Diseases and Medical Terms.pdf

7/27/2019 Diseases and Medical Terms.pdf

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24/10/2013 Diseases and Medical Terms

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DISEASES AND MEDICAL TERMS IN OLD DOCUMENTS

Use this table to help interpret older medical records and other documents citing unfamiliar medical terms.

Term Definition

Abscess An Abcess forms when pus accumulates in a localized area of the body. An abcess is caused

by infection from bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. The infection becomes swollen,

tender and inflamed and there may be associated fever and chills. An abcess can be the result

of an injury, and it can be internal or external. Some abcesses are removed through surgery.

Acute Mania. Insanity.

Addison's

Disease

A disease characterized by severe weakness, low blood pressure, gastrointestinal problems

and a brownish pigmentation of the skin resulting from the decreased secretion of cortisol

from the adrenal gland.

Ague Malarial or intermittent fever characterized by stages of chills, fever, and sweating at regularly

recurring times and followed by an interval or intermission of varying duration. Also called

fever and ague, chill fever, the shakes, and swamp fever.Ague-cake Enlargement of the spleen, resulting from the effects of malaria.

American

Plague

American Plague, also called Yellow Fever, is a viral disease transmitted to man by a specific

type of mosquito, Aedes aegypti. This mosquito type is commonly found in the tropical

forests of South America and Africa. Both the Aedes mosquito and the yellow fever virus

must be present together to spread the disease.

Anasarca Generalized massive dropsy, also known as adema. It is the accumulation of fluid in the body;

it may affect all parts of the body although it commonly occurs in the feet and ankles. The

bloating and swelling causes muscle aches and pains. Edema may be caused by allergies or

disorders of the kidney, bladder, heart, or liver.

Anemia Anemia occurs when the blood's ability to carry oxygen is reduced. A low red blood cell

count will manifest as weakness, dizziness,paleness, depression, instability, soreness of

mouth, and amennorhea. The mineral iron is critical because iron makes hemoglobin, which is

the oxygen-carrying component of blood. Without sufficient iron intake, the function of rbc's

will be impaired. Anemia can be difficult to recognize but the first symptoms might include

loss of appetite, headaches, constipation, irritability, and difficulty with concentration.

Aphonia Aphonia, also called laryngitis, exists when a person has no voice or has lost their voice due

to an inflammation of the larynx.

Apoplexy Apoplexy results in a sudden loss of consciousness followed by paralysis caused by

hemorrhage into the brain, formation of an embolus or thrombus, that occludes an artery, or

rupture of an extracerebral artery causing subarachnoid hemorrhage. Symptoms: Onset is

acute. Unconsciousness. Labored breathing due to paralysis of portion of the soft palate;

expiration puffs out the cheeks and mouth. Pupils sometimes unequal, the larger one being on

the side of the hemorrhage. Paralysis usually involves one side of the body, with eyeballs

turned away from the affected side, skin covered with clay sweat, surface temperature of the

skin is often subnormal; speech disturbances. Onset more gradual if caused by a thrombosis.


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Aphthae Thrush is a disease characterized by whitish spots and ulcers on the membranes of the mouth,

tongue, and fauces caused by a parasitic fungus. Also called aphthae, sore mouth, aphthous

stomatitis.

Aphthous

stomatitis

These are painful mouth ulcerations that appear on the tongue, inside the cheeks, and on the

lips and gums. They have white centers with a red border, and their size can be as large as a

quarter. They usually appear and leave quickly (4 to 20 days). Triggers include: stress, food

allergies, poor dental hygiene, and fatigue.

Ascites Ascites is another term for dropsy, also known as adema. It is the accumulation of fluid in the

body; it may affect all parts of the body although it commonly occurs in the feet and ankles.

The bloating and swelling causes muscle aches and pains. Edema may be caused by allergies

or disorders of the kidney, bladder, heart, or liver.

Asthenia Abnormal bodily weakness or feebleness; decay of strength. This was a term descriptive of a

patient's condition and of no help in making a diagnosis. Also called asthenia.

Bad Blood An old term for syphilis, which is an infectious venereal disease. Untreated, it can ultimately

lead to the degeneration of bones, heart, nerve tissue, etc. In earlier centuries syphilis

commonly reached the third stage, which is rare today, and caused brain damage, hearing

loss, heart disease, and/or blindness occur.

Bilious fever Another term used in place of typhus, which is an acute, infectious disease transmitted by lice

and fleas. Symptoms include headache, arthralgia and myalgia, chills, high fever, falling blood

pressure, stupor, delirium, rash that begins on chest and spreads to rest of trunk and

extremities The early rash is faint and rose colored and fades with pressure. Later the lesions

become dull red and do not fade. People with severe typhus may also develop petechiae.

Also called typhus fever, malignant fever, jail fever, hospital fever, putrid fever, ship fever,brain fever, bilious fever, spotted fever, and camp fever. It is also a term loosely applied to

other intestinal and malarial fevers.

Biliousness Biliousness is a condition in which the bile (which is very bitter) is brought up to the mouth

from the stomach.

Black Death Another term used to indicate Bubonic plague, a disease that has had a major impact on the

history of the world. Caused by the bacterium, Yersinia pestis, and transmitted by fleas often

found on rats, bubonic plague has killed over 50 million people over the centuries. Burrowing

rodent populations across the world keep the disease present in the world today. Outbreaks,

though often small, still occur in many places. The use of antibiotics and increased scientificknowledge first gained in the 1890s have reduced the destruction of plague outbreaks. In

Medieval times, with the unknowing help of humans, bubonic plague exploded into a

pandemic. Known as the 'Black Death', it decimated Europe in 1350, killing 1/3 of the

population. It disrupted government, trade, and commerce. It reshaped peoples perspectives

on life and Christianity, and found expression in many works of art. Bubonic plagues

influence and effects have shaped events of the past and part of our world today.

