Dictionary

chyme A predigested, acidified mass of food that passes from the stomach into the small intestine.

Churg-Strauss syndrome A disease characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels in persons with history of asthma or allergy. The symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, inflammation of the nasal passages, numbness, and weakness. The diagnosis is confirmed with a biopsy of involved tissue. Treatment involves stopping inflammation and suppressing the immune system. Also known as…

chronicity The state of being chronic, having a long duration.

chronic tamponade See tamponade, chronic.

chronic phase See leukemia, chronic phase of.

chronic peritonitis See peritonitis, chronic.

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease See chronic obstructive lung disease.

chronic obstructive lung disease Any disorder that persistently obstructs bronchial airflow. Abbreviated COLD. COLD mainly involves two related diseases: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The obstruction is generally permanent and worsens over time. In asthma, there is also obstruction of airflow out of the lungs, but the obstruction is usually reversible, and between asthma attacks, the…

chronic myeloid leukemia See leukemia, chronic myeloid.

chronic lymphocytic leukemia See leukemia, chronic lymphocytic.

chronic leukemia Cancer of the blood cells that progresses slowly, as opposed to acute leukemia, which progresses rapidly. The two major types of chronic leukemia are chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). See also leukemia, chronic phase of.

chronic illness An illness that lasts 3 months or more.