Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Erythromycin is a common antibiotic for treating bacterial infection. Sold under many brand names, including EES, Erycin and Erythromia.

A cell that contains hemoglobin and can carry oxygen to the body. Also called a red blood cell (RBC). The reddish color is due to the hemoglobin. Erythrocytes are biconcave in shape, which increases the cell’s surface area and facilitates the diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide. This shape is maintained by a cytoskeleton composed of several proteins.…

A serious systemic (body-wide) allergic reaction with a characteristic rash involving the skin and mucous membranes, including the buccal mucosa (inside of the mouth), conjunctiva, and genital areas. Abbreviated SJS. The disease is due to a hypersensitive (allergic) reaction to one of a number of immunologic stimuli including drugs and infectious agents. Complications can include hepatitis, nephritis, gastrointestinal bleeding, pneumonia, arthritis, arthralgia, fever, and myalgia. The diagnosis of SJS…

The amount of radiation which, applied to the skin, makes it turn temporarily red (erythematous).

The classic initial rash of Lyme disease. In the early phase of the illness, within hours to weeks of the tick bite, the local skin develops an expanding ring of unraised redness. There may be an outer ring of brighter redness and a central area of clearing. For more information, see Lyme Disease.

Redness of the skin that results from capillary congestion. Erythema can occur with inflammation, as in sunburn and allergic reactions to drugs.

Better known as burping or belching. Casting up wind (expelling air) from the stomach through the mouth.

Therapy, estrogen replacement (ERT): a form of therapy with estrogen hormones most commonly used to treat the symptoms of menopause. It reduces or stops the short-term changes of menopause such as hot flashes, disturbed sleep, and vaginal dryness. ERT is today typically referred to as hormone therapy (HT). HT is thought to help prevent osteoporosis, a consequence of lowered estrogen levels. Estrogen therapy…

An erosion is an eating away of a surface. (“Erodere” in Latin means to eat out.) For example, a skin erosion is a loss of part or all of the epidermis (the outer layer) leaving a denuded surface. For another example, tooth erosion is a gradual loss of the normally hard surface of the tooth because of chemical processes.

A fungus (Claviceps purpurea) that contaminates rye and wheat and that produces substances (alkaloids) called ergotamines. Ergotamines constrict blood vessels and cause the muscle of the uterus to contract. They have been much used for the treatment of migraines. They have also been used and misused to induce abortion. In excess, ergotamines can cause symptoms such as hallucinations, severe gastrointestinal upset, a…