Blood Poisoning Blood poisoning, also called Septicemia is when toxins or disease-causing bacteria begin


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growing in the blood.

Boil A boil may also be called a furuncle. It appears as a tender, pus-filled area of skin that

appears suddenly. Symptoms of boil formation include: itching, mild pain, and localized

swelling. The nearest lymph glands to the boil also becomes swollen. Causes include:

bacterial infection, stress, illness, decreased immunity, toxicity, allergy, and thyroid imbalance.

A carbuncle is a cluster of boils which have spread through infection.

Brain Fever Meningitis is an infection of the three membranes, the meninges, that lie between the brain and

the skull. The disease is contagious. It can be caused by poor nutrition and any number of

viruses such as poliomyelitis and measles, fungi including yeast, or bacteria like

meningococcus, pneumococcus, streptococcus, and tuberculosis. It may result from severe

infection of the nose and throat or spread through the bloodstream. It is more common in

children than adults. Early symptoms are: sore throat, red or purple skin rash, and signs of a

previous, recent respiratory disorder. Other classic symptoms include stiff neck, headache,

high fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, delirium, and sensitivity to light. Change in temperament

and sleepiness signal changes in the cerebral fluid and frequently precede coma and death. An

acute, infectious disease transmitted by lice and fleas. The epidemic or classic form is louse

borne; the endemic or murine is flea borne.Bronchial

asthma

Asthma is caused by the spasms in the smooth muscles surrounding the bronchi and

bronchioles (small airways in the lungs), causing the passageways to partially close. The

spasms are accompanied with increased mucus which clogs the bronchioles/bronchi and

worsens the attack. It is triggered by an allergic response and the immune system produces

histamine; thus, any type of allergen can precipitate an asthma attack. It results in difficulty

breathing (especially exhalation), coughing, wheezing, and a tight chest. This above condition

is specifically known as bronchial asthma. Cardiac asthma is the result of a heart malfunction.

Bubonic Plague Bubonic plague has had a major impact on the history of the world. Caused by the bacterium,

Yersinia pestis, and transmitted by fleas often found on rats, bubonic plague has killed over50 million people over the centuries. Burrowing rodent populations across the world keep the

disease present in the world today. Outbreaks, though often small, still occur in many places.

The use of antibiotics and increased scientific knowledge first gained in the 1890s have

reduced the destruction of plague outbreaks. In Medieval times, with the unknowing help of

humans, bubonic plague exploded into a pandemic. Known as the 'Black Death', it decimated

Europe in 1350, killing 1/3 of the population. It disrupted government, trade, and commerce.

It reshaped peoples perspectives on life and Christianity, and found expression in many

works of art. Bubonic plagues influence and effects have shaped events of the past and part

of our world today.

Camp fever An acute, infectious disease transmitted by lice and fleas. The epidemic or classic form is louse

borne; the endemic or murine is flea borne. Also called typhus fever, malignant fever (in the

1850s), jail fever, hospital fever, ship fever, putrid fever, brain fever, bilious fever, spotted fever,

petechial fever, camp fever.

Cancer A malignant and invasive growth or tumor. In the nineteenth century, cancerous tumors tended to


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ulcerate, grew constantly, and progressed to a fatal end and that there was scarcely a tissue they

would not invade. Also called a malignant growth, carcinoma.

Cancrum otis A severe, destructive, eroding ulcer of the cheek and lip. In the last century it was seen in

delicate, ill-fed, ill-tended children between the ages of two and five. The disease was the result

of poor hygiene. It was often fatal. The disease could, in a few days, lead to gangrene of the lips,

cheeks, tonsils, palate, tongue, and even half the face; teeth would fall from their sockets.

Synonyms: canker, water canker, noma, gangrenous stomatitis, gangrenous ulceration of the

mouth.

Canine

Madness

Hydorphobia.

Canker An ulcerous sore of the mouth and lips, not considered fatal today.

Carcinoma Cancer that begins in skin or tissues that line the inside or cover the outside of internal organs.

Carditis Inflammation of the heart wall.

Catalepsy Similar to a catatonic state, catalepsy occurs when a subject freezes in almost any abnormal

posture in which he or she is placed (waxy flexibility). In earlier centuries observers thought they

were seized or in a trance.

Catarrh Inflammation of a mucous membranes in the air passages of the head and throat Bronchial

catarrh was bronchitis; suffocative catarrh was croup; urethral catarrh was gleet; vaginal catarrh

was leukorrhea; epidemic catarrh was the same as influenza. Also called cold, coryza.

Chlorosis iron deficiency anemia

Cholera An acute, infectious disease characterized by profuse diarrhea, vomiting, and cramps. Cholera is

spread by feces-contaminated water and food.

Cholera

infantum

A common, noncontagious diarrhea of young children, occurring in summer or autumn. It was

common among the poor and in hand-fed babies. Death frequently occurred in three to fivedays. Also called: summer complaint, weaning brash, water gripes, choleric fever of children,

cholera morbus.

Chorea Any of several diseases of the nervous system, characterized by jerky movements that appear to

be well coordinated but are performed involuntarily, chiefly of the face and extremities. Also

called: Saint Vitus' Dance.

