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.
"Flame Leaf Flower" is more commonly referred to as "Poinsettias" in the medical community. Poinsettias
Also Known As: "Cuetlayochitl, Lobster Flower"
Perennial flowering shrubs that are native to Mexico. It is a traditional holiday decorative plant in the United States. More Information on Poinsettias: Latex Allergy
Surgery that involves transplanting healthy, live tissue from one area of the body to another. It is used to repair areas that have lost skin, fat, muscle movement and/or skeletal support. More Information on Flap Surgery: Skin & Aging
"Flare-Up Around Eyes" is more commonly referred to as "Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis" in the medical community. Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis
A type of allergic conjunctivitis that is associated with atopic dermatitis of the eyelids and face. Symptoms can be sight-threatening and may include redness, burning, tearing and itching. More Information on Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis: Eye Conditions
"Flashing" is more commonly referred to as "Sexual Exhibitionism" in the medical community. Sexual Exhibitionism
Also Known As: "Passive Scopophilia"
A type of paraphilia marked by getting sexual gratification from exposing one's genitals to an observer, often an unwilling stranger. More Information on Sexual Exhibitionism: Impulse Control Disorders
"Flatback Syndrome" is more commonly referred to as "Fixed Sagittal Imbalance" in the medical community. Fixed Sagittal Imbalance
Also Known As: "FSI"
A deformity where the lumbar spine loses lordosis (forward curvature of the spine), causing the spine to straighten and the torso and head to pitch forward relative to the hips and pelvis. More Information on Fixed Sagittal Imbalance: Back, Neck & Shoulder Pain
"Flattened Head" is more commonly referred to as "Positional Plagiocephaly" in the medical community. Positional Plagiocephaly
Also Known As: "Non Synostotic Plagiocephaly, Postnatal Positional Plagiocephaly, Flattened Head Syndrome, Deformational Plagiocephaly"
A deformed, typically flattened head shape in infants due to external force or pressure. It generally results from the infant remaining in one position, typically on its back, for too long. More Information on Positional Plagiocephaly: Newborn Care
"Flattened Head Syndrome" is more commonly referred to as "Positional Plagiocephaly" in the medical community. Positional Plagiocephaly
Also Known As: "Non Synostotic Plagiocephaly, Postnatal Positional Plagiocephaly, Deformational Plagiocephaly, Flattened Head"
A deformed, typically flattened head shape in infants due to external force or pressure. It generally results from the infant remaining in one position, typically on its back, for too long. More Information on Positional Plagiocephaly: Newborn Care
Any of a group of chemical compounds found in many plants and plant-based foods. They have been shown to have antioxidant effects and are found in fruits, vegetables, teas, wines, nuts, seeds and roots. More Information on Flavonoids: Herbs & Supplements
"Flavor Basics" is more commonly referred to as "Taste Basics" in the medical community. Taste Basics
Taste literally means the sensation that occurs when food comes in contact with the taste buds of the mouth (e.g., sweet, sour, bitter, salty). The term is also often used to describe flavor, which is actually a combination of taste and smell. More Information on Taste Basics: Nutrition Basics
A seed that is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids (may protect against heart disease) and contains lignans (may reduce cancer risk). It may be added to prepackaged foods and is available as whole or ground seeds, in flour or in supplements. More Information on Flax: Functional Foods
A seed that is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids (may protect against heart disease) and contains lignans (may reduce cancer risk). It may be added to prepackaged foods and is available as whole or ground seeds, in flour or in supplements. More Information on Flaxseed: Functional Foods
"Flea Tapeworm Infection" is more commonly referred to as "Dipylidium Caninum Infection" in the medical community. Dipylidium Caninum Infection
Also Known As: "Dog Flea Tapeworm, Cat Flea Tapeworm"
Infection with Dipylidium caninum, the most common tapeworm of dogs and cats in the United States. It occurs when a person or pet swallows a flea infected with tapeworm larvae. More Information on Dipylidium Caninum Infection: Infectious Disease Basics
Any of a variety of small, wingless insects in the order Siphonaptera. These bloodsucking parasites have legs adapted for jumping. They feed on warm-blooded animals and can transmit bacteria, parasites and other causes of infectious disease.
