Use the A-Z list to browse more than 6,000 health-related topics in our library. Clicking on a term opens the definition and, in most cases, links to more information.
"RT" is more commonly referred to as "Technician" in the medical community. Technician
Also Known As: "CVT, Technologist, Radiologic Technologist, Electrocardiographical Technician"
An individual who performs tests (e.g., blood tests), operates equipment (e.g., an EKG or x-ray machine) and/or has specialized knowledge or skills in a particular area (e.g., the cardiovascular system). More Information on Technician: Healthcare Basics
"Rubber Allergy" is more commonly referred to as "Latex Allergy" in the medical community. Latex Allergy
Allergy to products made with latex (sap from the rubber tree). The most common reaction is contact dermatitis with symptoms similar to those caused by poison ivy. In some cases, it can cause anaphylaxic shock. More Information on Latex Allergy: Latex Allergy
A treatment for hemorrhoids that involves tying it off with a rubber band to cut off the supply of blood, causing the removal of the hemorrhoid. More Information on Rubber Band Ligation: Digestive Treatments
A square of material with a hole for a single tooth used to isolate that tooth from the mouth and nearby surfaces during dental procedures, such as filling a cavity. Typically made of latex, but may also be made from a similar material. More Information on Rubber Dam: Dental Restorations
"Rubbers" is more commonly referred to as "Condoms" in the medical community. Condoms
Also Known As: "Male Condoms, Female Condoms"
A sheath, usually made of latex, that forms a barrier to prevent pregnancy or the transfer of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) during intercourse. There are male and female versions, but the male condom is the most common. More Information on Condoms: Contraception
Also Known As: "Three Day Measles, German Measles, Rubella Virus Infection"
A childhood viral illness that can have serious effects on a fetus (birth defects, stillbirth) if the mother contracts the illness during pregnancy. A vaccine is available and is part of routine childhood immunization. More Information on Rubella: Skin Related Infections
This childhood viral illness can have serious effects on a fetus (birth defects, stillbirth) if the mother contracts the illness during pregnancy. A vaccine is available and is part of routine childhood immunization. More Information on Rubella & Pregnancy: Pregnancy Management
Also Known As: "Three Day Measles, German Measles"
A childhood viral illness that can have serious effects on a fetus (birth defects, stillbirth) if the mother contracts the illness during pregnancy. A vaccine is available and is part of routine childhood immunization. More Information on Rubella Virus Infection: Skin Related Infections
"Rubeola" is more commonly referred to as "Measles" in the medical community. Measles
A highly contagious viral illness marked by fever, cough, conjunctivitis (irritation in eye membranes) and rash that tends to affect children. While still common worldwide, immunization has made this disorder rare in the United States. More Information on Measles: Skin Related Infections
Also Known As: "Broad Thumb-Mental Retardation Syndrome, Broad Thumb-Hallux Syndrome"
A pattern of features including short stature, broad thumbs and big toes. It may also include birth defects of the heart such as patent ductus arteriosus, ventricular or atrial septal defects, coarctation of the aorta, or pulmonic stenosis. More Information on Rubinstein Syndrome: Pediatric Heart
Also Known As: "Broad Thumb-Mental Retardation Syndrome, Rubinstein Syndrome, Broad Thumb-Hallux Syndrome"
A pattern of features including short stature, broad thumbs and big toes. It may also include birth defects of the heart such as patent ductus arteriosus, ventricular or atrial septal defects, coarctation of the aorta, or pulmonic stenosis. More Information on Rubinstein Taybi Syndrome: Pediatric Heart
"Rubor" is more commonly referred to as "Skin Rash" in the medical community. Skin Rash
Also Known As: "Erythema, Skin Lesions"
Any change to the color and/or texture of the skin (e.g., redness, itching, inflammation, raised bumps). Causes may include irritation, disease or allergy to foods, chemicals, plants, animals, insects or other environmental factors. More Information on Skin Rash: Skin Signs & Symptoms
The regurgitation, re-chewing and usually re-swallowing of food. It is different than reflux because it is voluntary and active. While common in infants, it is rare in adults and may be a learned habit or part of an eating disorder. More Information on Rumination: Digestive Health Basics
