Medical dictionary

What is an allergy to animal hair?   An allergy to animal hair is a fairly frequent type of allergy and is usually caused by an allergic reaction to pet dander (small particles of dry animal skin), hair, feathers, urine or saliva. These small particles linger in the air and as a result, they can cause allergic reactions by being inhaled.   Any animal with hair can trigge

What is alopecia? Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. It is an umbrella term which includes many different types of hair loss, which each have their own causes and treatments. Types of alopecia include male and female pattern baldness, scarring alopecia, alopecia areata, anagen effluvium, telogen effluvium, alopecia totalis, alopecia universalis, alopecia barbae, androgenetic alopecia,

What is analysed? Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is a protein produced by the liver that plays an important role in the protection of the lungs from damage caused by enzymes. The AAT test measures AAT levels in the blood. What does the result mean? The result indicates the concentration of AAT in the blood. Why conduct the analysis? The AAT test is conducted to help diagnose AAT d

What is analysed? Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein produced by the liver and yolk sac of a developing foetus. In adults, the presence of AFP serves as a tumour marker for certain types of cancers, particularly liver cancer and certain testicular cancers. The AFP test measures AFP tumour marker levels in the blood. What does the result mean? The result indicates the concent

What is Alzheimer's disease? Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects cognitive functions, particularly memory. It is the most common form of dementia in the UK. As it advances, it leads to memory loss, impaired judgment, and difficulty with daily tasks. Although there is no cure, treatments can help manage symptoms, making ongoing research an

What is a amblyopia? Amblyopia, also known as a lazy eye, is a common sight disorder where vision is decreased, usually in one eye, but occasionally in both eyes. Glasses and contact lenses do not improve the vision. In amblyopia, the eye suffers reduced vision because the brain does not fully use the information coming from one or both eyes. Amblyopia always begins in childho

What is ambulatory blood pressure monitoring?Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is quite a new method used to assess a person's blood pressure. ABPM allows a doctor to assess your blood pressure results gathered throughout your normal daily living, instead of recording your blood pressure in one sitting, at a clinic.ABPM is used to assess people with "white coat hypertension", a phen

What is ambulatory ECG monitoring? Ambulatory ECG (electrocardiogram) monitoring is used to detect arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms). It does this by recording the electrical activity of the heart while you perform the normal activities of your day-to-day life. There are different types of ambulatory monitor and the most suitable one for you depends on several factors, incl

What is amenorrhoea? Amenorrhoea is the absence of a menstrual period in a woman of reproductive age. It may be physiological in the following moments of a woman’s life: puberty, menopause, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Other than that, amenorrhoea can be caused by various gynaecological conditions. Amenorrhoea can be divided into two categories: Primary amenorrhoea: it can occur