Browse the glossary using this index
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AAAAbdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA, termed 'triple A') is a swelling in the aorta (the main artery from the heart) that can grow over time and can rupture, which is a medical emergency. There is AAA screening in the UK. | ||
ABPAAllergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is characterised by a hypersensitivity allergic response to the spores of Aspergillus mould. ABPA is the non-invasive form of aspergillosis. ABPA is most common in people with asthma, CF or bronchiectasis. | ||
ABPIThe ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) is the ratio of the systolic blood pressure at the ankle (highest of the dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial artery pressures) to the systolic blood pressure in the upper arm (brachial artery pressure). ABPI is measured on the same side of the body (left ankle compared with left upper arm). Lower blood pressure in the leg than the arm (a low ABPI, less than 1) suggests blocked arteries due to PAD. | ||
ACSAcute coronary syndrome (ACS) encompasses myocardial infarction (MI, both STEMI and NSTEMI) and unstable angina. | ||
ADHDAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a group of behavioural symptoms that include inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. | ||
ADRAn ADR is an adverse drug reaction, an unwanted symptom/reaction brought on by a medication (when prescribed and taken appropriately). ADRs can be reported via the MHRA's Yellow Card Scheme. | ||
AFAtrial fibrillation (AF) is a type of cardiac arrhythmia characterised by rapid and irregular beating of the heart's atria, due to aberrant electrical activity. | ||
AHPThe NHS recognises 14 Allied Health Profession(al)s (AHPs), including OT, PT and SALT. | ||
AIArtificial intelligence (AI) is intelligence demonstrated by machines. | ||
AIDSAcquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) occurs when the body is severely damaged by the HIV virus, and encompasses a number of potentially life-threatening infections and illnesses. | ||
AIHAutoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory liver disease. Without immunosuppressive treatment, AIH may lead to cirrhosis. | ||
AKIAcute kidney injury (AKI, also termed acute renal failure, ARF) is when the kidneys suddenly stop working. EdRen - more info | ||
ALLAcute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a rapidly-developing blood cancer where an abundance of immature lymphocytes are produced. ALL is the most common type of leukaemia to affect children but can also affect adults. Chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment. | ||
ALSAdvanced life support (ALS) expands on BLS with the addition of airway equipment, cardiac monitoring, manual defibrillation, and medications used in cardiac arrest, with increased focus on working in a multi-disciplinary team. Resuscitation Council (UK) - Adult advanced life support ALS can also refer to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In North and South America, ALS can be used generically to refer to motor neurone diseases. | ||
AMLAcute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is an aggressive blood cancer of myeloid cells. Risk increases with age, and AML is most common in people over 65. Chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment, but bone marrow or stem cell transplants may also be considered. | ||
AMRAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) includes resistance of infectious microorganisms to antibiotics, antivirals, antiprotozoals, antimalarials, and antifungals. AMR makes these treatments ineffective, meaning infections persist and are more likely to cause harm and be spread to others. | ||
AMTSThe Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT, or Abbreviated Mental Test Score, AMTS) is a quick screening test produced in 1972 to detect cognitive impairment in the elderly. It may not be culturally appropriate to continue using this test, and its validity has been questioned. | ||
AMUThe acute medical/medicine unit (AMU), also known as the medical assessment unit (MAU), provides rapid definitive assessment, investigations and management for patients admitted as an emergency by their GP or who require admission from the ED. | ||
APDAutomated peritoneal dialysis (APD) is a form of dialysis in which a machine fills and empties the peritoneal cavity 3-5 times during the night. The other form of peritoneal dialysis is CAPD. APD is an example of RRT. | ||
ARDSAcute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterised by rapid onset of widespread inflammation in the lungs. | ||
ASDAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects social interaction, communication, interests and behaviour. | ||
ATLSAdvanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) involves the management of a trauma patient. In the UK, Trauma and Orthopaedics (T&O) is a paired specialty. | ||
AVNRTAtrioventricular nodal re-entry tachycardia (AVNRT) is the most common type of SVT. | ||
AVPUAVPU is a responsiveness scale: Alert, responds to Voice, responds to Pain, Unresponsive | ||
AVRTAtrioventricular re-entrant tachycardia (AVRT), also termed atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia, is a type of SVT most commonly associated with Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome. | ||
AXRAbdominal X-ray (AXR, more accurately abdominal radiograph) may be used to confirm diagnoses such as bowel obstruction, toxic megacolon and renal colic (using a KUB AXR, Kidneys-Ureters-Bladder). | ||