Chlorosis A form a anemia in which there is a serious iron deficency. The iron in blood helps carry oxygen

to all the tissues in the body. Without this iron, the body cant use the oxygen you breathe. Iron is

an important part of hemoglobin, a compound in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the

lungs to the rest of the body and returns carbon dioxide, a waste product from the rest of thebody, to the lungs where it is breathed out. When someone is anemic, they dont have enough

red blood cells. The most common cause of anemia is not having enough iron to form a normal

amount of hemoglobin.

Cholera Aacute gastro-intestinal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It has a short

incubation period of one to five days and causes watery diarrhoea leading to severe dehydration

and death if treatment is not provided rapidly. Vomiting occurs in most cases. However, less

than 10 percent of the infected suffer moderate or severe dehydration and most never develop

the full symptoms. Cholera is spread through contaminated water and food.


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Chorea A nervous disorcer. Also called St. Vitus' Dance

Chronic

Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation or irritation of the airways in the lungs, the bronchial tubes.

When the airways are irritated, thick mucus forms in the tubes, causing a restriction and limiting

air flow into the lungs. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis include a cough that produces mucus

(sometimes called sputum), trouble breathing and a feeling of tightness in the chest. Smoking or

polluted air is the main cause of chronic bronchitis. Pollutants such as smoke, chemical fumes or

dust are breathed into the lungs, irritating the airways which then produce the mucus.

Colic Paroxysmal pain in the abdomen or bowels. Infantile colic is benign paroxysmal abdominal pain

during the first three months of life. Colic rarely caused death. Renal colic can occur from disease

in the kidney, gallstone colic from a stone in the bile duct.

Congestion An excessive or abnormal accumulation of blood or other fluid in a body part or blood vessel. In

congestive fever the internal organs become gorged with blood.

Congestive

Fever

Another term for malaria, which is an acute and sometimes chronic infectious disease due to the

presence of protozoan parasites within red blood cells. These parasites are discharged through

salivary ducts when the mosquito bites a person. The causative organism is transmitted through

bites of infected female mosquitoes of the genus anopheles. Also may be transmitted by blood

transfusion. The incubation period averages 12 days to 30 days. Symptoms: Various

derangements of the digestive and nervous systems; characterized by periodicity, chills, fever,

and sweats in the order mentioned, having pathological manifestations of progressive anemia,

splenic enlargement, and deposition in various organs of a melanin, resulting from biological

activity of the parasite.

Consumption An old term for pulmonary tuberculosis, also called marasmus in the mid-nineteenth century,

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that is usually caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium

tuberculosis. Infection may result from inhalation of minute droplets of infected sputum which are

given off by coughing, talking, or sneezing. Tuberculosis most often affects the lungs and the

plurae, however, bones and kidneys may also be affected and sometimes the intestines, spleenand liver. In most cases the infection involves the top of the lungs, where, if the infected person is

not immune, the bacteria grow freely with in the body and spread from the lungs to other parts of

the body. Eventually the patient develops immunity and the bacteria stop spreading. They

become surrounded by scar tissue and do not cause further damage. At a later stage, the

protective layer of scar tissue may break down. It is well established that poor nitrition is one of

the primary causes of TB in conjuntion with unsanitary living conditions, loss of sleep, overwork

and a sedentary lifestyle which all contribute to a lowered immune system as well. SYMPTOMS:

Initially resemble influenza, which may include a cough. Mild symptoms include fatigue and

appitite and weight loss. More severe symptoms include fever, increased perspiration or severenight sweats, chronic fatigue, continued weight loss, chest pain, shortness of breath and infected

urine. In advanced cases, coughing up blood is initially seen.

Convulsions Severe contortion of the body caused by violent, involuntary muscular contractions of the

extremities, trunk, and head.

Corruption An old term for an infection. Infection occurs when disease-causing microorganisms (bacteria,

viruses, or fungi) establis a colony in the body. They begin to reproduce and damage the other

cells of the body either directly or indirectly through the toxins released from the microorganisms.


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Their presence usually elicits an immune response from the body. Sometimes, these

microorganisms spread throughout the body causing a systemic infection; other times, the

infection remains localized.

Coryza Coryza, an old term for the common cold, is an inflammation of a mucous membranes in the air

passages of the head and throat Bronchial catarrh was bronchitis; suffocative catarrh was croup;

urethral catarrh was gleet; vaginal catarrh was leukorrhea; epidemic catarrh was the same as

influenza.

Costiveness Another word for constipation, a condition resulting from slow moving wastes through the colon.

Causes include: lack of fiber; lack of fluids; side effect of iron supplements, pain killers, and

antidepressants; and pregnancy.

Cramp Colic An old term for appendicitis, which is an inflammation of the appendix, a small intestinal pouch

that extends from the cecum, the first part of the large intestine. The appendix has no known

function, but it can become diseased. Infection appears for unknown reasons, usually with

bacteria from the intestinal tract. The appendix may become obstructed from contents moving

through intestinal tract, or by a constricting band of tissue. When infected, it becomes swollen,

inflamed and filled with pus. Death can result from possible complication, including a rupturing of

the appendix, abscess formation and peritonitis. This is more common in older persons. Acommon cause of death in earlier centuries.

Croup. Croup is an inflammation and swelling of the larynx and surrounding tissues. Usually due to a viral

infection. There is a typical "barking" cough and breathing may be labored. Usually affects

younger children, commonly under 6 years of age.

Debility Abnormal bodily weakness or feebleness; decay of strength. This was a term descriptive of a

patient's condition and of no help in making a diagnosis. Also called asthenia.

Dementia

Paralytica

Gradual loss of function of the brain and nervous system, leading to dementia and paralysis, and

resulting from tertiary syphilis. If untreated, death normally occurs 2-3 years after the first

appearance of mental deterioration, and 10-20 years after infection.

