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Medical glossary

227 words and abbreviations, explained without jargon. Every one of them also appears inside our articles — hover or tap the dotted underline and the definition comes to you, so you never have to leave what you were reading.

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A

Acanthosis nigricansDark, velvety thickening of the skin, usually at the back of the neck, armpits or groin. It is a visible sign of insulin resistance.
Acceptance and commitment therapyACT, Acceptance & commitment therapyA therapy that teaches you to make room for painful thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, and to act on what matters to you. NICE recommends it for long-term pain.
AddictionSubstance use disorder, Dependence, Nashe ki lat

Losing control over taking, using or doing something to the point where it harms you, and continuing despite that harm. It is a treatable health condition, not a moral failing.

ADHDAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, ADDAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a lifelong difference in how the brain manages attention, activity and impulses, usually noticed in childhood.

Adverse childhood experiencesACEs, ACE score, Childhood adversityPotentially traumatic events in the first 18 years of life, such as abuse, neglect or violence at home. They raise the risk of later health problems, but they do not decide a child's future.

AgoraphobiaFear of leaving home, Fear of crowdsFear of situations where escape might be hard or help unavailable if panic strikes — crowds, buses, markets, being far from home. It is not simply a fear of open spaces.

AmygdalaAmygdalae, Amygdala hijackA small, almond-shaped structure deep inside each side of the brain that processes emotions, especially fear, and helps trigger the body's alarm response to threats.

AnaemiaAnemia, Low haemoglobin, Khoon ki kamiAnaemia means the blood carries less haemoglobin than it should, so less oxygen reaches the tissues. It usually shows itself as tiredness, breathlessness on exertion and pallor, and in Pakistan the commonest cause by a wide margin is a shortage of iron.

AnginaAngina pectoris, Cardiac chest painAngina is chest discomfort that appears when the heart muscle is not receiving enough blood, typically brought on by exertion or emotion and eased within minutes by rest. It is a warning that a coronary artery has narrowed, rather than a heart attack in itself.

AnhedoniaLoss of interest, Loss of pleasure, Emotional numbnessLoss of interest in, or pleasure from, things a person used to enjoy — food, company, hobbies, intimacy. It is one of the two core symptoms of depression.

Antibiotic resistanceAntimicrobial resistance, AMR, Drug resistanceAntibiotic resistance is what happens when bacteria change so that a medicine that used to kill them no longer does. It is driven by antibiotics being taken when they are not needed, in the wrong dose, or for too short a time, and it makes ordinary infections harder and costlier to treat.

AntibodyImmunoglobulin, IgAn antibody is a protein made by the immune system that locks onto one specific target on a germ and marks it for destruction. Antibodies are what give a person lasting protection after an infection or a vaccination.

Antidepressant discontinuation syndromeAntidepressant withdrawal, SSRI withdrawal, Brain zapsUnpleasant symptoms — dizziness, "brain zaps", flu-like feelings, anxiety, poor sleep — that can follow stopping or cutting down an antidepressant too quickly. Reducing gradually with a doctor lowers the risk.

AntigenImmunogenAn antigen is any molecule the immune system can recognise as foreign, usually a piece of the surface of a germ. It is the target an antibody is built to fit, and it is what a vaccine shows the body in advance.

AntipsychoticAntipsychotics, Neuroleptic, Major tranquilliserMedicines that reduce psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, mainly by blocking dopamine. They treat schizophrenia and mania, and are sometimes used for other conditions.

AntipyreticFever medicine, Bukhar ki dawaAn antipyretic is a medicine that brings a fever down, paracetamol being the commonest. It treats the discomfort of a fever rather than whatever is causing it, and a fever coming down is not evidence that the illness has been cured.

Anxiety disorderAnxiety disorders, Anxiety, GhabrahatWorry or fear that is stronger than the situation calls for, lasts for weeks or months, and gets in the way of daily life. Anxiety disorders are common and treatable.

ArrhythmiaDysrhythmia, Irregular heartbeat, Heart rhythm disorderAn arrhythmia is a heartbeat that is too fast, too slow or irregular because the heart's electrical signalling has gone wrong. Some are harmless and lifelong, others raise the risk of stroke or are immediately dangerous.

ArthritisJoint inflammation, Joron ka dardArthritis means pain, swelling and stiffness in a joint. It is an umbrella word covering more than a hundred conditions, of which wear-related osteoarthritis and immune-driven rheumatoid arthritis are the two commonest.

AsthmaBronchial asthma, DammaAsthma is a long-term condition in which the airways are inflamed and tighten in response to triggers, causing wheeze, cough, chest tightness and breathlessness that come and go. It is controllable in almost everyone with the right treatment used correctly.

AtherosclerosisHardening of the arteries, Arterial plaqueAtherosclerosis is the build-up of fatty, fibrous plaque inside artery walls, which stiffens them and narrows the channel blood flows through. It develops silently over decades and is the process behind most heart attacks and strokes.

AttachmentAttachment theory, Attachment style, Attachment stylesThe emotional bond a child forms with the people who care for them, and the patterns of closeness and trust it shapes later in life. Attachment styles are research ideas, not diagnoses.

AutismAutism spectrum disorder, ASD, Autism spectrum conditionA lifelong difference in how a person communicates, relates to others and experiences the world. It is not an illness, and it is not caused by parenting or vaccines.

AvoidanceAvoidance behaviour, AvoidingStaying away from situations, places, people or feelings that cause fear or distress. It brings quick relief but, over time, keeps anxiety going and can make life smaller.

