Medical Definitions By Mark B. Levin, M.D. and Louis J. Tesoro, M.D. The Pediatric Group, P.A., Princeton

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Communication is at the root of accurate diagnosis and treatment for medical conditions. If a physicians and patients do not communicate accurately, confusion and errors are more likely to supervene. We have compiled a list of terms that are often misunderstood at either end of the communication dyad. We are hopeful that, once the terminology is understood by all, more accurate diagnosis and treatment will rule. Let us know what other terms you would like to see added to the list!

ADHD:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; this designation is a category of neurological function that may or may not be associated with hyperactivity; impulsive and inattentive behaviors are more characteristic of this condition.

Asthma:

a specific lung disorder caused by constriction of the bronchial muscles associated with increased pulmonary mucus production and inflammation, which results primarily in difficulty exhaling.

Bacterium:

a germ that causes secondary infections and does respond to antibiotic treatment, although antibiotic treatment may not always be necessary; bacteria reproduce independent of host cells.

Conjunctivitis:

inflammation of the lining of the eyelids, or conjunctivae. If it is a result of allergies, some crustiness may appear and the white of the eye may become bloodshot between the upper and lower lids; if it is infection related, often called "pink eye," there may be pus exuding from the eye and the white of the eye may be bloodshot in the area covered by the eyelids.

Constipation:

Infrequent bowel movements that are of a firm consistency and causes difficulty or pain upon elimination.

Croup:

A viral infection of the vocal cords and upper airway that causes a croupy cough.

Croupy Cough:

A cough that has the tonality of a seal or dog bark, caused by inflammation of or mucus on the vocal cords.

Dehydration:

A decrease in the amount of body fluid, especially to the extent that it causes symptoms (such as nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, dry eyes, rapid heart rate).

Diarrhea:

Loose and frequent stools (loose or frequent may still signify a problem, but it is not considered diarrhea).

Dyslexia:

a specific visual-perceptual learning style difference; although it may be associated with other learning style differences, it does not imply auditory or other sensory issues.

Fever:

As a result of statistical studies performed as early as 1911, the generally accepted medical definition of fever is a rectal temperature over 100.4oF; since this is a statistical norm, it is recognized that there are individual differences. Ear thermometers are unreliable in determining exact temperature; Axillary temperatures are equivalent to core temperature in a newborn; in an older child, the correlation is variable; oral temperatures are typically lower than core temperature by 0.5 to 1oF

Lethargy:

although generally interpreted to mean tired, physicians interpret lethargy as fatigue or weakness so severe that normal daily activities are nearly impossible without help.

Malaise:

a subjective feeling of fatigue and unwellness.

Meningitis:

inflammation of the meninges, the lining around the brain; this is most often the result of infection, which may be viral (not-antibiotic responsive), bacterial (antibiotics are required) or, rarely, due to other types of organisms.

Nasal Flaring:

Spreading and opening of the nostrils during inhalation.

Otitis Media:

a middle "ear infection" (an infection in the part of the ear that communicated with the throat via the Eustachian tube). This infection may require oral antibiotics; ear drops are not effective in eradicating this type of infection.

Otitis Externa:

an external, or ear canal, infection, also called swimmer's ear, this infection is in the skin of the ear canal and responds best to topical ear drop treatment. Oral antibiotics are not effective in eradicating this type of infection.

Pharyngitis:

a throat infection; the approach and causes are the same as for tonsillitis

Retractions:

Pulling in of the skin at the base of the neck, between the ribs or at the disphragm on inhalation.

Seizure:

repeated stereotypical, non-random, non-sporadic muscle movements caused by abnormal brain electrical activity.

Sinusitis:

an infection of the sinus (a cavity in the skull or facial bones that connects with the nasal passages.

Sore throat:

a subjective sensation that may mean, but does not necessarily mean, infection.

Sprain:

stretching or tearing injury of the tendons (the tissue that attaches the muscles to the bones).

Strain:

stretching or tearing injury of the ligaments (the tissue that attaches the bones to other bones).

Stridor:

An inhaling noise, often associated with retractions.

Tonsillitis:

infection of the tonsils; this term does not imply what the causative organism is. If it is viral, antibiotics are not appropriate; most bacterial causes of pharyngitis are self-limited and do not require antibiotic therapy; if it is caused by group A streptococcus, antibiotics are needed, especially to prevent the long term complications of strep.

Tumor:

a growth; the term does not specifically imply cancer

Virus:

a germ that causes primary infections and does not respond to treatment with antibiotics; viruses must be inside host cells to reproduce.

Wheezing:

An exhaling noise made during the respiratory cycle with the exhale being longer than the inhale; all that wheezes is not necessarily asthma.

Dr. Mark B. Levin 

Dr. Levin has been a member of the staff at The Pediatric Group since 1977. Currently an attending Pediatrician at the Medical Center at Princeton, he has been Chairman, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Center at Princeton, 1984 to 1986, 1989 to 1992, and past President, Medical and Dental Staff, Medical Center at Princeton, 1987 to 1988. Dr. Levin has served on numerous Departmental and hospital committees. He has published original articles both while at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse and at The Pediatric Group. He has a wife and three children. Dr. Levin enjoys alpine skiing, jogging, hiking and camping, travel, computers and racquetball.

Dr. Louis J. Tesoro

Dr. Tesoro has been a member of the staff at The Pediatric Group since 1988. Dr. Tesoro is Attending Pediatrician, Medical Center at Princeton, 1988 to present. He has served on several Departmental and hospital committees and was Chairman, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Center at Princeton from 1996 - 2000. He has lectured at the Universiy of Pennsylvania and has published original articles both while at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and at The Pediatric Group.

ŠAll rights reserved, The Pediatric Group, P.A. 2005