immune system. It is therefore marketed in a number cold and flu prevention and treatment products. However, there is little scientific evidence regarding its effectiveness. More Information on Echinacea: Herbs & Supplements
A plant believed by some to have an ability to boost the immune system. It is therefore marketed in a number cold and flu prevention and treatment products. However, there is little scientific evidence regarding its effectiveness. More Information on Echinacea purpurea: Herbs & Supplements
Also Known As: "Echocardiography, Transthoracic Echocardiogram, Cardiac Ultrasound"
A test that uses sound waves to produce a moving image of the patient's beating heart on a video screen. The physician can study the heart's thickness, size and function, as well as the motion pattern and structure of the four heart valves. More Information on Echocardiogram: Heart Imaging & Rhythm Tests
Also Known As: "Transthoracic Echocardiogram, Cardiac Ultrasound"
A test that uses sound waves to produce a moving image of the patient's beating heart on a video screen. The physician can study the heart's thickness, size and function, as well as the motion pattern and structure of the four heart valves. More Information on Echocardiography: Heart Imaging & Rhythm Tests
A type of enterovirus associated with diseases such as viral meningitis, mild respiratory disorders and diarrhea. It affects children more often than adults. More Information on Echovirus Infection: Brain Related Infections
A group of conditions that may occur in pregnant women from the 20th week of gestation through the first week postpartum. It involves High blood pressure, seizures and coma. About 1 in 200 women with preeclampsia develop this condition. More Information on Eclampsia: Pregnancy Basics
"Economy Class Syndrome" is more commonly referred to as "Deep Vein Thrombosis" in the medical community. Deep Vein Thrombosis
Also Known As: "DVT"
The formation of an obstructing blood clot in the deep veins embedded in the muscles, usually in the lower leg and sometimes in the lower abdomen or groin. A type of thrombophlebitis, DVT may cause no symptoms and can result in permanent vein damage. More Information on Deep Vein Thrombosis: Vascular Disease
"ECP" is more commonly referred to as "Enhanced External Counterpulsation" in the medical community. Enhanced External Counterpulsation
Also Known As: "External Counterpulsation, EECP"
A noninvasive procedure used to treat angina. Air cuffs are wrapped around the legs to gently compress the blood vessels between heartbeats, forcing blood back to the heart. This increases blood flow to the heart and reduces the hearts workload. More Information on Enhanced External Counterpulsation: Cholesterol
Also Known As: "Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine"
A recreational drug that increases the release of neurotransmitters in the brain, resulting in hallucinations and feelings of ecstasy, euphoria, openness and well-being. Often used as a date-rate drug. More Information on Ecstasy: Alcohol & Substance Abuse
"ECT" is more commonly referred to as "Electroconvulsive Therapy" in the medical community. Electroconvulsive Therapy
Also Known As: "Convulsive Therapy, Electroconvulsive Shock Therapy, Electroshock Therapy, Shock Therapy"
A rare and controversial procedure that uses an electric current to produce a seizure. Used in the treatment of certain mental disorders, including severe depression, acute mania and severe forms of schizophrenia. More Information on Electroconvulsive Therapy: Therapy & Support
A severe type of nonbullous impetigo, a common, contagious, superficial skin infection that is produced by bacteria such as streptococcus and staphylococcus. More Information on Ecthyma: Skin Related Infections
Also Known As: "ED Syndromes, ED, Ectodermal Dysplasia Syndromes"
A hereditary condition that mostly affects males (x-linked) and is characterized by abnormal development of the skin, hair, nails and teeth, and sweat glands. Patients have difficulty maintaining an appropriate body temperature. More Information on Ectodermal Dysplasia: Perspiration & Chafing
A hereditary condition that mostly affects males (x-linked) and is characterized by abnormal development of the skin, hair, nails and teeth, and sweat glands. Patients have difficulty maintaining an appropriate body temperature. More Information on Ectodermal Dysplasia Syndromes: Perspiration & Chafing
Also Known As: "Ovarian Pregnancy, Tubal Pregnancy, Abdominal Pregnancy, Cervical Pregnancy, Interstitial Pregnancy"
Pregnancy in which a fertilized egg develops outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes (interstitial) but sometimes in the cervix, ovary or abdomen. The embryo must be removed to prevent rupture of internal organs. More Information on Ectopic Pregnancy: Pregnancy Basics
"Ectopics" is more commonly referred to as "Extrasystoles" in the medical community. Extrasystoles
Also Known As: "Premature Beats, Premature Contractions"
Heart beats caused by electrical pacing signals that do not originate in the sinus node (the heart's natural pacemaker). They may originate in the atria (PACs), ventricles (PVSs) or the AV junction (PJCs). More Information on Extrasystoles: Arrhythmia
Inflammatory skin disease with lesions that usually appear very dry, thickened or scaly. Eczema caused by allergies is called atopic dermatitis. More Information on Eczema: Dermatitis, Eczema & Hives
Inflammatory skin disease with lesions that usually appear very dry, thickened or scaly that occurs in children. When caused by allergies, it is called atopic dermatitis. More Information on Eczema & Children: Dermatitis, Eczema & Hives
A severe, potentially life-threatening infection of a pre-existing skin disease that may trigger symptoms such as fever, malaise and a widespread crusted, blistering rash. Also known as Kaposi varicelliform eruption. More Information on Eczema Herpeticum: Dermatitis, Eczema & Hives
"Eczema Marginatum" is more commonly referred to as "Jock Itch" in the medical community. Jock Itch
Also Known As: "Dhobie Itch, Tinea Cruris, Gym Itch"
A common fungal skin infection that may affect the skin of the genitals, inner thighs and buttocks. It is characterized by an itchy, red, often ring-shaped rash in these warm, moist areas of the body. More Information on Jock Itch: Skin Related Infections
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