B

Baby bluesMaternity blues, Postpartum bluesBrief tearfulness, mood swings and anxiety in the first days after giving birth. It is very common, normal, and settles within about two weeks.
BacteriaBacterium, GermsBacteria are single-celled living organisms, most of them harmless or useful, a minority of which cause infection. Unlike viruses they can be killed by antibiotics, which is the whole reason the distinction matters at the point of treatment.
Basal insulinBackground insulin, Long-acting insulinLong-acting insulin that provides a steady background level through the day and night, usually injected once daily.
Behavioural activationBA, Behavioral activation, Activity schedulingA structured therapy for depression that gets you back into rewarding and meaningful activities in small, planned steps, rather than waiting until you feel like it.
BenignNon-cancerous, Not malignantBenign describes a growth or a finding that is not cancer: it stays where it started, does not invade surrounding tissue and does not spread elsewhere in the body. Benign is not always the same as harmless.
BenzodiazepineBenzos, Benzodiazepines, TranquilliserSedative medicines — such as alprazolam (Xanax), bromazepam (Lexotanil), clonazepam and diazepam — that quickly calm anxiety and aid sleep but are habit-forming. For short-term use only, under a doctor.
Beta cellβ-cell, Islet beta cellThe cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Diabetes develops when they are destroyed or can no longer keep up.
Big Five personality traitsBig Five, Big 5, Five-factor modelThe most widely used scientific model of personality. It describes people on five broad scales: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism.
BiopsyTissue sampling, Histopathology sampleA biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue so that it can be examined under a microscope. It is the test that settles what a lump, an ulcer or an abnormal patch actually is, when scans and blood tests can only suggest.
Bipolar disorderBipolar affective disorder, Manic depression, BipolarA long-term condition with episodes of depression and episodes of abnormally high or irritable mood (mania or hypomania), usually lasting days to weeks, with more stable periods in between.
Blood pressureBP, Arterial pressureBlood pressure is the force of blood against the artery walls, written as two numbers in millimetres of mercury: the higher one is the pressure as the heart squeezes, the lower one the pressure as it refills. It varies through the day, so a diagnosis is never made on one reading.
BMIBody mass index, Quetelet indexBody mass index is weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared, used as a rough screen for whether a person carries too much or too little weight for their frame. South Asians face weight-related risk at a lower BMI than the standard chart assumes.
Bolus insulinMealtime insulin, Rapid-acting insulin, Prandial insulinFast-acting insulin taken with meals to cover the sugar from the food you are about to eat.
BronchodilatorReliever medicine, Airway openerA bronchodilator is a medicine that relaxes the muscle wrapped around the airways so they widen and air moves more freely. It relieves wheeze and breathlessness within minutes but does nothing about the underlying inflammation.
BurnoutBurn-out, Occupational burnout, Work burnoutA state of exhaustion, cynicism and reduced effectiveness caused by long-term workplace stress that has not been managed. WHO calls it an occupational phenomenon, not a medical condition.

C

Carbohydrate countingCarb countingEstimating the grams of carbohydrate in a meal so that insulin doses — or portion sizes — can be matched to it.
CataractClouded lens, Motia bindA cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which blurs vision gradually as though a clear window had frosted over. It is the commonest cause of avoidable blindness in Pakistan and is corrected by a short operation that replaces the lens.
CatastrophisingCatastrophizing, Catastrophic thinking, Expecting the worstJumping to the worst possible outcome and treating it as likely, or treating an uncomfortable situation as unbearable. A common thinking habit in anxiety.
CBT for insomniaCBT-I, Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia, Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomniaA short, structured therapy that retrains sleep habits and unhelpful thoughts about sleep. It is the recommended first treatment for long-term insomnia, ahead of sleeping pills.
CholesterolBlood lipids, Serum cholesterolCholesterol is a waxy fat the body needs to build cell walls, hormones and vitamin D. Problems come not from its presence but from the balance between the particles that deposit it in artery walls and those that carry it away.
ChronicLong-term, Long-standing, Purana marzChronic means long-lasting — a condition that has persisted for months or years and is managed over time rather than cured in a course. It is the opposite of acute, and it says nothing at all about how severe something is.
Clinical psychologistPsychologist, TherapistA psychologist trained to assess and treat mental health problems with talking therapy and psychological testing. They are not medical doctors and do not prescribe medicine.
CodependencyCo-dependency, Codependent, Co-dependentA popular term for a pattern of putting another person's needs, moods and problems so far ahead of your own that you lose yourself. It is not a formal diagnosis.
Cognitive behavioural therapyCBT, Cognitive behavioral therapy, Cognitive therapyA structured, time-limited talking therapy that helps you notice and change the thoughts and behaviours that keep a problem going. It is a first-line treatment for depression and most anxiety problems.
Cognitive biasCognitive biases, Thinking bias, HeuristicA predictable error in thinking that comes from the mental shortcuts the brain uses to make quick judgements. Everyone has them; they are not a sign of illness.
Cognitive dissonanceThe uncomfortable tension of holding two conflicting beliefs, or of acting against your own values, and the mental adjustments people make to ease it.
Cognitive distortionCognitive distortions, Thinking errors, Unhelpful thinking stylesA habitual, inaccurate way of reading events — such as all-or-nothing thinking or mind reading — that makes things seem worse than they are. Spotting them is central to CBT.
Complete blood countCBC, Full blood count, FBCA complete blood count measures the three families of cell in blood: red cells that carry oxygen, white cells that fight infection, and platelets that clot. It is the commonest blood test ordered anywhere and the usual first step in tiredness, fever, bruising or bleeding.
Complex PTSDC-PTSD, CPTSD, Complex post-traumatic stress disorderA form of PTSD that follows long-lasting or repeated trauma that was hard to escape, such as childhood abuse or ongoing domestic violence. It adds lasting problems with emotions, self-worth and relationships.
CompulsionCompulsions, Compulsive behaviour, RitualsA repeated action or mental ritual a person feels driven to do to ease the anxiety of an obsession, such as washing, checking or repeating prayers. The relief is brief, so the urge returns.
Confirmation biasMyside biasThe tendency to notice, seek out and believe information that supports what you already think, and to overlook or dismiss what contradicts it.
Continuous glucose monitorCGM, Flash glucose monitor, LibreA small sensor worn on the arm or abdomen that measures glucose continuously and sends readings to a phone, without fingerpricks.
CorticosteroidSteroid, Cortisone, GlucocorticoidCorticosteroids are medicines related to cortisol, the body's own stress hormone, and they are the most powerful suppressors of inflammation in general use. They are not the muscle-building steroids of the gym, which are a different class of drug entirely.
CortisolStress hormone, HydrocortisoneA steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands that helps the body respond to stress and regulates blood sugar, metabolism and inflammation. Levels peak in the morning and fall at night.
CounsellingCounseling, CounsellorA talking therapy in which a trained counsellor listens without judgement and helps you work through a difficulty and find your own solutions. It suits life problems more than severe mental illness.
CreatinineSerum creatinine, S. CrCreatinine is a waste product from normal muscle activity that the kidneys filter out of the blood. Because healthy kidneys clear it steadily, the level in blood is the standard everyday measure of how well they are working.
CT scanComputed tomography, CAT scanA CT scan uses X-rays taken from many angles and reassembled by computer into cross-sectional images of the body. It is fast and detailed, which makes it the scan of choice in emergencies, and it delivers a meaningfully higher radiation dose than a plain X-ray.

