A Handbook of Pediatric Terms With Simple Non-technical Definitions: WordsRUs Pediatric Dictionaries, #1

By Brandy Lawrence and John C. Rigdon

A note from Brandy…

 As a stay at home mom of 4, I did well keeping up with the usual jargon when it came to minor ailments such as a cold, rash or fever. However, I was a fish out of water when my children who have rare autoimmune diseases started getting sick and we started going to the "ologist" specialists. I found it hard to ask questions or raise concerns when I didn't understand what they were saying or what it meant.  When asked for the clarification, the explanation would be riddled off to me in medical terms that did not help me whatsoever. So I would go home and do the dreaded Google search trying to understand what they said and what it meant, which always led down a rabbit hole that ended in the fact, we were all dying.  This book benefits not only the young mother but everyone that does not have a medical degree; bridge the gap between the medical world and the patient.  We break down the medical terminology barrier and put it into simplier explanations. In doing so, it benefits the doctors and the patient by allowing them to both have understanding and allows for better communication.  

 

----------------

 

Children represent a unique subset of emergency patients, making up about one-quarter of all emergency department visits. It's a scary time for both the children and parents.  You're bombarded with new and unfamiliar terms.

This book is specifically written to provide an understanding of pediatric terminology for parents, pediatrician receptionists, pediatrician technicians, and others who work in any child care related field.

•          Learn to understand what your pediatrician  says.

•          Easy to understand explanations of pediatric terms.

•          The most common terms and medications explained.

This dictionary is designed for use by parents.  It contains the most common pediatric terms with simple definitions and explanations of the diseases and treatments commonly encountered in children.    It is NOT a handbook of home remedies or treatments for children, but rather a handbook to help you understand the terminology and procedures used by your pediatrician.

This convenient guide includes terms and definitions for virtually every type of patient visit. General examinations, Bright Futures stage discussions, emergency department interactions, and terms for discussing specific body systems (hematology, respiratory, cardiovascular, etc.)

The dictionary is organized into three sections:

•          Alphabetical list of terms with definitions. 

•          Acronyms and Abbreviations. 

•          Commonly used Medications and Usages

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eastern Digital Resources
• Release date: Oct 14, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393321262

Book preview

A Handbook of Pediatric Terms

With Simple Non-technical Definitions

By Brandy Lawrence

&

John C. Rigdon

A Handbook of Pediatric Terms

With Simple Non-technical Definitions

1st Printing – Oct  2020  KN

Paperback ISBN: 9798697834596

© Copyright 2020.  Eastern Digital Resources.  All Rights Reserved.  No part of this book may be reproduced by any means without the express written consent of the copyright holder.

Published by:

Eastern Digital Resources

31 Bramblewood Dr. SW

Cartersville, Ga 30120 USA

http://www.wordsrus.info

EMAIL: [e-mail]

Tel. [phone]

Contents

Introduction

About the Authors

~ A ~

~ Add ~

~ANA~

~AOA~

~ATT~

~B~

~BIO~

~BRU~

~C~

~CER~

~CHR~

~COM~

~COO~

~D~

~DIA~

~DRA~

~E~

~ENT~

~EXA~

~F~

~FLU~

~G~

~GON~

~H~

~HEP~

~HYD~

~I~

~INF~

~J~

~K~

~L~

~LIC~

~M~

~MET~

~MOT~

~N~

~NEU~

~O~

~P~

~PER~

~PHE~

~PNE~

~PRE~

~PRU~

~Q~

~R~

~REP~

~S~

~SEV~

~SPA~

~SUB~

~T~

~TIB~

~TUB~

~U~

~V~

~VIR~

~W~

~X~

~Y~

~Z~

Commonly Prescribed Medications for Children

Acronyms and Abbreviations

Introduction

CHILDREN REPRESENT a unique subset of emergency patients, making up about one-quarter of all emergency department visits. It’s a scary time for both the children and parents.  You’re bombarded with new and unfamiliar terms.

This book is specifically written to provide an understanding of pediatric terminology for parents, pediatrician receptionists, pediatrician technicians, and others who work in any child care related field.

• Learn to understand what your pediatrician  says.

• Easy to understand explanations of pediatric terms.

• The most common terms and medications explained.

This dictionary is designed for use by parents.  It contains the most common pediatric terms with simple definitions and explanations of the diseases and treatments commonly encountered in children.    It is NOT a handbook of home remedies or treatments for children, but rather a handbook to help you understand the terminology and procedures used by your pediatrician.

This convenient guide includes terms and definitions for virtually every type of patient visit. General examinations, Bright Futures stage discussions, emergency department interactions, and terms for discussing specific body systems (hematology, respiratory, cardiovascular, etc.)