Diphtheria An acute infectious disease acquired by contact with an infected person or a carrier of the

disease. It was usually confined to the upper respiratory tract (throat) and characterized by the

formation of a tough membrane (false membrane) attached firmly to the underlying tissue that

would bleed if forcibly removed. In the nineteenth century the disease was occasionally confused

with scarlet fever and croup.

Diverticulitis This condition is characterized by small, pouch-like formations of the large intestine formed when

the mucous membranes of the colon become inflamed. These pouches, or diverticula, often form

with constipation and they cause symptoms when the waste matter becomes trapped in the

pouches, which then become infected and inflamed. Poor diet and stress are major contrbuters to

diverticulitis. Symptoms include: cramping, tenderness on the left side of the abdomen which is

relieved with a bowel movement or with passing gas, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea.

Dropsy Dropsy, also known as adema, it is the accumulation of fluid in the body; it may affect all parts of

the body although it commonly occurs in the feet and ankles. The bloating and swelling causes

muscle aches and pains. Edema may be caused by allergies or disorders of the kidney, bladder,


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heart, or liver.

Dysentery Dysentery describes a group of infections characterized by inflammation of the small and large

intestine with diarrhea often containing blood. The two main types are amoebic dysentery of the

tropics and bacillary dysentery which occurs throughout the world.

Dysepsia Acid indigestion.

Eclampsia The occurrence of seizures that are not attributed to another cause during pregnancy (usually

in the 3rd trimester).

Effluvia Exhalations. In the mid-nineteenth century, they were called "vapours" and distinguished into

the contagious effluvia, such as rubeolar (measles); marsh effluvia, such as miasmata.

Emphysema A chronic, irreversible disease of the lungs.

Enteric fever Typhoid fever An infectious, often-fatal disease, usually occurring in the summer months--

characterized by intestinal inflammation and ulceration. The name came from the disease's

similarity to typhus. Also called typhoid fever.Enteritis Enteritis is an inflammation of the small intestine caused by a bacterial or viral infection. The

inflammation frequently also involves the stomach (gastritis) and large intestine (colitis).

Epilepsy Epilepsy is characterized by seizures, of which there are several types. Seizures are caused

by electrical disturbances of nerve cells in one area of the brain. 75% of seizures begin in

childhood. The cause of epilepsy is often unknown. Some causes may include: infection,

meningitis, rickets, rabies, tetanus, malnutrition, hypoglycemia, sports injuries, head injuries,

fevers, and allergies. A disorder of the nervous system, characterized either by mild, episodic

loss of attention or sleepiness (petittnal) or by severe convulsions with loss of consciousness.

Also called a grand mal seizure, falling sickness, fits.Erysipelas Erysipelas is an infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue caused by streptococcus. This

condition causes systemic (whole body) symptoms including fever, chills, nausea, and

vomiting.

Extravasted

blood

A ruptured blood vessel.

Falling Sickness An old term used for epilepsy. Epilepsy is characterized by seizures, of which there areseveral types. Seizures are caused by electrical disturbances of nerve cells in one area of the

brain. 75% of seizures begin in childhood. The cause of epilepsy is often unknown. Some

causes may include: infection, meningitis, rickets, rabies, tetanus, malnutrition, hypoglycemia,

sports injuries, head injuries, fevers, and allergies. A disorder of the nervous system,

characterized either by mild, episodic loss of attention or sleepiness (petittnal) or by severe

convulsions with loss of consciousness. Also called a grand mal seizure, falling sickness, fits.

Fatty Liver Another term for cirrhosis of the liver. Although cirrhosis is normally associated with alcohol

abuse, the term cirrhosis refers to the replacement of liver cells by non-functioning, fibrous


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tissues and shrinking of the liver, all of which occur when liver cells cease functioning.

Malnutrition, prolonged obstruction of the flow of bile, congestive heart failure and syphilis

may also lead to cirrhosis.

Flux A term given to a number of disorders marked by inflammation of the intestines (especially of

the colon). There are two specific varieties: (1) amebic dysentery (2) bacillary dysentery.

Also called: flux, bloody flux, contagious pyrexia (fever), frequent griping stools.

French Pox Various forms of venereal disease.

Furuncle An abscess of skin or painful inflammation of the skin or a hair follicle usually caused by a

staphylococcal infection. Also called a boil.

Gangrene Gangrene is the death of tissue leading to blackness of the skin over the affected area. There

are 2 types of gangrene: dry and wet. Dry gangrene results from low blood flow to a tissue;

there is usually no bacterial infection and it does not spread to other tissues. Possible causes

include: arteriosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, thrombosis, embolism, poor circulation, and

frostbite. Wet gangrene develops when a wound or dry gangrene become infected by

bacteria. Careful hygiene is the best prevention for wet gangrene. Once diagnosed as wet

gangrene, amputation of the area and antibiotics may be required.

Glandular Fever Infected glands may also be mononucleosis, known as glandular fever. This is an acute viral

infection which results in swollen lymph glands in the neck, armpits, and groin accompanied

with a severe sore throat due to tonsillitis. Recovery with lots of rest occurs after 4-6 weeks.

Gleet An old term for the common cold. Colds are caused by a virus that has hundreds of different

forms; the virus is always changing its shape, size and form. A cold takes place in the upper

respiratory tract. Symptoms include: head congestion, difficulty breathing, coughing,

headaches, fever, sneezing, watery eyes, aches and pains. Stress and poor diet weaken the

immune system and contribute to the cold. Also called cold, coryza.