D

Dawn phenomenonA natural rise in blood sugar in the early morning, caused by hormones that prepare the body to wake. It makes fasting readings higher than expected.
Defence mechanismDefense mechanism, Defence mechanisms, Defense mechanismsAn automatic, mostly unconscious mental strategy that protects a person from painful feelings or thoughts, such as denial, projection or rationalisation. Everyone uses them.
DehydrationFluid depletion, Paani ki kamiDehydration is a shortage of water and salts in the body, from losing more than is taken in through diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, heat or simply not drinking. In children and older people it becomes dangerous quickly and is the main cause of death from ordinary diarrhoea.
DelusionDelusions, False belief, ParanoiaA firmly held belief that is clearly untrue, does not change with evidence and is not explained by the person's culture or religion — such as being certain one is being poisoned or followed.
DepersonalisationDerealisation, Depersonalization, DerealizationFeeling detached from yourself, as if watching your own life from outside. Its twin, derealisation, is when the world around you seems unreal, foggy or dreamlike.
DepressionClinical depression, Major depressive disorder, Depressive disorderA medical condition in which low mood or loss of interest lasts most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, and affects sleep, energy and daily life.
DiabetesDiabetes mellitus, Sugar, ShugarDiabetes is a condition in which blood glucose stays too high, either because the body makes too little insulin or because it has stopped responding to it. Pakistan has one of the highest rates in the world, and a large share of people with it do not yet know.
Diabetic footDiabetic foot ulcer, Foot ulcerFoot problems caused by diabetes, where nerve damage hides an injury and poor circulation stops it healing. It is the leading cause of non-traumatic amputation.
Diabetic ketoacidosisDKAA medical emergency in which a severe lack of insulin makes the body burn fat for fuel, flooding the blood with acids called ketones.
Diabetic nephropathyDiabetic kidney disease, DKDKidney damage caused by diabetes. It is silent in the early stages and is found by a urine test, not by symptoms.
Diabetic neuropathyDiabetic nerve damage, Peripheral neuropathyNerve damage from long-standing high blood sugar, usually starting in the feet as numbness, tingling or burning.
Diabetic retinopathyDiabetic eye diseaseDamage to the small blood vessels at the back of the eye caused by years of high blood sugar. It causes no symptoms until it is advanced.
Dialectical behaviour therapyDBT, Dialectical behavior therapyA therapy for people whose emotions are very intense and hard to manage. It teaches practical skills for handling distress and relationships, and is best known for borderline personality disorder and self-harm.
DiastolicDiastolic pressure, The lower number, DiastoleDiastolic pressure is the lower of the two blood pressure numbers: the pressure remaining in the arteries while the heart relaxes and refills between beats. In a reading of 130 over 85, the diastolic pressure is 85.
Differential diagnosisDifferentials, The list of possibilitiesA differential diagnosis is the list of conditions that could explain a person's symptoms, ranked by likelihood and by danger. It is how a doctor thinks before a diagnosis is reached, and the reason questions and tests follow the order they do.
DissociationDissociating, Zoning out, Dissociative symptomsA disconnection between thoughts, feelings, memories, surroundings or sense of self — from mild zoning out to feeling unreal or losing time. It is often the mind's way of coping with overwhelming stress.
DiureticWater tablet, Water pillA diuretic is a medicine that makes the kidneys pass more salt and water into the urine, lowering blood pressure and clearing fluid that has built up in the legs or the lungs. They are commonly called water tablets.
DopamineDopamine hit, Dopamine detox, Pleasure chemicalA chemical messenger involved in motivation, reward, learning, movement and attention. It is better thought of as a "seeking and learning" chemical than a "pleasure chemical".
DSM-5DSM-5-TR, DSM, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental DisordersThe Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: the American Psychiatric Association's handbook of criteria for diagnosing mental health conditions. The current edition is DSM-5-TR (2022).
DyspnoeaDyspnea, Breathlessness, Shortness of breathDyspnoea is the medical word for breathlessness: the uncomfortable awareness of having to work at breathing. It is a symptom rather than a diagnosis, and it comes as often from the heart or the blood as from the lungs.

