Dictionary

aerosinusitis Painful sinus troubles due to changing atmospheric pressures. Aerosinusitis is the cause of sinus pain when going up or down in a plane. Also known as barosinusitis and sinus barotrauma.

aerosol A fine spray or mist. Medications in aerosol form can be administered via a nebulizer and inhaled.

aerotitis Middle ear problems due to changing atmospheric pressures, as when a plane descends to land. Symptoms include ear pain, ringing ears, diminished hearing and, sometimes, dizziness. Also known as aerotitis media, barotitis, barotitis media, and otic barotrauma.

Aesculapius The ancient Roman god of medicine, whose staff with a snake curled around it is commonly used as a symbol of medicine. According to mythology, Aesculapius’s children included Hygeia, the goddess of health, and Panaceia, the goddess of healing.

adenoid A mass of lymphoid tissue in the upper part of the throat, behind the nose. When the adenoids are enlarged due to frequent infections, breathing through the nose may become difficult. Surgical removal may be done, often accompanied by removal of the tonsils. Also known as pharyngeal tonsil.

adenoidectomy The surgical removal of the adenoids.

adenoiditis Infection of the adenoids.

adenoma A benign tumor that arises in or resembles glandular tissue. If an adenoma becomes cancerous, it is called an adenocarcinoma.

adenomyoma A nodule that forms around endometrial tissue in cases of adenomyosis. See adenomyosis.

adenomyosis A common, benign condition of the uterus in which the endometrium (the inner uterus) grows into the adjacent myometrium (the uterine musculature located just outside the endometrium). The myometrium may respond to this intrusion with muscular overgrowth. If an island of endometrial tissue is contained within the myometrium, it forms an adenomyoma. Also known…

adenopathy Large or swollen lymph nodes. Lymph nodes can become enlarged as a result of inflammatory diseases, infection, or cancer. Synonymous with lymphadenopathy.

adenosine deaminase An enzyme that plays a key role in salvaging purine molecules. Abbreviated ADA.