"Flesh Eating Bacteria" is more commonly referred to as "Necrotizing Fasciitis" in the medical community. Necrotizing Fasciitis
Infection with bacteria that destroy muscles, fat and skin tissue. Most cases result from infection with group A streptococcus. More Information on Necrotizing Fasciitis: Infectious Disease Basics
"Flexible Cystoscopy" is more commonly referred to as "Cystoscopy" in the medical community. Cystoscopy
Also Known As: "Rigid Cystoscopy, Bladder Cystoscopy"
Examination of the bladder (muscular reservoir that holds urine) and urethra. Performed using a thin, lighted instrument called a cystoscope inserted into the urethra. Tissue samples may be removed during examination and analyzed microscopically. More Information on Cystoscopy: Urinary & Bladder
"Flexible Sigmoidoscopy" is more commonly referred to as "Sigmoidoscopy" in the medical community. Sigmoidoscopy
Also Known As: "Rigid Sigmoidoscopy, Proctosigmoidoscopy"
A test used to detect polyps or other abnormalities in the rectum and the lower part of the colon. It uses a flexible or rigid tube with a light and camera (sigmoidoscope) that blows air to inflate the colon, making it easier to see problems. More Information on Sigmoidoscopy: Digestive Imaging Tests
"Floppy Infant Syndrome" is more commonly referred to as "Infantile Hypotonia" in the medical community. Infantile Hypotonia
Severely reduced muscle tone that is primarily seen in children. Causes include trauma, environmental factors, and genetic, muscle or central nervous system disorders. Symptoms include hanging the arms and legs by the sides. More Information on Infantile Hypotonia: Pediatric Brain & Nerve
"Floppy Valve Syndrome" is more commonly referred to as "Mitral Valve Prolapse" in the medical community. Mitral Valve Prolapse
Also Known As: "Billowing Mitral Cusp Syndrome, J.B. Barlow Syndrome, MVP, Barlow Syndrome, Systolic Click Murmur Syndrome"
A condition in which the flaps of the mitral valve (located between the left atrium and left ventricle) are too large and cannot close properly. As a result, blood may leak back through the valve (regurgitation), when it should only move forward. More Information on Mitral Valve Prolapse: Heart Valve
"Flor Essence" is more commonly referred to as "Essiac" in the medical community. Essiac
Herbal tea blends, sold as dietary supplements, that may be marketed as having beneficial effects for cancer treatment. No clinical evidence is yet available to support the use of these substances in cancer treatment. More Information on Essiac: Herbs & Supplements
"Floss" is more commonly referred to as "Dental Floss" in the medical community. Dental Floss
String-like tool used to remove plaque and debris that stick to teeth and gums in between the teeth. It also polishes the tooth's surface and controls bad breath. It may be waxed or unwaxed, flavored or unflavored, wide or regular. More Information on Dental Floss: Oral Health Basics
Use of a thin, nylon string to remove plaque and debris that stick to teeth and gums in between the teeth. It also helps polish the tooth's surface and controls bad breath. At least once daily is recommended. More Information on Flossing: Oral Health Basics
Technique to count and sort cells by size, shape and presence of tumor markers. Cells are stained with a light-sensitive dye and passed before a laser. Measurements are based on how the dye reacts to the laser. More Information on Flow Cytometry: Cancer Lab Tests
An acute viral infection that affects the respiratory tract. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, headache, fever and fatigue. More Information on Flu: Cold & Flu Basics
Vaccinations to help prevent an infection with an influenza virus. These are available for anyone over the age of 6 months. They are recommended for patients at high risk of the flu or flu-related complications. More Information on Flu Vaccines: Cold & Flu Basics
Vaccinations to help prevent infection with an influenza virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend flu vaccines for all children between 6 months and 5 years of age. More Information on Flu Vaccines & Children: Cold & Flu Basics
"Fludarabine" is more commonly referred to as "Antimetabolites" in the medical community. Antimetabolites
Also Known As: "Cytarabine, Capecitabine, Azacitidine, Thioguanine, Fluorouracil, Mercaptopurine"
Medications that block the body's chemical process, such as those that create chemical, proteins and substances needed for cells to grow and multiply. They may be used to slow the growth of tumors. More Information on Antimetabolites: Cancer Drug & Medication