E

Eating disorderEating disorders, Anorexia nervosa, BulimiaA mental health condition in which a person uses control of food, eating or weight to cope with feelings. Eating disorders can seriously harm the body and are treatable.
ECGEKG, Electrocardiogram, Heart tracingAn ECG records the heart's electrical activity through stickers placed on the chest and limbs, printing it as a tracing. It takes a few minutes, is painless and involves no radiation, and it is the first test in chest pain, palpitations and blackouts.
EchocardiogramEcho, Cardiac ultrasound, 2D echoAn echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan of the heart that shows the chambers and valves moving in real time and measures how strongly the heart pumps. It uses sound waves only, with no radiation and no injection in the standard test.
EczemaAtopic dermatitis, Dermatitis, Khujli wali khushkiEczema is a long-term condition in which the skin barrier is weak and inflamed, leaving skin dry, itchy and prone to red, cracked or weeping patches. It runs in families alongside asthma and hay fever, and it is controlled rather than cured.
ElectrolyteSerum electrolytes, Salts, RFT saltsElectrolytes are the dissolved salts in blood and body fluid — sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, calcium and magnesium — that carry the electrical charges nerves and muscles depend on. Even small departures from the normal range can cause serious symptoms.
EMDREye movement desensitisation and reprocessing, Eye movement desensitization and reprocessingEye movement desensitisation and reprocessing: a structured trauma therapy in which you recall distressing memories while doing side-to-side eye movements, so the memories become less intense.
Emotional intelligenceEI, EQ, Emotional quotientThe ability to recognise, understand and manage your own emotions and to read other people's. It is a real, measurable skill that can improve with practice, though popular claims about it are often inflated.
Emotional regulationEmotion regulation, Emotional dysregulation, Managing emotionsThe ability to notice, understand and manage emotions — how strongly they are felt, how long they last and how they are expressed — so they do not take over. It is a skill that can be learned.
EndoscopyGastroscopy, Upper GI endoscopy, Camera testAn endoscopy is an examination of the inside of the body with a thin flexible tube carrying a camera and a light. The commonest kind passes through the mouth to look at the food pipe, stomach and the first part of the small intestine.
EpidemicOutbreak, WabaaAn epidemic is a rise in cases of a disease clearly above what is normally expected in a place and a period. It is a statement about a rate rather than a number, which is why ten cases can be an epidemic and ten thousand can be ordinary.
Executive functionExecutive functions, Executive functioning, Executive dysfunctionThe mental skills that let us plan, focus, hold instructions in mind, switch between tasks and control impulses — the brain's air traffic control. Difficulties are central to ADHD.
Exposure therapyGraded exposure, Exposure and response prevention, ERPA therapy in which you face feared situations, objects, sensations or memories gradually and safely until the fear fades. It is the core treatment for phobias and part of therapy for OCD, panic and PTSD.

F

Fasting blood sugarFBS, Fasting plasma glucose, FPGFasting blood sugar is the glucose level in blood after at least eight hours without food or sweetened drink. It is the simplest and cheapest test for diabetes, and one of the three that can diagnose it.
Fight-or-flight responseFight or flight, Stress response, Fight, flight or freezeThe body's automatic alarm reaction to danger: adrenaline makes the heart race, breathing speed up and muscles tense, ready to fight or run. It can also fire when there is no real danger.
FlashbackFlashbacks, Reliving, Re-experiencingA vivid reliving of a traumatic event, as if it is happening again now — through images, sounds, smells, body sensations or overwhelming emotion. A key sign of PTSD.

G

GaslightingGaslight, Gaslighted, GaslighterA form of manipulation in which one person repeatedly makes another doubt their own memory, perception or sanity. It describes abusive behaviour; it is not a medical diagnosis.
GastritisStomach inflammation, Maiday ki sozishGastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, causing burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, bloating and early fullness. The two commonest causes are Helicobacter pylori infection and regular use of painkillers from the NSAID group.
Generalised anxiety disorderGAD, Generalized anxiety disorderA long-term condition in which you worry about many different things, most days, for months, and find the worry very hard to control.
Gestational diabetesGDM, Diabetes in pregnancyDiabetes that appears during pregnancy in a woman who did not have it before. It usually resolves after delivery but raises the risk of type 2 diabetes later.
GLP-1 receptor agonistSemaglutide, Liraglutide, OzempicInjectable medicines that increase insulin after meals, slow stomach emptying and reduce appetite — lowering blood sugar and causing substantial weight loss.
GlucometerBlood glucose meter, Glucose meter, Sugar machineA small home device that measures blood sugar from a fingerprick drop of blood in a few seconds.
GlucoseBlood sugar, DextroseGlucose is the simple sugar that circulates in blood and fuels every cell in the body, particularly the brain. Its level is held within a narrow range by insulin and other hormones, and both too much and too little cause harm.
Glycaemic indexGI, Glycemic indexA score from 0 to 100 showing how quickly a food raises blood sugar. Lower-GI foods release sugar more slowly.
GlycosuriaSugar in urine, GlucosuriaGlucose in the urine, found on a routine urine test. It usually means blood sugar has been running high.

