Glossary of terms

acute respiratory distress syndrome

severe lung damage caused primarily by infections, trauma or abnormalities in lung development or structure

anaphylaxis (also called anaphylactic shock)

a sudden, severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction caused by food allergies, insect stings, or medications. Symptoms may include hives, swelling (especially of the lips and face), difficulty breathing (either because of swelling in the throat or an asthmatic reaction), vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, and a drop in blood pressure.

See also Allergy and immunologyEmergency medicineViolent and unintentional injuries, food allergy and anaphylaxisBryan's bout with food allergies

aneurysm

a thin, weakened area in a blood vessel or chamber of the heart.

See also Cardiovascular-thoracic surgerySurgery (general)

apnea

a term which means to stop breathing.

See also Pulmonary medicine

asthma

a chronic, inflammatory lung disease characterized by recurrent breathing problems usually triggered by allergens

See also Allergy and immunologyPulmonary medicineSigns and symptoms of asthmaTreatment for asthmaUnderstanding childhood asthmaWarning signs that asthma is not under control

cardiac (heart) arrhythmia

abnormal rhythm of the heart beat. Fetal cardiac arrhythmias are diagnosed before birth by an ultrasound exam of the pregnant mother.

See also CardiologyCardiovascular-thoracic surgeryHeart transplant programInstitute for Fetal Health

cardiopulmonary arrest

when the child has no heart beat and is not breathing; may be caused by events such as trauma, sudden infant death syndrome, submersion (drowning), shock

See also Lindsay’s triumph

head injuries

trauma to the head/brain

See also Motion Analysis CenterNeurosurgery

hypoplastic left heart

abnormally small growth of the heart's major pumping chamber. Fetal hypoplastic left heart is diagnosed by ultrasound and requires special preparations for optimal care at delivery.

See also CardiologyCardiovascular-thoracic surgeryInstitute for Fetal HealthKajsa battles hypoplastic left heart syndrome

near-drowning

survival, even if temporary, after asphyxia from submersion

sepsis

serious life-threatening infection

spinal cord injury (SCI)

a traumatic injury that either results in a bruise (also called a contusion), a partial tear, or a complete tear in the spinal cord

See also Neurosurgery

trauma

a physical injury or wound caused by an external force which may cause death or permanent disability. Trauma is also used to describe severe emotional or psychological shock or distress.

See also Cardiovascular-thoracic surgeryMotion Analysis CenterOrthopaedic surgery/Sports and rehabilitative medicinePlastic and reconstructive surgeryPulmonary habilitation programSurgery (general)

traumatic brain injury

leading causes are motor vehicle accidents, falls and child abuse. Affects 200-300 children/100,000 per year.

See also Emergency medicineMotion Analysis CenterPulmonary habilitation programHelicopter transport saves Jake from brain injury


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