Glossary
-
c
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Often abbreviated as COPD. A group of lung diseases with swelling of the airways and destruction of lung tissue resulting in decreased airflow. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most common forms of COPD.
-
Colitis
Inflammation of the colon.
-
Colonoscopy
An examination of the colon using a slender instrument used especially for viewing internal parts of the body. The colon is the part of the digestive tract that extends to the rectum.
-
Complementary Medicine
A group of non-conventional therapies that are used together with traditional medical treatment. For example: Tai Chi, massage therapy, aromatherapy or acupuncture.
-
Congenital
1 : existing at or dating from birth 2 : acquired during development in the uterus and not through heredity
-
Congestion
An excessive build up usually of blood or mucus.
-
Conservatorship
A person or institution that is designated to be responsible to care for and act in the best interest of someone who cannot do so.
-
Coronary
Relating to the coronary artery or veins of the heart.
-
Corticosteroids
Anti-inflammatory hormones that are made naturally in the body or synthetically for use as drugs. The most commonly prescribed drug of this type is prednisone.