Dictionary

emotional child abuse See child abuse.

emphysema 1 A lung condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of air in the lung’s many tiny air sacs (alveoli). As air continues to collect in these sacs, they become enlarged and may break or be damaged and form scar tissue. Emphysema is strongly associated with cigarette smoking, a practice that causes lung irritation. It…

empiric risk The chance that a disease will occur in a family, based on experience with the diagnosis, past history, and medical records rather than theory.

empirical Based on experience and observation rather than on systematic logic. Experienced physicians often use empirical reasoning to make diagnoses, based on having seen many cases over the years. Less-experienced physicians are more likely to use diagnostic guides and manuals. In practice, both approaches (if properly applied) can lead to the same diagnosis.

empyema Pus in the pleural space between the outer surface of the lung and the chest wall. Empyema is typically a result of a serious bacterial infection. Empyema is a type of pleural effusion, one that is grossly infected. See also effusion, pleural; pneumonia.

EMT Emergency medical technician.

enanthem A rash inside the body. Koplik spots within the mouth in measles constitute enanthem. By contrast, a rash on the outside of the body is called exanthem. A patient with measles can have both exanthem and enanthem. See also exanthem; measles; rash.

encapsulated Confined to a specific area. For example, an encapsulated tumor remains in a compact form.

encephalitis Inflammation of the brain, which may be caused by a bacterium, a virus, or an allergic reaction. Some forms of viral encephalitis are contagious. Encephalitis usually runs a short course, with full recovery within a week, but can cause brain damage and death. Treatment of encephalitis must begin as early as possible to avoid…

encephalitis, West Nile See West Nile virus.

encephalomyelitis Inflammation of both the brain and the spinal cord. Encephalomyelitis can be caused by a variety of conditions, including viruses that infect the nervous system. One type of encephalomyelitis, acute disseminatedencephalomyelitis, occurs most commonly after an acute viral infection, such as measles (rubeola). It is due to an autoimmune attack on the nervous system,…

encephalopathic syndrome A dangerous condition that is associated with lithium toxicity.