H

HabitHabits, Habit formation, Habitual behaviourA behaviour that has become automatic, set off by a familiar situation without much thought. Habits form by repeating the same action in the same context.
HaemoglobinHemoglobin, Hb, HgbHaemoglobin is the iron-containing protein inside red blood cells that binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it to the tissues. Its concentration in blood is the number used to diagnose anaemia.
HallucinationHallucinations, Hearing voices, Seeing thingsSeeing, hearing, smelling, tasting or feeling something that seems completely real but exists only in the mind. Hearing voices is the most common kind.
HbA1cGlycated haemoglobin, A1c, Three-month sugar testHbA1c measures the proportion of haemoglobin that has sugar stuck to it, which reflects the average blood glucose over roughly the past three months. It needs no fasting and is used both to diagnose diabetes and to judge how well it is controlled.
HyperglycaemiaHigh blood sugar, HyperglycemiaBlood sugar that is too high. It builds up slowly and often causes thirst, frequent urination and tiredness.
HypertensionHigh blood pressure, Blood pressure ka marzHypertension is blood pressure that stays high enough, over repeated proper measurements, to damage the arteries over time. It almost never causes symptoms, which is why it is found by measuring rather than by feeling unwell.
HypervigilanceHyperarousal, Always on edge, Easily startledBeing constantly on guard and scanning for danger even when safe — jumpy, easily startled and unable to relax. It is a common part of PTSD and anxiety.
HypoglycaemiaLow blood sugar, Hypo, HypoglycemiaBlood sugar that has fallen too low, usually below 70 mg/dL. It comes on within minutes and needs sugar immediately.
Hypoglycaemia unawarenessImpaired awareness of hypoglycaemiaLosing the early warning symptoms of low blood sugar, so the first sign is confusion or collapse rather than shaking and sweating.
HypomaniaHypomanic episode, HypomanicA milder form of mania: several days of raised or irritable mood, more energy and less need for sleep, noticeable to others but without psychosis or the need for hospital.
HypothyroidismUnderactive thyroid, Low thyroidHypothyroidism means the thyroid gland is producing too little thyroid hormone, so the body's processes run slow. Tiredness, weight gain, feeling cold, constipation and dry skin are typical, and it is treated with a single daily tablet.

I

ICD-11ICD, ICD-10, International Classification of DiseasesThe World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases, 11th revision: the global system for naming and coding all diseases, including mental disorders. It came into effect on 1 January 2022.
ImmunisationImmunization, Vaccination, Teeka lagwanaImmunisation is the process of making a person immune to an infection, usually by giving a vaccine. In Pakistan it follows the Expanded Programme on Immunization schedule, which is free at government facilities.
Imposter syndromeImpostor syndrome, Impostor phenomenon, Imposter phenomenonThe persistent feeling that you are a fraud who does not deserve your success and will soon be found out, despite evidence that you are capable. It is common and it is not a diagnosis.
InflammationSwelling, SozishInflammation is the body's response to injury or infection: blood flow increases, fluid and immune cells arrive, and the area becomes red, warm, swollen and painful. It is a repair process, and it becomes a problem only when it persists.
InhalerPuffer, Metered-dose inhaler, MDIAn inhaler delivers medicine as a spray or powder directly into the airways, where a very small dose does the work of a much larger tablet with far fewer effects on the rest of the body. How it is used decides how well it works.
InsomniaSleeplessness, Chronic insomnia, Neend na aanaRegular difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking too early, leaving you tired during the day. When it lasts three months or more it is called long-term insomnia.
InsulinInsulin hormone, Insulin injectionInsulin is the hormone made by the pancreas that moves glucose out of the blood and into cells. As a medicine it replaces or supplements what the body cannot produce, and it is given by injection because stomach acid would destroy it.
Insulin resistanceWhen the body's cells stop responding properly to insulin, so the pancreas must make more and more of it to keep blood sugar normal.
Intrusive thoughtsUnwanted thoughts, Intrusive thought, Bure khayalUnwanted thoughts, images or urges that pop into the mind uninvited, often disturbing ones. Almost everyone has them; they become a problem only when they cause great distress and take over.

J

JaundiceIcterus, Yarqan, KamlaJaundice is a yellow discolouration of the whites of the eyes and the skin caused by too much bilirubin in the blood. It is a sign rather than a disease, and the cause ranges from a harmless newborn phase to serious liver or bile duct illness.

K

KetonesAcids the body makes when it burns fat instead of sugar for energy. Small amounts are normal; large amounts in someone with diabetes are dangerous.

L

LDL cholesterolLDL, Low-density lipoprotein, Bad cholesterolLDL cholesterol is the particle that carries cholesterol from the liver out to the tissues and deposits it in artery walls along the way. It is the number that treatment aims at, and lowering it reliably lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Learned helplessnessGiving up trying to change a bad situation after repeatedly having no control over it. The theory has since been revised: passivity is the default, and learning that you have control is what overcomes it.
LesionAbnormal area, Focal abnormalityA lesion is any area of tissue that is damaged or abnormal — a patch, a lump, an ulcer, a scar or a spot seen on a scan. The word describes that something is there without saying what it is or whether it matters.
Lipid profileLipid panel, Cholesterol test, Fasting lipidsA lipid profile is a blood test that measures the fats circulating in blood: total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. It is used to estimate the risk of heart attack and stroke and to decide whether cholesterol-lowering treatment is worthwhile.
Liver function testLFT, Liver panel, Hepatic panelA liver function test is a group of blood measurements that together show whether liver cells are being damaged, whether bile is flowing freely, and how well the liver is doing its manufacturing work. Most of what it reports is not, strictly, function.