"Fluid Retention" is more commonly referred to as "Edema" in the medical community. Edema
Also Known As: "Anasarca, Pitting Edema, Cardiac Edema, Dependent Edema, Orbital Edema"
A condition in which the tissues of part(s) of the body (e.g., the legs, ankles and hands) become filled with fluid, often leading to swelling. This can signal a serious underlying cause, such as congestive heart failure. More Information on Edema: Heart Signs & Symptoms
"Flunisolide" is more commonly referred to as "Steroid Nasal Sprays" in the medical community. Steroid Nasal Sprays
Also Known As: "Beclomethasone, Fluticasone, Mometasone, Triamcinolone"
Medications similar to the body's own hormones used to combat nasal inflammation associated with hay fever. They deliver the steroid medication in the form a a fine mist directly into the nasal passages. More Information on Steroid Nasal Sprays: Nose & Throat
"Flunitrazepam" is more commonly referred to as "Roofies" in the medical community. Roofies
A term used to describe illicit use of flunitrazepam, a "date-rape drug." A person who takes the drug may become incapacitated and vulnerable to sexual assault. Mixing the drug with alcohol can be fatal.
A test used to examine the back of the eye. A dye (contrast medium) is injected into the body and pictures are taken with a gamma camera. As the dye passes through the blood vessels of the eye, the vessels become more visible to the camera. More Information on Fluorescein Angiography: Eye Conditions
A new, advanced cytogenetic test that detects or confirms gene or chromosome abnormalities. It provides detailed information about genetic features associated with certain cancers, such as leukemia. More Information on Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization: Cancer Lab Tests
Professionally-applied treatment with the mineral fluoride to help prevent tooth decay. Types include gel, foam or rinse. Treatments may be performed by dentists or dental hygienists during dental visits. More Information on Fluoride Treatment: Oral Medications
A class of antibiotics, medications that kill or slow the growth of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria. They have no effect on viruses. Members of this class include ciprofloxacin, enoxacin, levofloxacin and norfloxacin, among others. More Information on Fluoroquinolones: Digestive Medications
A device used in some diagnostic tests. It is made of a fluorescent screen and an x-ray tube. It shows images of objects between the tube and the screen. More Information on Fluoroscope: Heart Imaging & Rhythm Tests
A device used in some diagnostic tests. It is made of a fluorescent screen and an x-ray tube. It shows images of objects between the tube and the screen. More Information on Fluoroscopy: Digestive Imaging Tests
"Fluorosis" is more commonly referred to as "Dental Fluorosis" in the medical community. Dental Fluorosis
Also Known As: "Enamel Fluorosis"
Occurs when too much fluoride disrupts the formation of enamel in permanent teeth, leading to problems ranging from minor discoloration to surface irregularities. Once erupted, permanent teeth are no longer vulnerable. More Information on Dental Fluorosis: Pediatric Dental
"Fluorouracil" is more commonly referred to as "Antimetabolites" in the medical community. Antimetabolites
Also Known As: "Cytarabine, Capecitabine, Azacitidine, Thioguanine, Mercaptopurine, Fludarabine"
Medications that block the body's chemical process, such as those that create chemical, proteins and substances needed for cells to grow and multiply. They may be used to slow the growth of tumors. More Information on Antimetabolites: Cancer Drug & Medication
"Fluticasone" is more commonly referred to as "Steroid Nasal Sprays" in the medical community. Steroid Nasal Sprays
Also Known As: "Beclomethasone, Mometasone, Triamcinolone, Flunisolide"
Medications similar to the body's own hormones used to combat nasal inflammation associated with hay fever. They deliver the steroid medication in the form a a fine mist directly into the nasal passages. More Information on Steroid Nasal Sprays: Nose & Throat
"Fluvastatin Sodium" is more commonly referred to as "Lescol" in the medical community. Lescol
Also Known As: "Lescol XL"
A brand name medication (generic fluvastatin sodium) belonging to a class of drugs called statins -- cholesterol-reducing medications used in the treatment of high cholesterol. More Information on Lescol: Heart Drug & Medication
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