Gout Gout ia hereditary metabolic disease that is a form of acute arthritis and is marked by

inflammation of the joints. Joints affected may be at any location but gout usually begins in the

knee or foot. Excessive uric acid (hyperuricemia) in the blood and deposits of urates of

sodium in and around the joints. Several different metabolic abnormalities this condition.

Approximately 90% of gout patients are male. The peak age for onset of symptoms in men is

between 40 and 50; women rarely have gout before menopause. Gout is closely related to

the diet, but may be brought on by stress. Obesity and an improper diet increase the

tendency for gout. Also called the "disease of kings" and "rheumatism of the rich" because ofthe rich diets people consume. Symptoms: Most cases are without symptoms. When an acute

attack occurs it usually begins at night with moderate pain that increases in intensity to the

point where no body position provides relief.

Gravel A disease characterized by small stones which are formed in the kidneys, passed along the

ureters to the bladder, and expelled with the urine. Also called a kidney stone.

Green Sickness Gree sickness, an old term used to describe anemia, occurs when the blood's ability to carry

oxygen is reduced. A low red blood cell count will manifest as weakness, dizziness,paleness,

depression, instability, soreness of mouth, and amennorhea. The mineral iron is critical


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because iron makes hemoglobin, which is the oxygen-carrying component of blood. Without

sufficient iron intake, the function of rbc's will be impaired. Anemia can be difficult to

recognize but the first symptoms might include loss of appetite, headaches, constipation,

irritability, and difficulty with concentration.

Grippe Grippe, an old term for influenza or flu, is a highly contagious respiratory viral infection.

Spread easily by coughing, sneezing, and poor hygiene. Symptoms: Early stages, similar to

the common cold, are headache, weakness, and aching of back, arms, and legs. Dry throat

and cough, tired quickly, loss of appetite, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. High fatalityrates from influenza ended during the 20th century.

Hectic Fever A daily recurring fever with profound sweating, chills, and flushed appearance-- often

associated with pulmonary tuberculosis or septic poisoning.

Hives A skin eruption of smooth, slightly elevated areas on the skin which is redder or paler than the

surrounding skin. Often attended by severe itching. Also called cynanche trachealis. In the

mid-nineteenth century, hives was a commonly given cause of death of children three yearsand under. Because true hives does not kill, croup was probably the actual cause of death in

those children.

Hospital fever Another term used in place of typhus, which is an acute, infectious disease transmitted by lice





Also called typhus fever, malignant fever, jail fever, hospital fever, putrid fever, ship fever,

brain fever, bilious fever, spotted fever, and camp fever.Hydrocephalus A contraction for hydropsy. The presence of abnormally large amounts of fluid. Congestive

heart failure.

Hydrothorax A contraction for hydropsy. The presence of abnormally large amounts of fluid. Congestive

heart failure.

Icterus Icterus, also called jaundice, is the build-up of bilirubin in the blood which causes a

"yellowing" of the skin, urine, and whites of the eyes. Jaundice is an indicator of blood or liverdisorders (such as cirrhosis, pernicious anemia, and hepatitis) or it may be a sign that there is

an obstruction (such as a tumor, gallstone or inflammation) blocking the bile flow from the

liver.

Inanition Exhaustion from lack of nourishment; starvation.

Infection In the early part of the last century, infections were thought to be the propagation of disease

by effluvia (see above) from patients crowded together. "Miasms" were believed to be

substances which could not be seen in any form--emanations not apparent to the senses.

Such miasms were understood to act by infection.


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Inflammation Redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, heat, and disturbed function of an area of the body. In

the last century, cause of death often was listed as inflammation of a body organ--such as,

brain or lung--but this was purely a descriptive term and is not helpful in identifying the actual

underlying disease.

Jail fever Another term used in place of typhus, which is an acute, infectious disease transmitted by lice






brain fever, bilious fever, spotted fever, and camp fever.

Jaundice Jaundice, also called icterus, is the build-up of bilirubin in the blood which causes a

"yellowing" of the skin, urine, and whites of the eyes. Jaundice is an indicator of blood or liver

disorders (such as cirrhosis, pernicious anemia, and hepatitis) or it may be a sign that there is

an obstruction (such as a tumor, gallstone or inflammation) blocking the bile flow from the

liver.

Kidney Stone A disease characterized by small stones which are formed in the kidneys, passed along the

ureters to the bladder, and expelled with the urine. Also called gravel.

Kings Evil Tubercular infection of the lymph glands in the throat. Also called scrofula. The name

originated in the time of Edward the Confessor, the king of England, when people believed

that the disease could be cured by the king's touch.

La Grippe La Grippe, also known as influenza. A flu is a highly contagious viral infection of the

respiratory tract. It spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. The virus continually

changes; therefore, vaccinations are only partially successful. The earlier signs of the flu are

those similar for a cold: headache, weakness, achiness of muscles and bones, alternating fever

with chills, and dry throat and cough. There may be fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. The flu

makes the person more susceptible to other more serious conditions such as pneumonia.

Influenza.

Leprosy Also known as Hansen's disease; it is a chronic bacterial infection that damages the nerves

(especially in the limbs and facial area) and can cause severe skin damage. If left untreated,

very serious complications occur including blindness and disfigurement. Leprosy is spread

through droplets of nasal mucus only in the first stages of the disease. Leprosy is not highlycontagious as most people believe.

Lesions This is a broad term which refers to any abnormality of structure or function in any body part.

Examples include: wounds, infections, and tumors.

Lockjaw Tetanus, a disease in which the jaws become firmly locked together. Also called trismus,

tetanus.

