Complicated Terms For Minor Illnesses

March 3, 2021

No one likes feeling sick, but there can often be comfort in knowing what the issue is. Of course, only if individuals know what the illness affecting them actually is. The easiest way to make individuals more nervous about what might be wrong with their bodies is to use medical terminology. Even the simplest and most common of illnesses can seem terrifying when this kind of language is used. In fact, many will say medical terminology, as complicated as it is, is a language of its own. The good news is, there are simple terms out there!

Onychocryptosis

Onychocryptosis certainly sounds menacing, doesn't it? Well, this condition is actually what just about everyone will know as an ingrown toenail. It is, in fact, one of the most common types of diseases that affect the nails. As the name suggests, an ingrown toenail means the nail grows inwards, into the toe. This painful condition is often caused by wearing improper footwear (such as too tight shoes) as well as cutting the nails improperly, or injuries. Given enough time, the skin around the toenail can grow over the nail causing the same pain. With an ingrown toenail, infection and inflammation will eventually set in. Any pressure against the toe can cause pain; even the weight of socks or bed sheets. The best treatment for an ingrown toenail is to catch it early and groom in a way that gives room for the nail to grow properly. Other options include foot baths and the surgical removal of part of the nail.

Muscae Volitantes

Muscae volitantes is more commonly referred to as eye floaters, which are deposits found in the clear gel that fills the eyeball. This gel is called the vitreous humor and it is the major substance in the eye. The floaters suspended in the vitreous humor are only seen because of the shadows they cast on the retina. They typically appear as spots and wiggly lines in the affected individual's field of vision. Eye floaters are caused by the shrinkage of the vitreous humor and other damage to the eye. The optometrist or ophthalmologist can see these floaters using instruments. The only treatment for eye floaters is surgery and this is often reserved for very severe cases.

Orthostatic Hypotension

In orthostatic hypotension, which is also referred to as a head rush, the patient's blood pressure drops suddenly upon standing or stretching. The systolic blood pressure (the one on top) must drop at least 20 mm Hg while the diastolic blood pressure (the number on the bottom) must drop at least 10 mm Hg. So, 120/80 mm Hg to 100/70 mm Hg upon standing means a quick head rush. Blood pools in the patient's legs, leaving too little in the upper body to maintain whole body blood pressure. This condition is characterized by dizziness or lightheadedness. Sometimes it can lead to fainting and it is quite normal to experience this once in a while. Individuals should check with their doctor if they experience these symptoms frequently.

Veisalgia

Veisalgia is the medical term used to describe a hangover. This term is derived from the Norwegian word ‘kveis' and the Latin word ‘algia,' which essentially mean discomfort or pain resulting from overindulgence. The common signs of a hangover, many will know, is a painful headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and even a sensitivity to lights and sounds. There are also psychological symptoms, including feelings of regret and anxiety. Of course, the cause is drinking a little too much alcohol and dehydrating the body. The only cures for a hangover are time and drinking lots of water, though pain medication can help curb some symptoms for a little while.

Obdormition And Paresthesia

Obdormition refers to numbness in the arms and legs after sleeping in an awkward position. The Latin term ‘obdormire' means to fall asleep. In other words, this is when a limb ‘goes to sleep.' Paresthesia is commonly known as ‘pins and needles,' and this sensation often occurs after sleeping in an awkward position (or sitting in an awkward position). The Greeks are responsible for this term: para means abnormal and aesthesia means sensation. Most individuals have experienced these feelings in their hands, legs, feet, or arms. Hitting the ‘funny bone,' which is also called the ulnar nerve, is another way to experience this feeling. If paresthesia occurs chronically, it may be a sign of a more serious issue such as poor circulation or joint inflammation.

Aphthous Stomatitis

Aphthous stomatitis is the complicated term for a mouth ulcer or canker sore. These annoying and often painful sores are often seen on the gums, lips, inside the cheeks, and occasionally the gums. Unlike cold sores, which we know are caused by the herpes virus, there is some ambiguity as to what the precise cause of canker sores is. However, some potential triggers include mouth injuries due to cheek biting, dental work, hard brushing, and more. Others include certain oral hygiene products, some food sensitivities (such as acidic or spicy foods), a lack of certain vitamins or nutrients (such as iron, vitamin B12, and folate), as well as stress. It is also thought that some individuals are genetically predisposed to getting canker sores. Most affected individuals just suffer through the pain and eat on one side of their mouth, though there are ointments to help numb the sore. If it grows to be a very large ulcer, a canker sore can be surgically removed.

Nocturnal Enuresis

Nocturnal enuresis is more commonly known as bedwetting, and it is commonly seen in children, though adults can experience it as well. There are quite a few potential causes of bedwetting, including stress, fear, sleep apnea, urinary tract infection, or even just a small bladder. Bedwetting also comes with psychological effects, including embarrassment, reduced self-esteem and confidence, as well as social degradation. Treatments range and depend on the trigger, but a sleep specialist may be able to help. When the cause is psychological, particularly for children, it is crucial for the appropriate mental health treatment to be followed.

Tibial Stress Syndrome

Tibial stress syndrome might be a less complicated term than some of the others discussed so far, but it can still be confusing to many individuals who hear it. The vast majority will, however, recognize this condition by its other name: shin splints. Shin splints are perhaps the most common lower leg injury. This condition is caused by repetitive stress to the tissue surrounding the tibia bone. All kinds of physically active individuals are at risk of developing shin splints, as are those who are inactive and who start exercise routines that put stress on this area, especially if they start too intensely, too quickly. Shin splints are characterized by an achy feeling along the shin. This is caused by over-pronation during running or other activity, which is when the ankles roll inward to allow for more of the foot to contact the ground. Overpronation leads to more stress being placed on the tibia. Unlike the nickname suggests, the bone is not splintering, however, there is a lot of soreness and inflammation. The treatment for shin splints is simple: ice and rest.

Vasovagal Syncope

Vasovagal syncope is the most common kind of fainting individuals will experience. Vasovagal refers to the part of the nervous system that controls the cardiovascular system, including heart rate and blood pressure. Dysfunction in this leads to fainting. There are a lot of different triggers for vasovagal syncope, including anything from orthostatic hypotension to a lack of sleep. Any condition or event that makes an individual's heart rate and blood pressure drop can cause them to faint. Ultimately, the only way to treat vasovagal syncope is to avoid triggers as much as possible. However, when triggers cannot be avoided, consuming lots of fluid and electrolytes can reduce the impact of fainting.

Sphenopalatine Ganglioneuralgia

Sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia sounds like two made-up words, but this is actually the medical term for what individuals call a ‘brain freeze.” Its technical name means pain of the nerve called the sphenopalatine ganglion. This condition occurs after rapidly eating or drinking something quite cold, such as ice cream or cold beverages. It is thought that the act of touching the cold food or beverage to the roof of the mouth is the main cause. In this condition, all of the blood vessels in the area constrict in the cold, and the local pain receptors send messages that lead to the pain. The reason these headaches only last a few seconds is because the temperature typically warms back up quickly. The best treatment is to place the tongue on the roof of the mouth for warmth. In seconds, it will feel like it never happened.

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