The dictionary is organized into three sections:

• Alphabetical list of terms with definitions. 

• Acronyms and Abbreviations. 

• Commonly used Medications and Usages

The terms and definitions included in this dictionary are a part of our WordsRUs system which is derived from Wordnet by Princeton University.  Multi-lingual versions in Spanish, German and French are available and other languages may be published as needed.  If you have recommendations for updates of corrections or requests for translations into other languages, please contact us at [e-mail].

About the Authors

A NOTE FROM BRANDY...

As a stay at home mom of 4, I did well keeping up with the usual jargon when it came to minor ailments such as a cold, rash or fever. However, I was a fish out of water when my children who have rare autoimmune diseases started getting sick and we started going to the ologist specialists. I found it hard to ask questions or raise concerns when I didn't understand what they were saying or what it meant.  When asked for the clarification, the explanation would be riddled off to me in medical terms that did not help me whatsoever. So I would go home and do the dreaded Google search trying to understand what they said and what it meant, which always led down a rabbit hole that ended in the fact, we were all dying.  This book benefits not only the young mother but everyone that does not have a medical degree; bridge the gap between the medical world and the patient.  We break down the medical terminology barrier and put it into simplier explanations. In doing so, it benefits the doctors and the patient by allowing them to both have understanding and allows for better communication.  

JOHN RIGDON HAS AUTHORED a number of books on the American Civil War and is the manager of the web site, Research OnLine, (www.researchonline.net) the premier site for researching Civil War ancestors in the Civil War. His titles include the Historical Sketch and Roster Volumes (1100 plus titles) and a dozen volumes in the We Fought series focusing on particular battles and commanders. Additionally John works in translation of materials in several languages and maintains the website, www.wordsrus.info. John resides in the foothills of the Appalachians outside Cartersville, GA. where he enjoys gardening and aquaponics. You may reach him at [e-mail].

This book is the result of the success of my book, "An Essential Dictionary of Veterinary Terms With Simple, Non-technical, Understandable Definitions"  which was inspired by a request from my daughter who is a Veterinarian.  We pray you will find it of use.  Updates and suggestions should be sent to [e-mail].

5 Alpha Steroid Reductase 2 Deficiency (n) An autosomal recessive inherited disorder caused by mutations in the SRD5A2 gene.

5,10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Deficiency (n) A rare disorder associated with mental retardation, spasticity, and early death.

~ A ~

ABDOMINAL AORTA THROMBOSIS (n) Formation of blood clot in the lumen of the abdominal aorta.

abdominal aorta  (n) Section of the aorta that passes through the abdomen to supply blood to the lower part of the body.

Abdominal Distention (n) Swelling of the abdomen resulting from excessive food intake, malnutrition, liver disease, primary abdominal tumors, and tumors metastatic to the abdominal cavity.

Abdominal Migraine (n) Paroxysmal episodes of intense, acute periumbilical pain that lasts for one or more hours with intervening periods of usual health lasting weeks to months.

Abdominal Pain (n) Painful sensation in the abdominal region.

Abnormal Behavior (n) Conduct that is unusual for the individual.

Abnormal Liver Function Test (n) Atypical results found on serum liver enzyme testing, which may indicate significant disease and/or disease progression.

Abnormal Virilization (n) The abnormal development of male secondary sexual characteristics due to excessive androgens.

ABO Hemolytic Disease of Newborn (n) A condition of the newborn characterized by the destruction of red blood cells initiated by the transmission of anti-A or anti-B antibodies from a mother to the child via the placenta.

Abrasion (n) Superficial damage to the skin caused by rubbing or scraping.

abscess  (n) Swollen inflamed, tender area of infection containing pus.

Absence of Bowel Movement (n) The lack of any bowel movements.

Absent Fetal Heart Rate Variability (n) A baseline fetal heart rate with an undetectable amplitude range.

Accidental Drug Ingestion (n) The unintentional consumption of a drug.

acetaminophen  (n) Non-prescription medication used to relieve minor pain and to reduce fever.

Achondroplasia (n) An autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutation(s) in the FGFR3 gene, encoding fibroblast growth factor receptor 3.

achylasia  (n) Condition of the esophagus that disrupts normal swallowing.

Acne (n) An inflammatory process of the sebaceous glands which is characterized by comedones, nodules, papules and/or pustules on the skin.

Acoria (n) Absence of satiety after eating.

Acquired Cataract (n) Cataract that results from the aging process, an injury, or as a manifestation of a systemic disorder.

Acquired Chylothorax (n) Chylothorax that results from malignancies (usually lymphoma), trauma to the thoracic duct, tuberculosis, or sarcoidosis.

