Category: As-As

A disease of the lungs that is caused by inhaling coal dust, which in some patients can lead to progressive massive fibrosis of the lungs and severely impaired lung function. Also known as anthracosis and coal miner’s pneumoconiosis.

Asthma triggered by vigorous physical activity. It primarily affects children and young adults because of their high levels of physical activity, but it can occur at any age. Exercise-induced asthma is initiated by the fall in airway temperature during rapid breathing followed by rapid reheating with lowered ventilation. The more heat that is transferred, the cooler the airways become, and the more…

One of the genes that predisposes a person to asthma. A gene family that plays a major role in asthma susceptibility has been identified. This gene family, located at chromosome 5q23-35, is called TIM (T cell transmembrane, immunoglobulin and mucin) or Tapr (T cell and Airway Phenotype Regulator) . The TIM family of genes is involved in allergic response, asthma, and transplant tolerance.…

A common lung disorder in which inflammation causes the bronchi to swell and narrow the airways, creating breathing difficulties that may range from mild to life-threatening. Symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, and chest tightness. The diagnosis of asthma is based on evidence of wheezing and is confirmed with breathing tests. Many allergens and irritants can precipitate attacks of asthma. Avoidance of precipitating…

1. Weak. Lacking in strength.2. Having a slender light body. Ectomorphic. An autoimmune disease characterized by weakness and fatigue of the proximal muscles (those near the trunk), particularly the muscles of the pelvic girdle (the pelvis and hips) and the thighs, with relative sparing of eye and respiratory muscles. Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is associated in 40% of cases with cancer, most…

Weakness. Lack of energy and strength. Loss of strength. Myasthenia refers to a loss of muscle strength, as in myasthenia gravis. Asthenia is from the Greek asthenes, from a- (without) + sthenos (strength).

A seizure in which the person suddenly loses muscle tone and strength and, unless supported, falls down. Also called drop attack or drop seizure. Atonic means a lack of muscle tone and strength.

Aspartate aminotransferase.

A nonrandom association of birth defects. VACTERL is a mnemonic in which the letters each stand for one or more type of malformation: V = Vertebral anomalies; A = Anal atresia (no hole at the bottom end of the intestine); C = Cardiac defect, most often ventricular septal defect; TE = TracheoEsophageal fistula (communication between the esophagus and trachea)…

A nonprofit association of accredited medical schools in the US and Canada that is responsible for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), an entrance examination for medical schools.