Lues An old term for syphilis, which is an infectious venereal disease. Untreated, it can ultimately

lead to the degeneration of bones, heart, nerve tissue, etc. In earlier centuries syphilis


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commonly reached the third stage, which is rare today, and caused brain damage, hearing

loss, heart disease, and/or blindness occur.

Lues Venera Veneral disease.

Lumbago Back pain. Painful inflammatory rheumatism of the muscles and tendons of the lumbar region,

which is the part of the back and sides between the lowest ribs and the pelvis.

Lung Fever Another term for pneumonia, which is an inflamation in the lungs caused by different bacteria,

viruses, and fungi. The tiny air sacs in the lung area become inflamed and fill with mucus andpus. It is unlikely to be contagious. Although symptoms can vary in intensity, they usually

include fever, chills, cough, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, enlarged lymph glands in the

neck, bluish nails, pains in the chest, and rapid, difficult respiration. Typical contributing

factors to pneumonia are the common cold, influenza, seizure or stroke, aspiration under

anesthesia, alcoholism, smoking, kidney failure, sickle cell disease, malnutrition, foreign

bodies in the respiratory passages, bacteria, viruses, chemical irritants, and even allergies.

Lung Sickness An old term for pulmonary tuberculosis, also called marasmus in the mid-nineteenth century,

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that is usually caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium

tuberculosis. Infection may result from inhalation of minute droplets of infected sputum which

are given off by coughing, talking, or sneezing. Tuberculosis most often affects the lungs and

the plurae, however, bones and kidneys may also be affected and sometimes the intestines,

spleen and liver. In most cases the infection involves the top of the lungs, where, if the

infected person is not immune, the bacteria grow freely with in the body and spread from the

lungs to other parts of the body. Eventually the patient develops immunity and the bacteria

stop spreading. They become surrounded by scar tissue and do not cause further damage. At

a later stage, the protective layer of scar tissue may break down. It is well established that

poor nitrition is one of the primary causes of TB in conjuntion with unsanitary living

conditions, loss of sleep, overwork and a sedentary lifestyle which all contribute to a lowered

immune system as well. SYMPTOMS: Initially resemble influenza, which may include acough. Mild symptoms include fatigue and appitite and weight loss. More severe symptoms

include fever, increased perspiration or severe night sweats, chronic fatigue, continued weight

loss, chest pain, shortness of breath and infected urine. In advanced cases, coughing up blood

is initially seen.

Malaria Malaria is an acute and sometimes chronic infectious disease due to the presence of

protozoan parasites within red blood cells. These parasites are discharged through salivary

ducts when the mosquito bites a person. The causative organism is transmitted through bites

of infected female mosquitoes of the genus anopheles. Also may be transmitted by blood

transfusion. The incubation period averages 12 days to 30 days. Symptoms: Various

derangements of the digestive and nervous systems; characterized by periodicity, chills, fever,

and sweats in the order mentioned, having pathological manifestations of progressive anemia,

splenic enlargement, and deposition in various organs of a melanin, resulting from biological

activity of the parasite.

Malignant fever Another term used in place of typhus, which is an acute, infectious disease transmitted by lice



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Mania Insanity.

Marasmus Malnutrition, emaciation, usually occurring in infants and young children, from insufficient

nutrition.

Membranous

Croup

Membranous croup, also called hoarseness, is a rough, croaking voice which usually results

from interference with the vocal cords. Usually, the hoarseness clears up in a few days if the

voice is rested. Some causes include: overuse of voice, anxiety, hypothyroidism, smoking,

alcohol, cancer of the larynx, mucus dripping on the larynx (as with nasal polyps, hay fever,

sinusitis, and deviated nasal septum)

Meningitis Meningitis is an infection of the three membranes, the meninges, that lie between the brain and

the skull. The disease is contagious. It can be caused by poor nutrition and any number of

viruses such as poliomyelitis and measles, fungi including yeast, or bacteria like

meningococcus, pneumococcus, streptococcus, and tuberculosis. It may result from severe

infection of the nose and throat or spread through the bloodstream. It is more common in

children than adults. Early symptoms are: sore throat, red or purple skin rash, and signs of a

previous, recent respiratory disorder. Other classic symptoms include stiff neck, headache,

high fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, delirium, and sensitivity to light. Change in temperament

and sleepiness signal changes in the cerebral fluid and frequently precede coma and death.

Also called brain fever.

Milk Sick poisoning resulting from the drinking of milk produced by a cow who had eaten a plant

known as white snake root.

Morbus Latin word for disease. In the last century, when applied to a particular disease, Morbus was

associated with some qualifying adjective or noun, indicating the nature or seat of such

disease. Examples: Morbus Cordis, Heart Disease; Morbus Caducus, epilepsy or failing

sickness

Morbus Cordis Means no more than heart disease. Probably used by doctors when they didn't know the

exact cause of death but were sure it was natural causes.

Mormal Mormal is an old term for gangrene. Gangrene is the death of tissue leading to blackness of

the skin over the affected area. There are 2 types of gangrene: dry and wet. Dry gangrene

results from low blood flow to a tissue; there is usually no bacterial infection and it does not

spread to other tissues. Possible causes include: arteriosclerosis, diabetes mellitus,

thrombosis, embolism, poor circulation, and frostbite. Wet gangrene develops when a wound

or dry gangrene become infected by bacteria. Careful hygiene is the best prevention for wet

gangrene. Once diagnosed as wet gangrene, amputation of the area and antibiotics may be

required.