Acquired Coagulation Factor Deficiency (n) Deficiency of a coagulation factor that is not caused by genetic alterations.

Acquired Color Blindness (n) Non-heritable difficulty in distinguishing colors.

Acquired Cytomegaloviral Infection (n) An infection with the Cytomegalovirus that is not present from birth.

Acquired Hydrocephalus (n) Hydrocephalus that results from head trauma, brain tumors, intracranial hemorrhage, or meningitis.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (n) A syndrome resulting from the acquired deficiency of cellular immunity caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Acquired Methemoglobinemia (n) a blood disorder in which too little oxygen is delivered to your cells. It is caused by exposure to certain drugs (xylocaine and benzene) and nitrate-rich foods.

Acquired Phrenic Nerve Injury (n) Damage to the phrenic nerve that was not present at birth.

Acquired Rickets (n) Rickets that is caused by vitamin D deficiency, hypocalcemia, or renal failure.

Acquired Unilateral Cataract (n) A cataract in one eye that results from the aging process, an injury, or as a manifestation of a systemic disorder.

Acromegaly (n) A syndrome characterized by enlargement of the hands, feet, ears, nose, lips, and tongue, skin thickening and swelling of internal organs.

acupuncture  (n) Method of anesthesia and treatment of pain in which needles are inserted through the skin to stimulate prescise areas.

Acute Allograft Nephropathy (n) A sudden immune response occurring after transplantation, directed against donor kidney alloantigens.

Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (n) Transitory inflammation of the brain and spinal cord that is associated with demyelination with or without neuronal damage.

Acute Flaccid Myelitis (n) An acute onset of focal limb weakness that is associated mainly with gray matter abnormalities.

Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (n) A widespread acute rash characterized by fever and multiple small pustules on a reddish background.

Acute Graft Versus Host Disease (n) A syndrome of immunologically mediated tissue damage that may occur following an allogeneic transplant, usually affecting the skin, liver, and GI tract.

Acute Humoral Allograft Nephropathy (n) A sudden onset of B-cell mediated immune response occurring after transplantation, directed against donor kidney alloantigens.

Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (n) A subtype of Guillain-Barre syndrome that targets the myelin sheath, and is characterized by progressive weakness, distal paresthesia and autonomic dysfunction.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (n) Leukemia with an acute onset, characterized by the presence of lymphoblasts in the bone marrow and the peripheral blood.

Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy (n) A subtype of Guillain-Barre syndrome that targets motor axons.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (n) A clonal expansion of myeloid blasts in the bone marrow, blood or other tissues.

Acute Otitis Media (n) Otitis media that is caused by an infectious agent.

Acute Poliomyelitis (n) Inflammation of the spinal cord that is caused by the poliovirus, and that often results in flaccid paralysis.

Acute Renal Failure (n) Sudden and sustained deterioration of the kidney function characterized by decreased glomerular filtration rate, increased serum creatinine or oliguria.

Acute Respiratory Failure (n) Life-threatening respiratory failure that develops rapidly.

Acute Sinusitis (n) Sinusitis lasting less than or equal to thirty days.

Acute Transverse Myelitis (n) A neurologic disorder that is caused by inflammation across both sides of one level, or segment, of the spinal cord.

Acute Tubular Necrosis (n) Acute renal failure caused by the cell death of the renal tubules.

acute  (n) Beginning suddenly; also severe, but of short duration.

~ Add ~

ADDICTION  (n) Intense craving for substances such as alcohol, tobacco or narcotics, or a compulsive behavior such as gambling.

Addisons Disease (n) (Autoimmune Primary Adrenal Insufficiency) Diminished production of adrenocortical hormones due to autoimmune destruction of the adrenal glands.

adenoids, enlarged  (n) Adenoids that have swollen and impaired speech.

Adenovirus Infection (n) An infectious process caused by adenovirus. The virus may cause respiratory illness, conjunctivitis, gastroenteritis, and cystitis.

ADHD (n) (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) ADHD is a chronic condition marked by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and sometimes impulsivity.

adhesions  (n) Small strands of fibrous tissue that cause organs in the abdomen and pelvis to cling together abnormally, creating a risk of intestinal obstruction.

Adipose Tissue Deposition (n) The deposition of lipids in tissue.

adolescence  (n) Time of life from the beginning of puberty until maturity.

Adrenal Androgen Deficiency (n) Abnormally low or absent secretion of the androgen precursor hormones dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate, and androstenedione, from the adrenal gland.

Adrenal Androgen Excess (n) Excessive secretion of the androgen hormones dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate, and androstenedione, from the adrenal gland.