M

MalignantCancerousMalignant describes a growth that can invade the tissue around it and spread to other parts of the body. It is the opposite of benign, which stays where it started.
ManiaManic episode, ManicA period of abnormally high or irritable mood with greatly increased energy, little need for sleep, racing thoughts and risky behaviour, lasting a week or more. It defines bipolar I disorder.
Metabolic syndromeSyndrome X, Insulin resistance syndromeA cluster of findings — abdominal weight, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and abnormal cholesterol — that together sharply raise the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
MetabolismMetabolic rateMetabolism is the whole set of chemical reactions a body uses to turn food into energy, build tissue and clear waste. It runs constantly, and most of it happens whether a person is active or asleep.
MetforminGlucophageThe usual first tablet for type 2 diabetes. It lowers the sugar the liver releases and helps the body respond to its own insulin.
MicroalbuminuriaModerately increased albuminuria, Albumin-to-creatinine ratio, ACRSmall amounts of the protein albumin leaking into urine — the earliest detectable sign that diabetes is affecting the kidneys.
MigraineMigraine headacheMigraine is a neurological condition causing attacks of headache that are typically one-sided and throbbing, often with nausea and a strong dislike of light and sound. It is not simply a severe headache — the attack has a recognisable pattern.
MindfulnessMindfulness meditation, MBCT, Mindfulness-based cognitive therapyPaying deliberate, non-judging attention to the present moment — breathing, body, surroundings, and thoughts as they come and go. It is a skill used in several therapies and for everyday stress.
Mood stabiliserMood stabilizer, Mood stabilisersMedicines taken long term to prevent the extreme highs (mania) and lows of bipolar disorder and keep mood steadier. Lithium and sodium valproate are the best known.
Motivational interviewingMIA collaborative style of conversation that helps a person resolve mixed feelings about changing a behaviour — such as smoking, drinking or drug use — by drawing out their own reasons to change.
MRIMagnetic resonance imagingAn MRI scan uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to build detailed images of soft tissue. It involves no X-rays and no radiation.

N

NarcissismNarcissist, Narcissistic, Narcissistic traitsA personality trait involving self-importance, a need for admiration and low empathy. Everyone has some; narcissistic personality disorder is an uncommon, formal diagnosis at the far end.
NeurodivergenceNeurodivergent, Neurodiversity, NeurodiverseA descriptive term for a brain that develops or works differently from the typical, used especially for autism and ADHD. It comes from the neurodiversity movement and is not a medical diagnosis.
NeuroplasticityBrain plasticity, Neural plasticity, Rewiring the brainThe brain's ability to change its connections in response to learning, experience, practice and injury. It is strongest in childhood and adolescence but continues throughout life.
NeurotransmitterBrain chemical, Chemical messenger, NeurotransmittersA chemical messenger that carries signals from one nerve cell to the next, or to a muscle or gland. Serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, GABA and glutamate are examples.
Nocebo effectNocebo, Nocebo responseWhen negative expectations about a treatment cause real unpleasant symptoms — the opposite of the placebo effect. It explains many side effects people feel after reading a medicine leaflet.
NSAIDNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Anti-inflammatory painkillerNSAIDs are painkillers that also reduce inflammation and fever — ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen and aspirin among them. They work well but carry real risks to the stomach, the kidneys and the heart.

O

ObsessionObsessions, Obsessive thoughtsIn psychology, an unwanted thought, image or urge that keeps returning and causes anxiety — not an intense interest. Obsessions are one half of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Obsessive-compulsive disorderOCD, Obsessive compulsive disorderA condition in which unwanted, distressing thoughts keep returning and the person feels driven to repeat actions or mental rituals to ease the distress.
OedemaEdema, Fluid retention, SwellingOedema is swelling caused by fluid collecting in the tissues, most often seen in the ankles and legs. It is a sign rather than a diagnosis, and what matters is the reason behind it.
Oral glucose tolerance testOGTT, Glucose tolerance test, GTTA test where you drink a measured sugary solution and have your blood sugar checked two hours later, to see how well your body clears it.
Oral rehydration solutionORS, Oral rehydration salts, NimkolOral rehydration solution is a precise mixture of salts and glucose in water that replaces what the body loses in diarrhoea and vomiting. The glucose is what allows the salt and water to be absorbed, which is why plain water or a soft drink does not do the same job.
OsteoarthritisOA, Degenerative joint disease, Wear-and-tear arthritisOsteoarthritis is the gradual loss of the smooth cartilage that lines a joint, leaving stiffness and pain that is worse with use. It is the most common form of arthritis and usually affects knees, hips, hands and the spine.
OsteoporosisBrittle bone disease, Thin bonesOsteoporosis is loss of bone density that leaves bones fragile enough to break from a minor fall or even a cough. It causes no symptoms until a fracture happens, which is what makes it dangerous.

