Definitions

In here you can find what words or acronyms mean.

Albuterol- is a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways and increases air flow to the lungs. 

Antibiotics- powerful medicines that fight bacterial infections.

Autoimmune Disease- an inappropriate immune response of the body against substances and tissues normally for the body. In other words, the immune system mistakes some part of the body as a virus or bacteria and attacks its own cells.

Barium Swallow- is an imaging procedure used to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus and the stomach.

Bronchoscopy- a procedure where a bronchoscope is inserted into the airways, usually through the nose or mouth. This allows the doctor to see the patient's airways for abnormalities such as foreign bodies, bleeding, tumors, or inflammation. Specimens may be taken from inside the lungs. The construction of bronchoscopes ranges from rigid metal tubes with attached lighting devices to flexible optical fiber instruments with realtime video equipment. 

Cardiologist- is a medical specialty dealing with disorders of the heart.

Celiac Disease- is a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing parts of food that are important for staying healthy. The damage is due to a reaction to eating gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye, and possibly oats. 

Crohn's Disease- is a form of inflammatory bowel disease and is an auto immune system disorder.

Cystic Fibrosis- a condition in which the body secretes too much sodium chloride (salt) into the body. Causing mucus to thicken in the body causing blockages and shutdown of vital organs.

Diabetes- is usually a lifelong disease in which there are high levels of sugar in the blood. 

Ear Tubes- a plastic hollow spool shaped object that is placed in the ear drum helping to prevent fluid building up in the ear and minimizing ear infections.

EBF- Exclusively Breastfed 

Endocrinologist- doctor dealing with endocrine system, its diseases, and its specific secretions called hormones.

Gamma Globulin- a protein fraction of blood serum containing many antibodies that protect against bacterial and viral infectious diseases.

Gastroenterologist- a doctor focused on the digestive system and its disorders. 
 
Echo-Cardiogram- is a graphic outline of the heart's movement. During this test, high-frequency sound waves, called ultrasound, provide pictures of the heart's valves and chambers.

Immunization-  is the process by which an individual's immune system becomes fortified against an agent

Immunoglobulin- a type of antibody found in the blood. 

Laryngomalacia-  is the commonest cause of stridor in infancy, in which the soft, immature cartilage of the upper larynx collapses inward during inhalation, causing airway obstruction.

Larynx- an organ in the throat commonly called the voice box.

LM- Short hand for Laryngomalcia.

Nebulizer- is a device used to administer medication in the form of a mist inhaled into the lungs.

Paralyzed Stomach- is a serious condition manifested by delayed emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine after a meal.

Periactin-a medication that can help increase a child's appetite and desire to eat. 

pH Probe Study- is a procedure for measuring the amount of acid backwash from the stomach into the esophagus that occurs in Reflux.

Primary Care Physician- is a physician who provides both the first contact for a person with an undiagnosed health concern as well as continuing care of varied medical conditions, not limited by cause, organ system, or diagnosis

Pulmicort- chemically know as Budesonide, is a inhaled steroid used to keep airways open.

Pulmonologist- a doctor dealing with disease involving the respiratory tract.

Reflux- is a condition in which the stomach contents leak backwards from the stomach into the esophagus. This action can irritate the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.

Sleep Study- are tests that measure how well you sleep and how your body responds to sleep problems

Squished Stomach- Where the stomach is a little larger than the abdominal cavity. Cause the stomach to not sit in the normal "J" shape but in a "U" shape.

Steroids- an oral medicine that can help calm airway inflammation

Stridor- is a high-pitched wheezing sound resulting from inconsistnat air flow in the upper airway. Stridor is a physical sign which is produced by narrowed or obstructed airway path.

Sweat Test- a test that measures the concentration of chloride that is excreted in sweat. It is used to screen for cystic fibrosis

Ultra Sound- a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to look at organs and structures inside the body

Under Reactive Immune System- an immune system that that doesn't react to viruses or bacteria appropriately. Also causing an inability to created antibodies from vaccination. 

Upper GI Endoscopy- a procedure that allows your doctor to look at the interior lining of the esophagus, the stomach, and the first part of the small intestine

URI- Short had for Under Reactive Immune System

Vaccine-  is a biological preparation (shot) that improves immunity to a particular disease.

Vitamin Deficiency- is a lack of healthy red blood cells caused by lower-than-normal amounts of certain vitamins.