Adrenal Crisis (n) A life threatening condition due to inadequate levels of glucocorticoids in an individual with adrenal insufficiency.

adrenal glands  (n) Two glands attached to the kidneys.

Adrenal Hemorrhage (n) Hemorrhage and necrosis of the adrenal gland tissue.

adrenalin  (n) Hormone produced by the adrenal glands that increases heart rate and prepares the body for crisis.

Adrenocortical Insufficiency (n) An endocrine or hormonal disorder that occurs when the adrenal cortex does not produce enough of the hormone cortisol and in some cases, the hormone aldosterone.

Adult Intestinal Botulism (n) A rare form of botulism that occurs among adults by the same mechanism as infant botulism.

Aerobic Activity (n) Aerobic exercise is physical exercise of low to high intensity that depends primarily on the aerobic energy-generating process.

African Trypanosomiasis (n) A protozoan infection that is caused by Trypanosoma brucei, which is transmitted by tsetse flies.

Ageusia (n) Inability to taste.

Aggression (n) A verbal or physical act of hostility.

aging  (n) The normal process of gradual physical and mental decline.

Agitation (n) A state of restlessness associated with unpleasant feelings of irritability and tension.

Agonal Respiration (n) An abnormal breathing pattern originating from lower brainstem neurons and characterized by labored breaths.

Agranulocytosis (n) A marked decrease in the number of mature granulocytes (most often neutrophils) in the peripheral blood.

AIDS (n) Acquired immunodeficiency Syndrome. A deadly virus infection spread by sexual intercourse

Air Embolism (n) The presence of bubbles of air in the vascular system; occurrence is related to the entry of air into the venous circulation following trauma or surgery.

Airborne Transmission (n) The direct transmission of an infectious agent to a host via droplet nuclei (less than or equal to five microns) or dust suspended in the air.

Airway Compromise (n) The inhibition of normal respiration by physical obstruction(s) to the airway.

Airway Hemangioma (n) A rare infantile hemangioma in the airway, usually in the subglottic area or trachea.

Airway Obstruction (n) A blockage in any part of the airway. 

airways  (n) Tubular passages that air passes through to the lungs; the trachea (windpipe), bronchi, and bronchioles.

Akinesia (n) Lack of movement.

Alagille Syndrome (n) An autosomal dominant genetic syndrome caused by mutations in the JAG1 gene.

albinism  (n) A rare, inherited disorder characterized by a lack of normal coloration of eyes, hair, skin, and sometimes shortness.

Alice in Wonderland Syndrome (n) A neurological syndrome characterized by distorted perceptions of shape, loss of sense of time, and visual, auditory, and tactile hallucinations.

Alignment (n) The longitudinal position of a bone or limb.

A-line (Arterial Line)  (n) Similar to a regular IV but placed in an artery rather than a vein.

Allantoic Cyst (n) An umbilical cyst that arises from allantoic tissue that did not regress during gestational development.

Allergen (n) A substance that elicits an allergic reaction.

Allergen immunotherapy (n) also known as desensitization or hypo-sensitization, is a medical treatment for environmental allergies.

Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (n) A hypersensitivity reaction to Aspergillus in patients who are usually suffering from cystic fibrosis or asthma.

Allergic Reaction (n) A hypersensitivity reaction triggered by exposure to a previously encountered foreign substance to which the individual has formed antibodies.

Allergic Rhinitis (n) Inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes caused by an IgE-mediated response to external allergens.

Allergy (n) A condition in which the immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance.

allergy skin tests  (n) A series of tests in which various substances are injected into the skin in minute amounts for the purpose of ruling in or out a person's allergy to that substance.

Alloimmunization (n) An immune response to foreign (donor) antigens.

Alopecia (n) Hair loss usually from the scalp.

Alper Syndrome (n) A rare genetic syndrome with an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance.

Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency (n) A genetic disorder characterized by decreased alpha-1 antitrypsin activity in the lungs and blood and deposition of alpha-1 antitrypsin protein in the hepatocytes.

Alpha-fetoprotein Measurement (n) The determination of the amount of alpha-fetoprotein present in a sample.

Altered Mental Status (n) A change to an individual's judgment, orientation (to place, time, and self), intellectual functioning, or mood from their baseline.

Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia (n) A rare lethal congenital abnormality that refers to the abnormal development of the capillaries around the alveoli in the lung parenchyma.

alveoli  (n) Lung cells at ends of the airways where oxygen enters the blood and waste gases leave the blood.

Amastia (n) Absence of one or both mammary glands.

Amaurosis Fugax (n) Transient, monocular loss of vision.