P

PalpitationsPalpitations are an awareness of your own heartbeat — racing, thumping, fluttering or seeming to skip. Most are harmless, but the pattern and the company they keep decide whether they need investigating.
PancreasAn organ behind the stomach that makes insulin to control blood sugar, and enzymes that digest food. Diabetes is a disease of its insulin-making cells.
Panic attackPanic attacks, Ghabrahat ka daura, Anxiety attackA sudden rush of intense fear with strong physical symptoms such as a racing heart, breathlessness and shaking. It peaks within minutes and, although frightening, is not dangerous.
PathogenInfectious agent, GermA pathogen is any organism capable of causing disease — a bacterium, a virus, a fungus or a parasite. The term covers the cause of an infection regardless of which kind of organism it is.
Personality disorderPersonality disorders, PDA long-standing pattern of thinking, feeling and relating to others that differs markedly from most people's and causes real distress or problems for the person or those around them.
PhobiaPhobias, Specific phobia, Irrational fearAn intense, lasting fear of a particular thing or situation, such as heights, injections or dogs, that is out of proportion to the real danger and leads a person to avoid it.
PlaceboDummy treatment, Placebo effectA placebo is a treatment with no active ingredient, used in trials as the comparison against which a real medicine is judged. The placebo effect is the genuine improvement people report after receiving one.
PlateletThrombocyte, PLTPlatelets are the smallest cells in blood and their job is clotting — they clump at the site of an injury and form the initial plug that stops bleeding. A platelet count is part of a standard blood test.
PolydipsiaExcessive thirstConstant, excessive thirst that is not relieved by drinking — a common early symptom of untreated diabetes.
PolyuriaFrequent urination, Passing urine oftenPassing unusually large amounts of urine, often the first symptom of diabetes. Getting up repeatedly at night is the classic pattern.
Post-traumatic stress disorderPTSD, Posttraumatic stress disorder, Post traumatic stress disorderA condition that can follow a frightening or life-threatening event, in which the memory keeps intruding, reminders are avoided and the person stays constantly on guard.
Postnatal depressionPostpartum depression, PPDDepression that begins during pregnancy or in the year after having a baby. It is common, it is not a sign of being a bad mother, and it is treatable.
Postprandial blood sugarAfter-meal blood sugar, PP sugar, Two-hour postprandialBlood sugar measured two hours after starting a meal. It shows how well your body handled that particular food.
PrediabetesBorderline diabetes, Impaired glucose tolerance, IGTBlood sugar that is higher than normal but not yet high enough to be called diabetes. It usually causes no symptoms at all, and it can often be reversed.
Prefrontal cortexPFC, Frontal lobeThe front part of the brain, behind the forehead, responsible for planning, decision-making, self-control and weighing consequences. It is one of the last areas to mature, in the mid-to-late 20s.
PrognosisOutlookA prognosis is the expected course of a condition — how it is likely to develop and what the chances of recovery are. It is a statement about probability across many people, not a prediction about one.
Prolonged grief disorderComplicated grief, PGD, Persistent complex bereavement disorderIntense grief that lasts much longer than expected after a death and stops a person from functioning. ICD-11 uses at least six months; DSM-5-TR uses twelve months for adults.
ProphylaxisPreventive treatment, ProphylacticProphylaxis is treatment given to prevent a disease rather than to cure one. Vaccines, malaria tablets taken before travel and antibiotics given before surgery are all examples.
ProteinuriaProtein in urine, AlbuminuriaProteinuria means protein is leaking into the urine, which healthy kidneys prevent. It is one of the earliest signs of kidney damage, often appearing long before any symptom does.
PsychiatryPsychiatrist, Psychiatric doctorThe branch of medicine that diagnoses and treats mental illness. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with specialist training who can prescribe medicine as well as offer therapy.
PsychoeducationPsycho-education, Patient educationClear information about a mental health condition — what it is, why it happens, how it is treated and what helps — given to the person and often their family. It is usually the first step of treatment.
PsychologyNafsiyat, PsychologistThe scientific study of how people think, feel and behave. Most psychologists are not medical doctors and do not prescribe medicine.
PsychosisPsychotic episode, Psychotic symptomsA state in which a person loses some contact with reality — hearing or seeing things others do not, or firmly believing things that are not true. It is a symptom with many causes, and it is treatable.
Psychosomatic symptomsSomatisation, Functional symptoms, Somatic symptomsReal physical symptoms — pain, dizziness, stomach upset, weakness — that are driven or worsened by stress and emotion rather than by damage to an organ. They are not imagined.
PsychotherapyTalking therapy, Talk therapy, TherapyTreatment through regular, structured conversations with a trained professional, to help with mental illness, emotional problems or unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour.
Pulse oximeterOximeter, SpO2 monitorA pulse oximeter is the clip placed on a fingertip to measure how much oxygen the blood is carrying, shown as a percentage. A reading of 95% or above is normal for most healthy adults.

R

Random blood sugarRBS, Random plasma glucose, Random blood glucoseA blood sugar taken at any time of day without fasting. A result of 200 mg/dL or more, together with symptoms, points to diabetes.
RefluxAcid reflux, GORD, GERDReflux is stomach acid escaping upward into the food pipe, causing burning behind the breastbone and an acid taste. Occasional reflux is common; when it happens regularly it is treated as a condition in its own right.
RemissionRemission means the signs and symptoms of a disease have reduced or disappeared. It is not the same as cure — the condition may still be present and can return.
RenalKidney, NephricRenal simply means relating to the kidneys. It appears throughout medical language — renal function, renal failure, renal stones — where the everyday word would be kidney.
ResilienceResilient, Psychological resilience, Bouncing backThe ability to adapt and recover after hardship, loss or stress. It is not a fixed trait you either have or lack; it grows from relationships, habits and support.
Rheumatoid arthritisRARheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing pain, swelling and prolonged morning stiffness. Untreated it damages joints permanently, so early treatment matters.
RuminationOverthinking, Brooding, Repetitive negative thinkingGoing over the same upsetting thoughts again and again — why something happened, what it means, what is wrong with you — without reaching a solution. It deepens low mood.

