GLOSSARY
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- Abrasion
- The pathological wear of tooth surfaces resulting from a mechanical / rubbing process e.g. toothbrushing creating a damaged area
- Acid reflux
- A common condition and an abnormal one in which acid in the stomach rises up into the esophagus.
- Adenovirus
- Adenovirus which can cause respiratory illnesses and other illnesses such as gastroenteritis.
- Allergen
- Something that provokes an allergic reaction.
- Allergic rhinitis
- Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose caused by an allergic reaction. Hayfever is a type of allergic rhinitis.
- Allergy
- An inappropriate and potentially damaging response by the body’s immune system to a substance, such as pollen or house dust mites, to which it has become hypersensitive.
- Anaphylactic shock
- A rapid and severe allergic reaction that can cause intense swelling of the airways. Urgent medical attention is required.
- Angina
- Crushing chest pain caused by inadequate circulation to the heart muscle.
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- A form of arthritis mainly affecting lower back (spondylitis means inflammation of the spine; ankylosing means bones fuse together across a joint).
- Antibodies
- Proteins that combine with substances identified as not belonging to the body, such as bacteria and viruses, in order to destroy them.
- Anti-emetics
- Drugs which prevent or reduce nausea/vomiting.
- Antihistamine
- A drug that blocks the effect of histamine.
- Anti-pyretic
- Agent capable of reducing fever
- Antitussive
- An agent capable of acting as a cough suppressant.
- Attrition
- The natural wearing of teeth from chewing or grinding.