Medical Glossary

Describing a condition that has a sudden onset, is often severe, and is of short duration — as opposed to a chronic condition.

A condition in which there is a deficiency of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood, resulting in pallor and fatigue.

The removal of a small sample of tissue from the body for examination under a microscope to aid in diagnosis.

Describing a condition that persists for a long time or is constantly recurring — as opposed to an acute condition.

The identification of a disease, illness, or problem from its signs, symptoms, and investigations.

The obstruction of a blood vessel by a foreign body such as a blood clot or air bubble carried in the bloodstream.

An elevated body temperature, typically above 38°C (100.4°F), that is usually a sign that the body is fighting an infection or illness.

A simple sugar that is the primary source of energy for the body's cells. Blood glucose levels are important in the diagnosis and management of diabetes.

Persistently elevated blood pressure in the arteries, often defined as a reading consistently above 140/90 mmHg.

The body's response to injury or infection, characterised by redness, heat, swelling, and pain.

A yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes caused by an excess of bilirubin in the blood, often indicating liver problems.

A metabolic state in which the body uses fat as its primary energy source, producing ketones, which can occur in uncontrolled diabetes or with very low carbohydrate diets.