S

SchizophreniaA long-term mental illness that affects how a person thinks, perceives and feels, with periods of psychosis such as hearing voices or holding false beliefs. It is not a split personality.
ScreeningScreening testScreening is testing people who feel well, to find a condition earlier than symptoms would. It is only worth doing when finding the condition early genuinely changes what happens next.
Self-esteemSelf esteem, Self-worth, Low self-esteemThe overall opinion you hold of your own worth. Low self-esteem is common and can change; it is not a diagnosis, though it often travels with depression and anxiety.
Self-harmSelf-injury, Self harm, Deliberate self-harmIntentionally hurting or injuring oneself, often as a way of coping with overwhelming feelings. It is a sign of serious distress that deserves care and understanding, not anger or shame.
SepsisBlood poisoning, SepticaemiaSepsis is the body's response to an infection turning against its own organs, and it is a medical emergency. It can develop from any infection and worsens by the hour without treatment.
Serotonin5-HT, 5-hydroxytryptamine, Happy hormoneA chemical messenger involved in mood, sleep, appetite, digestion and much more. About 90% of the body's serotonin is in the gut. It is not simply a "happy chemical".
SGLT2 inhibitorEmpagliflozin, Dapagliflozin, GliflozinA class of diabetes tablet that makes the kidneys pass excess sugar out in the urine. They also protect the heart and kidneys.
Side effectAdverse effect, Adverse drug reactionA side effect is any effect of a medicine other than the one it was given for. Some are trivial and settle, some are the reason a medicine has to be stopped.
Sleep hygieneSleep habits, Good sleep habitsEveryday habits and bedroom conditions that support good sleep, such as regular times and less caffeine. Useful for everyone, but on its own it does not cure chronic insomnia.
SNRISerotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, SNRIsSerotonin–noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor: a type of antidepressant acting on two chemical messengers. Venlafaxine and duloxetine are the main examples, used for depression, anxiety and some long-term pain.
SpirometryLung function test, Breathing test, PFTSpirometry measures how much air you can breathe out and how fast, by blowing hard into a machine. It is the test that distinguishes asthma from COPD and tracks how well either is controlled.
SSRISelective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, SSRIsSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitor: the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant, used for depression and many anxiety conditions. Examples are sertraline, fluoxetine, escitalopram, citalopram and paroxetine.
StatinHMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, Atorvastatin, RosuvastatinStatins are medicines that lower cholesterol by reducing how much the liver makes. They are taken to lower the long-term risk of heart attack and stroke, not to treat a symptom.
StigmaMental health stigma, Self-stigmaNegative attitudes, stereotypes and discrimination directed at people with a condition. In mental health it is the shame and fear that stop many people from seeking help.
StrokeCerebrovascular accident, CVA, Brain attackA stroke is a sudden loss of blood supply to part of the brain, either from a blocked artery or a bleed. It is an emergency — treatment works only within a few hours of the first symptom.
Suicidal ideationSuicidal thoughts, Suicidal feelings, Thoughts of suicideThoughts about ending one's life, from a passing wish not to wake up to active plans. They are a sign of severe distress, not weakness, and with help they can pass.
SulfonylureaGliclazide, Glimepiride, GlibenclamideA group of diabetes tablets that push the pancreas to release more insulin. Effective and cheap, but they can cause low blood sugar.
SymptomA symptom is something a patient notices and reports — pain, nausea, tiredness. It differs from a sign, which is something a doctor can observe or measure.
SystolicSystolic is the top number in a blood pressure reading — the pressure in the arteries at the moment the heart contracts. It is the higher of the two figures.

T

TachycardiaFast heart rateTachycardia means a resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute in an adult. It is often a normal response to something else, and occasionally a rhythm problem in its own right.
ThyroidThyroid glandThe thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that sets the body's metabolic pace. Too little hormone slows nearly everything down; too much speeds it up.
TraumaPsychological trauma, Emotional trauma, Traumatic eventAn event or series of events frightening or harmful enough to overwhelm a person's ability to cope, and the lasting effects it can leave. Most people exposed to trauma recover.
Trauma bondTrauma bonding, Traumatic bondingA strong emotional attachment to someone who is abusing you, built by cycles of harm followed by kindness. It is a research concept rather than a diagnosis, and it is not a sign of weakness.
TriggerTriggered, Trauma trigger, TriggersClinically, a reminder — a sound, smell, place or date — that sets off a strong trauma or anxiety response such as a flashback or panic. In casual use it now often just means anything upsetting.
TriglyceridesTriglycerides are the main form in which fat is carried in the blood and stored in the body. They are measured as part of a lipid profile, and a high level adds to cardiovascular risk.
TSHThyroid stimulating hormone, ThyrotropinTSH is the pituitary hormone that tells the thyroid how hard to work, and it is the first blood test used to check thyroid function. It reads in the opposite direction to intuition — a high TSH means an underactive thyroid.
Type 1 diabetesInsulin-dependent diabetes, Juvenile diabetes, T1DA form of diabetes where the immune system destroys the cells that make insulin, so insulin injections are needed for life.

U

UltrasoundSonography, Ultrasound scan, USGAn ultrasound scan builds images from high-frequency sound waves reflected back off the body's tissues. It uses no radiation, which is why it is the scan used in pregnancy.
UrinalysisUrine test, Urine R/E, Dipstick testUrinalysis is examination of the urine — by dipstick, under a microscope, or by culture. It is a quick, cheap test that reports on the kidneys, the urinary tract and sometimes on conditions well beyond them.
UTIUrinary tract infection, Cystitis, Bladder infectionA urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection anywhere from the bladder to the kidneys. A bladder infection is uncomfortable but usually straightforward; a kidney infection is a much more serious illness.

V

VaccineVaccination, JabA vaccine teaches the immune system to recognise a specific germ before it is ever encountered, so that a real infection is met by defences that are already prepared. It is prevention, not treatment.
VertigoVertigo is the false sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving. It is a specific symptom of the balance system, not a general word for dizziness or light-headedness.
VirusViral infectionA virus is genetic material in a protein coat that can only reproduce inside a living cell. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses, which is why they are not prescribed for a common cold.
Vitamin DCholecalciferol, 25-hydroxyvitamin DVitamin D lets the body absorb calcium and is essential for bone strength. It is made in the skin on exposure to sunlight, and deficiency is very common — including in sunny countries.

W

Waist circumferenceThe measurement around your middle. For South Asian adults, above about 90cm in men and 80cm in women signals raised risk of diabetes and heart disease.
White blood cellLeucocyte, WBC, TLCWhite blood cells are the immune system's cells in the bloodstream, and their job is fighting infection. The count and the mix of types are reported in a full blood count.
WithdrawalWithdrawal symptoms, Withdrawal syndromeThe physical and mental symptoms that appear when someone stops or cuts down a substance the body has become used to. Alcohol and sedative withdrawal can be dangerous.

X

X-rayRadiograph, Plain filmAn X-ray uses a small dose of radiation to produce an image, and it is best at showing bone and the chest. It is quick, widely available and usually the first imaging test requested.

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