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Neurasthenia Neurasthenia is a condition marked by fatigue, worry, inadequacy, and lack of zest and often

by headache, undue sensitiveness to light and noise, and by disturbances of digestion and

circulation.

Neuralgia Neuralgia is due to irritation of a nerve from a variety of causes. Exposure to dampness and

cold with resultant infection, dental decay, lack of proper diet, eye strain, and infections

around the nose are some of the causes. Pain is usually felt in the part of the body supplied by

the irritated nerve. There may or may not be accompanying muscle weakness, paralysis, or

areas of decreased sensation on the skin. One side of the face may be affected or there maybe pain in the temples and the neck.

Paristhmitis Paristhmitis, also called Quinsy, is a suppurative inflammation of the tonsils.

Petechial fever Another term used in place of typhus, which is an acute, infectious disease transmitted by lice







Phlebitis When blood clots inside a vein or artery, at least two things take place: partial or complete

obstruction to the flow of blood within the vessel, and inflammation. The veins of the lower

legs are the usual sites of abnormal clots, and the reaction is commonly referred to as phlebitis

- inflammation of a vein. Several factors may be responsible. Injury to the inside of the vein

may disrupt the delicate lining layer of tissue, thereby triggering the clotting mechanism. Also,

years of blood pooling in the legs from the effects of gravity, pregnancy or constraining

garments may stretch the veins, injuring the lining and pulling apart the valves that direct the

blood back to the heart.

Phthisis An old term for pulmonary tuberculosis, also called marasmus in the mid-nineteenth century,Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that is usually caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium

tuberculosis. Infection may result from inhalation of minute droplets of infected sputum which

are given off by coughing, talking, or sneezing. Tuberculosis most often affects the lungs and

the plurae, however, bones and kidneys may also be affected and sometimes the intestines,

spleen and liver. In most cases the infection involves the top of the lungs, where, if the

infected person is not immune, the bacteria grow freely with in the body and spread from the

lungs to other parts of the body. Eventually the patient develops immunity and the bacteria

stop spreading. They become surrounded by scar tissue and do not cause further damage. At

a later stage, the protective layer of scar tissue may break down. It is well established thatpoor nitrition is one of the primary causes of TB in conjuntion with unsanitary living

conditions, loss of sleep, overwork and a sedentary lifestyle which all contribute to a lowered

immune system as well. SYMPTOMS: Initially resemble influenza, which may include a

cough. Mild symptoms include fatigue and appitite and weight loss. More severe symptoms

include fever, increased perspiration or severe night sweats, chronic fatigue, continued weight

loss, chest pain, shortness of breath and infected urine. In advanced cases, coughing up blood

is initially seen.

Plague Bubonic plague has had a major impact on the history of the world. Caused by the bacterium,

Yersinia pestis, and transmitted by fleas often found on rats, bubonic plague has killed over


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50 million people over the centuries. Burrowing rodent populations across the world keep the

disease present in the world today. Outbreaks, though often small, still occur in many places.

The use of antibiotics and increased scientific knowledge first gained in the 1890s have

reduced the destruction of plague outbreaks. In Medieval times, with the unknowing help of

humans, bubonic plague exploded into a pandemic. Known as the Black Death, it

decimated Europe in 1350, killing 1/3 of the population. It disrupted government, trade, and

commerce. It reshaped peoples perspectives on life and Christianity, and found expression in

many works of art. Bubonic plagues influence and effects have shaped events of the past andpart of our world today.

Pleurisy Inflammation of the pleura, the lining of the chest cavity. Symptoms are chills, fever, dry

cough, and pain in the affected side (a stitch).

Pneumonia Pneumonia is an inflamation in the lungs caused by different bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The

tiny air sacs in the lung area become inflamed and fill with mucus and pus. It is unlikely to be

contagious. Although symptoms can vary in intensity, they usually include fever, chills, cough,

muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, enlarged lymph glands in the neck, bluish nails, pains in the

chest, and rapid, difficult respiration. Typical contributing factors to pneumonia are the

common cold, influenza, seizure or stroke, aspiration under anesthesia, alcoholism, smoking,kidney failure, sickle cell disease, malnutrition, foreign bodies in the respiratory passages,

bacteria, viruses, chemical irritants, and even allergies.

Podagra Another term for gout, which is the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint(s) of the body.

The crystals cause swelling, redness, pain, and sometimes fever. The pain may be so severe

that the person can not tolerate clothing touching the affected area. Uric acid is a by-product

of certain foods, especially foods containing purines. It is best to avoid purine-rich foods such

as organ meats, mushrooms, legumes, and sardines. 90% of gout patients are male.

Potts Disease Degeneration of the vertebrae.

Putrid Fever. An old term for diptheria, which is an acute bacterial disease that usually affects the tonsils,throat, nose or skin. Diphtheria is transmitted to others through close contact with discharge

from an infected person's nose, throat, skin, eyes and lesions. There are two types of

diphtheria. One type involves the nose and throat, and the other involves the skin. Symptoms

include sore throat, low-grade fever and enlarged lymph nodes located in the neck. Skin

lesions may be painful, swollen and reddened. In earlier centuries, when diphtheria went

untreated, serious complications such as paralysis, heart failure and blood disorders resulted.

Putrid Sore

Throat

Ulceration of an acute form, attacking the tonsils.

Pyrexia Dysentery describes a group of infections characterized by inflammation of the small and large

intestine with diarrhea often containing blood. The two main types are amoebic dysentery of

the tropics and bacillary dysentery which occurs throughout the world.

Quinsy A suppurative inflammation of the tonsils.

