Glossary

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A B C D E F G H I J L M N O P R S T U V W Y

abscess

A pocket of pus surrounded by inflammation, caused by a bacterial infection and marked by persistent pain.

acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)

The condition, due to infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), when the body's immune system breaks down and is unable to fight certain infections.

amenorrhea

anemia

A condition in which the body lacks adequate hemoglobin, commonly due to iron deficiency or excessive blood loss. As a result, tissues do not receive adequate oxygen.

antiretroviral (ARV) therapy

A group of drugs used to treat HIV infection. There are several ARV classes, which work against HIV in different ways. Patients take a combination of several drugs at once.

atrial fibrillation

A heart rhythm disorder in which the upper heart chambers contract in an abnormal or disorganized manner.

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