American Medical Association Family Medical Guide - American Medical Association [808]
hospice A concept of caring for people who are in the final phase of terminal illness that emphasizes comfort and quality of life and focuses on relieving pain and controlling other symptoms.
human immunodeficiency virus See HIV.
hydrogenated fats See trans fats.
hypertension See high blood pressure.
I
ICU See intensive care unit.
immune deficiency See immunodeficiency.
immune system A network of specialized cells and organs that produces proteins called antibodies to protect the body from infectious microorganisms and cancer.
immunity Resistance to disease conferred by activities of the immune system. Immunity can be present at birth, can develop from having a specific disease, or can be induced through a vaccine that contains small doses of an infectious microorganism or antibodies to that microorganism.
immunization Also called vaccination. The active or passive process by which resistance to specific infectious microorganisms is induced. In active immunization, a person is given small doses of an inactive form of a specific microorganism in a vaccine, providing lifelong resistance to infection by that microorganism. In passive immunization, a person is injected with antibodies that fight the specific microorganism, providing temporary resistance to infection by that microorganism.
immunodeficiency Also called immune deficiency. Impaired effectiveness of the immune system.
immunoglobulins See antibodies.
immunotherapy Therapy to gradually build up a person’s immunity to a substance to which he or she is allergic (allergen) by exposing the person to increasing doses of the substance.
implant To insert an object or substance into the body to treat disease, deliver drugs, alter appearance, or restore or improve function. Examples of implants include breast implants, lens implants after cataract surgery, joint replacements, pacemakers, and radioactive implants to treat cancer.
impotence See erectile dysfunction.
incubation period The time lag (ranging from days to months) between exposure to a disease-causing microorganism and the appearance of symptoms. During this period, infectious microbes are multiplying but are not yet numerous enough to cause symptoms.
informed consent Agreement to undergo a surgical or diagnostic procedure after receiving a complete explanation of the procedure and the risks involved.
in situ Means “in place”; often used to describe cancer that has not spread from its original site.
insulin A hormone produced by the pancreas that enables the body to use the sugar glucose.
intensive care unit Also called the ICU. A section in most hospitals in which lifesaving surgical and medical care is given to premature babies or people who are severely injured, seriously ill, or recovering from major surgery.
intramuscular Inside or into a muscle.
intravenous Also called an IV. Giving medication or fluids directly through a vein.
intravenous drip Also called intravenous infusion. Introducing a liquid into the body from an elevated sterile container through a needle inserted into a vein. The flow rate of the liquid is measured by counting the rate at which the liquid drips through a transparent chamber.
intravenous fluid Fluid—containing essential substances such as salt, water, sugar, protein, minerals, vitamins, or electrolytes—that is infused through a vein.
intravenous infusion See intravenous drip.
invasive Describes a medical procedure in which body tissues are penetrated. Is also used to refer to cancer that has spread.
iron A mineral that is essential for the production of many enzymes and for the formation of hemoglobin, which delivers oxygen to cells.
ischemia Decreased blood supply to an organ or tissue.
IV See intravenous.
J
jaundice Yellow discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes caused by an excess of the pigment bilirubin in the bloodstream. Jaundice may be caused by excessive destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis) or by a