What is a Disease?

DEFINITION OF 

disease,

n abnormal functioning within an organism often expressed by specific bodily symptoms. This term is more concretethan 

illness, which includes mental aspects as well.

disease affinity,

n a homeopathic remedy's association with a certain illness or symptom.

disease entities,

n.pl term used for illnesses to emphasize the concept that sickness is separate from the person  suffering from it.

disease picture,

n depiction of all disease-related symptoms in an individual.

disease process,

n progression of the illness, both mental and physical symptoms involved.

disease(s), autoimmune (·tōˈ·im·yōōnˑ d·zēzˑ),

n.pl conditions caused by immune system dysfunction that results in cells and antibodies attacking one'sown tissue.

disease, Adams-Stokes,

n.pr disease marked by symptoms such as unanticipated and repeated black-out periods, and occasionally seizures due to an incomplete heart block.

disease, Addison's,

n.pr condition in which the adrenal glands are compromised because of infection, autoimmunity,hemorrhage, or neoplasm. Symptoms include anorexia, skin bronzing, dehydration, and gastrointestinal disturbances, among others. Life-threatening form requires meticulous medical and self care.
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Disease, Addison's

disease, Akureyi,

n.pr condition marked by extreme and incapacitating fatigue, the cause of which is unknown.Accompanying symptoms can include pain as well as loss of sleep, concentration, and memory.

disease, Albers-Schonberg,

n.pr osteopetrosis form in which bones display calcification that resemble marbles.

disease, Alexander's,

n.pr variant of leukodystrophy characterized by an abnormal increase in brain size.

disease, Alzheimer's,

n.pr brain disease in which the individual gradually loses mental acuity and may become helpless.Characterized by protein deposits and abnormal tissue growth in the cerebral cortex.
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Disease, Alzheimer's

disease, Anderson's,

n.pr rare, fatal disease characterized by abnormal glycogen deposits in tissues caused by deficiency of thebranching enzyme (alpha-1:4, alpha1:6 transglucosidase). Not detectable at birth, infants eventually developliver cirrhosis or heart failure.

disease, celiac (sēˑ·lē·ak d·zēzˑ),

n metabolic disorder present at birth marked by the inability to hydrolyze the peptides found in gluten.Dietary changes can ensure full recovery. Also called
celiac sprue, gluten-induced enteropathy, and
nontropical sprue.
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Disease, celiac.

disease, chronic obstructive airway,

n a progressive lung disorder, caused by blockage of the airways, which inhibits the breathing process;includes chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive bronchitis, or emphysema, or combinations of theseconditions.
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Disease, chronic obstructive airway.

disease, coronary heart,

n a condition resulting from poor blood supply to the heart attributable to narrowing of the coronary arteriescaused by accumulation of plaque, which ultimately leads to deterioration of heart function. Also called
coronary artery disease.

disease, Crohn's,

n colon disease of unknown origin causing chronic inflammation, discomfort, frequent diarrhea, fever,nausea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Also called
regional enteritis.

Disease, Crohn's.

disease, Crouzon's,

n hereditary illness characterized by malformed skull as well as ocular problems including divergent squint,exophthalmos, and optic atrophy.
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Disease, Crouzon's.

disease, degenerative joint,

n a medical condition that mostly affects the elderly and is marked by erosion of the joints, cartilage loss,and changes in the subchondral bone. Symptoms include tenderness, swelling, stiffness, worsening painafter use of a particular joint and the decreased functionality of a joint. Several nutritional supplements,vitamins, drugs, botanical medicines, balanced diet, and exercise are used to lessen the symptoms. Alsocalled
osteoarthritis or
OA.

disease, drug,

n 1. condition caused by the lengthy use of a medication.
2. collection of symptoms experienced following a homeopathic treatment.

disease, fibrocystic breast (FBD) (fīˈ·brō·sisˑ·tik brestˑ di·zēzˑ),

n common condition in premenopausal women characterized by the development of cysts of varying sizesin both breasts and the appearance of a nodular texture in the breasts. Symptoms include cydicaltenderness and pain in the breast. Also called
cystic mastitis.
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Disease, fibrocystic breast.

disease, gastroesophageal reflux (gasˈ·trō··sä·f·jēˑ·l rēˑ·flks di·zēzˑ),

n condition in which the acidic contents of the stomach reflux up into the esophagus. Symptoms includeheartburn, regurgitation, and pulmonary irregularities. May cause damage to the esophageal tissues.Causes may include hiatal hernia, alcohol, overeating, smoking, fatty foods, and caffeine. Also called
acid reflux, reflux, or
reflux esophagitis.

disease, heart,

n any disorder that affects the heart's function.

disease, iatrogenic,

n disorders caused by medical intervention or through exposure to healthcare facilities.

disease, Lou Gehrig's,

n See amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

disease, mixed connective tissue,

n a systemic disease distinguished by a combination of symptoms that are present in a variety ofrheumatic diseases like polymyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and scleroderma. Presence ofantinuclear antibodies, muscle inflammation, swollen hands, nondeforming arthritis, and arthralgia are someindications. Corticosteroids are commonly prescribed for treatment.
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Disease, mixed connective tissue.

disease, Parkinson's,

n.pr neuro-logical disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of neurons producing dopamine.Symptoms inlcude tremors, movement difficulties, speech impediment and often dementia.
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Disease, Parkinson's.

disease, pelvic inflammatory,

n inflammation and infections affecting the pelvic region. Pain in the lower abdomen, tenderness in theadnexal region to palpitation and sensitivity to touch in the cervical region after movement are commonsymptoms.
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Disease, pelvic inflammatory (PID).

disease, peptic ulcer,

n ailment in which a sharply defined area or areas in the gastrointestinal mucous membranes deteriorate.Occurs most commonly in the stomach and duodenum.
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Disease, peptic ulcer.

disease, periodontal,

n inflammatory condition affecting the periodon-tium or gingival regions, progressing from gingivitis toperiodontitis. It can be a manifestation of an underly-ing medical condition including leukemia, diabetesmellitus, vitamin deficiency, or anemia.

disease, psychosomatic,

n any condition in which detrimental physio-logical changes are facilitated by psychological and affectivestressors.

disease, somatopsychic (sō·maˈ·t·sīˑ·kik di·zēzˑ),

n any condition in which detrimental psychological changes are facilitated by physical and physiologicalstressors.

credit/source: http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/disease
Credit and cite to the original writers' references including the images featured in each disease.

Jonas: Mosby's Dictionary of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. (c) 2005, Elsevier.