Remitting Fever An old term used to indicate the presence of malaria. Malaria is an acute and sometimes

chronic infectious disease due to the presence of protozoan parasites within red blood cells.

These parasites are discharged through salivary ducts when the mosquito bites a person. The

causative organism is transmitted through bites of infected female mosquitoes of the genus

anopheles. Also may be transmitted by blood transfusion. The incubation period averages 12


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days to 30 days. Symptoms: Various derangements of the digestive and nervous systems;

characterized by periodicity, chills, fever, and sweats in the order mentioned, having

pathological manifestations of progressive anemia, splenic enlargement, and deposition in

various organs of a melanin, resulting from biological activity of the parasite.

Rheumatism. Rheumatism refers to any painful state of the supporting structures of the body - its bones,

ligaments, joints, tendons, or muscles.

Sanguinous

Crust

A scab.

Scarlatina A relative of scarlet fever, scarletina is a rash caused by infection somewhere in the body,

usually the throat but often other places. Scarlet fever is the full blown syndrome of untreated

Strep infection with a much worse rash.

Scrofula Primary tuberculosis of the lymphatic glands, especially those in the neck. A disease of

children and young adults. Also called king's evil.

Septicemia Blood poisoning.

Shingles Shingles, caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox, affects the nerve endings in the

skin. It usually occurs on the skin of the abdomen under the ribs leading toward the naval, but

can appear anywhere on the body. An attack of shingles is often preceded by three of four

days of intense pain in the affected area. Then numerous and excruciatingly painful and itchy

blisters develop, normally lasting between seven and fourteen days. These blisters eventually

form crusty scabs and drop off. After an attack of shingles, the pain may continue even after

the blisters have disappeared, especially in the elderly. The pain can sometimes last for

months or years. This post-herpetic syndrome can be even more painful than the original

infection.

Ship Fever Another term used in place of typhus, which is an acute, infectious disease transmitted by lice





Also called typhus fever, malignant fever, jail fever, hospital fever, putrid fever, brain fever,

bilious fever, spotted fever, petechial fever, camp fever.

Softening of The

Brain

Cerebral hemorrhage or stroke.

Spotted Fever Typhus, an acute, infectious disease transmitted by lice and fleas. Also called typhus fever,

malignant fever, jail fever, hospital fever, ship fever, putrid fever, brain fever, bilious fever,

spotted fever, petechial fever, camp fever.

Strangery Rupture, herniate.

Summer

Complaint

A common, noncontagious diarrhea of young children, occurring in summer or autumn. It was

common among the poor and in hand-fed babies. Death frequently occurred in three to five

days. Also called: infantum cholerum, weaning brash, water gripes, choleric fever of children,


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cholera morbus.

Suppuration The production of pus.

Syncope Partial or complete loss of consciousness with interruption of awareness of oneself and ones

surroundings. Syncope is due to a temporary reduction in blood flow and therefore a

shortage of oxygen to the brain. This leads to lightheadedness or loss of consciousness.

Tabes

Mesenterica

A wasting disease of childhood characterized by chronic inflammation of the lymphatic glands of

the mesentery, attended with caseous degeneration.

Tetanus An acute, often fatal disease, caused by a bacillus and characterized by rigidity and spasmodic

contractions of the voluntary muscles. Also called lock jaw.

Thrush A disease characterized by whitish spots and ulcers on the membranes of the mouth, tongue, and

fauces caused by a parasitic fungus. Also called aphthae, sore mouth, aphthous stomatitis.

Trismus

nascentiumor

neonatorum

A form of tetanus seen only in infants, almost invariably in the first five days of life.

Typhoid

Fever

An infectious, often-fatal disease, usually occurring in the summer months--characterized by

intestinal inflammation and ulceration. The name came from the disease's similarity to typhus. Also

called enteric fever.

Typhus Typhus is an acute, infectious disease transmitted by lice and fleas. Symptoms include headache,

arthralgia and myalgia, chills, high fever, falling blood pressure, stupor, delirium, rash that begins

on chest and spreads to rest of trunk and extremities The early rash is faint and rose colored and

fades with pressure. Later the lesions become dull red and do not fade. People with severe typhusmay also develop petechiae. Also called typhus fever, malignant fever, jail fever, hospital fever,

ship fever, putrid fever, brain fever, bilious fever, spotted fever, petechial fever, camp fever.

Variola Another term for smallpox, which is an acute, highly infectious, often lethal viral disease

characterized by chills, fever, headache and eventual formation of widespread pus-filled blisters.

The smallpox virus has been eradicated from the world's population and currently exists in only

two high-containment laboratories.

Venesection The ancient practice of bleeding, which required a surgical incision in the patient to release what

physician's believed was contaminated blood.

Winter

Fever

An old term for pneumonia, which is an inflamation in the lungs caused by different bacteria,

viruses, and fungi. The tiny air sacs in the lung area become inflamed and fill with mucus and pus.

It is unlikely to be contagious. Although symptoms can vary in intensity, they usually include fever,

chills, cough, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, enlarged lymph glands in the neck, bluish nails,

pains in the chest, and rapid, difficult respiration. Typical contributing factors to pneumonia are the

common cold, influenza, seizure or stroke, aspiration under anesthesia, alcoholism, smoking,

kidney failure, sickle cell disease, malnutrition, foreign bodies in the respiratory passages, bacteria,

viruses, chemical irritants, and even allergies.


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Yellow

Fever

Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted to man by a specific type of mosquito, Aedes aegypti.

This mosquito type is commonly found in the tropical forests of South America and Africa. Both

the Aedes mosquito and the yellow fever virus must be present together to spread the disease.

Page last updated 11/11/0

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