Ambiguous Genitalia (n) A rare congenital abnormality in which the infant's external genitalia do not have the typical appearance of a male's or female's genitalia.

Amblyopia (n) Decreased vision that results from abnormal visual development.

Ambulation Difficulty (n) Any persistent problem with walking.

Amebiasis (n) A gastrointestinal parasitic infection that is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, and which has a spectrum of manifestations including bloody diarrhea and colitis.

Amelia (n) A congenital malformation characterized by the complete absence of all limbs.

Amenorrhea (n) The absence of menses in a woman who has achieved reproductive age.

Amino Acid Measurement (n) The measurement of the amount of amino acids in a biologic specimen.

Amino Acid Metabolism Disorder (n) An inherited disorder that affects the metabolism of the amino acids.

Amnesia (n) Systematic and extensive loss of memory caused by organic or psychological factors.

amniocentesis  (n) A surgical procedure using a laparoscope (a hollow instrument with a system of lenses) that is pushed through a small incision in the abdominal wall and thence into the uterus.

Amniotic Band Syndrome (n) A rare congenital disorder which is caused by entrapment of anatomic parts of the fetus in fibrous amniotic bands during pregnancy.

amniotic sac  (n) The thin, transparent membrane filled with fluid in which the fetus lives until born.

amphetamine drugs  (n) Habit-forming drugs that stimulate the brain and central nervous system, increase blood pressure, reduce nasal stuffiness, or suppress appetite.

Amputate (n) Removal of a limb by trauma, medical illness, or surgery.

amyloid deposits  (n) Abnormal protein material deposited in tissues, usually caused by diseases.

~ANA~

ANALGESICS  (n) Medications that relieve pain.

Anaphylaxis (n) An acute hypersensitive immune response that occurs from exposure to an allergen.

Anaplasmosis (n) An infection that is caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which is transmitted to humans by infected ticks.

Anasarca (n) A condition that is characterized by the presence of generalized edema.

Androgen Excess (n) Excessive secretion of androgens from the adrenal glands or gonads.

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (n) A disorder of sexual development in persons with 46XY karyotype, characterized by an abnormality of the genes encoding androgen receptors.

Anemia (n) A reduction in the number of red blood cells, the amount of hemoglobin, and/or the volume of packed red blood cells.

Anemia of Prematurity (n) A blood disorder characterized by low hemoglobin levels in premature neonates that usually spontaneously resolves within 3-6 months post birth.

Anencephaly (n) A rare neural tube defect during pregnancy, resulting in the absence of a large portion of the brain and skull in the fetus.

Anergy (n) Diminished cellular immune responsiveness to one or more antigens.

anesthesia, general  (n) Causing temporary loss of consciousness and inability to feel pain by use of inhaled gases or injected anesthetics.

anesthesia, local  (n) Temporary prevention of pain by injecting medication (local anesthetic).

aneurysm  (n) Abnormal swelling or ballooning of a blood vessel.

Angelman Syndrome (n) A genetic syndrome characterized by mental retardation, speech impairment, microcephaly, ataxia, and seizures.

Anger (n) An emotional state characterized by marked annoyance or hostility.

Angina (n) Paroxysms of chest pain due to reduced oxygen to the heart.

Angioedema (n) Rapid swelling of the deep layers of the skin due to transient vascular leakage of serous fluid.

angiogram, angiography  (n) Study of arteries and veins by injecting material into them that X-rays can outline.

Angiomatosis (n) A benign diffuse vascular proliferation usually occurring in young adults. It is characterized by the formation of capillary-sized and cavernous vascular spaces.

Angiostrongyliasis (n) An infection that is caused by nematodes of the genus Angiostrongylus; signs and symptoms are dependent on the invading species, but generally include gastrointestinal symptoms and fever, and can have extraintestinal manifestations (e.g., central nervous system, anterior and posterior eye).

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Fetopathy (n) Fetal embryopathy associated with maternal angiotensis converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor use during pregnancy that may include fetal acute renal failure, growth restriction, oligohydramnios, calvaria abnormalities, preterm birth, and pulmonary hypoplasia with respiratory distress.

Angle Closure Glaucoma (n) The sudden increase of intraocular pressure, resulting in pain and an abrupt decrease in visual acuity.

Angular Cheilitis (n) Inflammation of the skin at the corners of the mouth characterized by redness, fissures or crusts.

Anhedonia (n) An inability to experience pleasure.

Anisakiasis (n) An infection that is caused by nematodes of the genus Anisakis, which is most commonly transmitted via ingestion of infective larvae from consumption of raw or undercooked fish or squid; it is characterized by invasion of the stomach wall or intestines, resulting in the death