"Rumination Syndrome" is more commonly referred to as "Adult Rumination" in the medical community. Adult Rumination
The regurgitation, re-chewing and usually re-swallowing of food in adult patients. It is different than reflux because it is voluntary and active. While common in infants, it is rare in adults and may be a learned habit or part of an eating disorder. More Information on Adult Rumination: GERD & Heartburn
A symptom that commonly occurs in the initial stages of a cold or the flu, but that may also be due to allergies. Cold weather and crying also can trigger a runny nose. In some cases, antihistamines are used to control this symptom. More Information on Runny Nose: Nose & Throat
"Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm" is more commonly referred to as "Aortic Rupture" in the medical community. Aortic Rupture
Also Known As: "Ruptured Aorta"
The bursting of an aortic aneurysm (a widened area in part of the aorta). It can be caused by a birth defect, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure or syphilis. More Information on Aortic Rupture: Aneurysm
"Ruptured Aorta" is more commonly referred to as "Aortic Rupture" in the medical community. Aortic Rupture
Also Known As: "Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm"
The bursting of an aortic aneurysm (a widened area in part of the aorta). It can be caused by a birth defect, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure or syphilis. More Information on Aortic Rupture: Aneurysm
"Ruptured Disc" is more commonly referred to as "Herniated Disc" in the medical community. Herniated Disc
Also Known As: "Injured Disc, Disc Prolapse, Protruding Disc, Disc Herniation, Slipped Disc, Prolapsed Disc, Bulging Disc"
A disc in the spine displaced from its normal position in between two vertebrae. Tissue within the disc ruptures and then the disc protrudes into the spinal canal, causing pain, numbness and/or weakness. More Information on Herniated Disc: Back, Neck & Shoulder Pain
"Rush Immunotherapy" is more commonly referred to as "Allergy Shots" in the medical community. Allergy Shots
Also Known As: "Enzyme Potentiated Desensitization, Low Dose Immunotherapy, EPD, Accelerated Immunotherapy, Desensitization"
Allergy shots used to increase a person's tolerance to an allergen, reducing the symptoms, but not actually curing the allergy. They may be recommended to people who suffer from allergies more than 3 months a year. More Information on Allergy Shots: Allergy & Asthma Drugs
"RUT" is more commonly referred to as "Rapid Urease Test" in the medical community. Rapid Urease Test
A test often used to identify bacterial infections by identifying the enzyme urease in biopsied tissue. More Information on Rapid Urease Test: Digestive Lab Tests
"RVAD" is more commonly referred to as "Ventricular Assist Device" in the medical community. Ventricular Assist Device
Also Known As: "Heart Assist Pump, Right Ventricular Assist Device, Heart Pump, Left Ventricular Assist Device, VAD, LVAD"
A device that helps either of the heart's lower chambers (ventricles) to pump blood. Some patients require one device to help each ventricle. These devices have been approved by the FDA and are fairly commonly used. More Information on Ventricular Assist Device: Heart Failure
"RVF" is more commonly referred to as "Rift Valley Fever" in the medical community. Rift Valley Fever
Also Known As: "Rift Valley Hemorrhagic Fever, Rift Valley Fever Virus Infection, Rift Valley Fever Virus, RVF Infection"
A disease of East African sheep and cattle caused by a bunyavirus (genus Phlebovirus) that is marked by fever and destructive hepatitis. It is transmitted to humans by mosquito bites or handling infected animals. More Information on Rift Valley Fever: Tropical Disease
"RVF Infection" is more commonly referred to as "Rift Valley Fever" in the medical community. Rift Valley Fever
Also Known As: "Rift Valley Hemorrhagic Fever, Rift Valley Fever Virus Infection, Rift Valley Fever Virus, RVF"
A disease of East African sheep and cattle caused by a bunyavirus (genus Phlebovirus) that is marked by fever and destructive hepatitis. It is transmitted to humans by mosquito bites or handling infected animals. More Information on Rift Valley Fever: Tropical Disease
"RWIs" is more commonly referred to as "Recreational Water Illnesses" in the medical community. Recreational Water Illnesses
Also Known As: "Recreational Waterborne Illnesses"
Illnesses spread by swallowing, breathing or having contact with contaminated water from swimming pools, spas, lakes, rivers or oceans. They can cause a variety of symptoms, with the most common being diarrhea. More Information on Recreational Water Illnesses: Oral Signs & Symptoms
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