Antibody

Protein produced by the immune system in response to foreign substances (antigens) like bacteria, viruses, or toxins

Antigen

Any substance that triggers an immune response in the body, such as bacteria, viruses, or other foreign particles. Stimulate the production of antibodies

Cancer

Group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Can develop in any organ or tissue

Carcinoma in Situ

Term used to describe cancer cells that are in the place where they first formed and have not spread to surrounding tissues. Is an early-stage cancer

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ

A non-invasive type of breast cancer where abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct but have not spread beyond the duct. Early form of breast cancer

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

Laboratory test used to detect antibodies in the blood, commonly used to diagnose infections, such as HIV, or monitor immune responses

Hodgkin Lymphoma

Type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system and is characterized by the presence of abnormal cells called Reed-Sternberg cells. Affects the immune system's ability to fight infection

Herpes Zoster

aka shingles, a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox. Results in a painful rash

Immunoglobulin A

An antibody that plays a crucial role in mucosal immunity, providing protection to body surfaces such as the respiratory and digestive tracts

Immunoglobulin E

An antibody that is involved in allergic reactions and protects against parasitic infections. Elevated IgE levels are often seen in individuals with allergies

Immunoglobulin G

Most common type of antibody in the blood and body fluids, providing long-term protection against bacteria and viruses. Plays a critical role in the immune response

Immunoglobulin M

First antibody produced in response to an infection. It provides early defense while the body prepares to produce more specific antibodies like IgG

Immunoglobulin

Type of antibody produced by the immune system to help fight infections. There are different types of immunoglobulins, each playing a unique role in the immune response

Lupus Erythematosus

An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissue, causing inflammation, pain, and damage to various parts of the body, including skin, joints, and organs

Metastasis

Refers to the spread of cancer cells from the original (primary) site to other parts of the body. This process makes cancer more difficult to treat and more dangerous

Metastatic

Refers to cancer that has spread from the primary site to other parts of the body, typically through the bloodstream or lymphatic system

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella

A vaccine that protects against three viral infections: measles, mumps, and rubella. These diseases can cause serious health complications, but vaccination can prevent them

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Group of cancers that originate in the lymphatic system. Unlike Hodgkin lymphoma, NHL does not involve Reed-Sternberg cells and includes various subtypes

Varicella Zoster Virus

The virus responsible for causing chickenpox and shingles. After initial infection, it remains dormant in the body and can reactivate as shingles later in life

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Severe lung condition that occurs when fluid builds up in the alveoli, leading to low oxygen levels in the bloodstream. Often results from trauma, infection, or other serious conditions

Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure

Non-invasive ventilator therapy used to help maintain airflow into the lungs by delivering different levels of air pressure during inhalation and exhalation. Often used to treat sleep apnea and respiratory failure

Big-Valve Mask

Handheld device used to provide positive pressure ventilation to patients who are not breathing or are breathing inadequately. Commonly used in emergency situations

Cystic Fibrosis

Genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system, causing thick, sticky mucus to build up, leading to respiratory and digestive problems

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Includes conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

A treatment that uses mild air pressure to keep the airways open, commonly used in patients with obstructive sleep apnea to prevent airway collapse during sleep 

Chest X-Ray

Diagnostic imaging test that uses X-rays to create pictures of the chest, including the lungs, heart, and bones. Often used to diagnose conditions like pneumonia or tuberculosis

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Minimally invasive surgical procedure used to restore normal drainage and function to the sinuses by removing blockages, typically used to treat chronic sinusitis

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room or chamber. It is used to treat conditions such as decompression sickness, serious infections, and wounds that won't heal 

Metered-Dose Inhaler

A device that delivers a specific amount of medication to the lungs in the form of a mist, commonly used to treat conditions like asthma and COPD

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

A condition in which the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, causing repeated blockages of the airway and interruptions in breathing

Pneumonia

AN infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus, causing symptoms like cough, fever, and difficulty breathing

Pulmonary Function Test

A group of tests that measure how well the lungs are working, including how much air they can hold, how quickly air can be exhaled, and how well the lungs deliver oxygen to the blood

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Unexplained death of a healthy infant, typically during sleep. It is sometimes referred to as "crib death" and pften occurs in infants under 1 year old

Tuberculosis

Potentially serious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body. Highly contagious and spread through airborne droplets

Upper Respiratory Infection

AN infection that affects the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, and sinuses. Commonly known as the common cold and often caused by viruses