Medical Specialties

Esophagitis is the inflammation of the esophagus, often caused by acid reflux, infection, or irritation from medications. It presents with heartburn, chest pain, and trouble swallowing. Diagnosis typically involves endoscopy and treatment targets underlying causes, healing the esophageal lining, and relieving symptoms.

Esophagoscopy is a medical procedure that uses a flexible endoscope to inspect the esophagus. It enables direct visualization of the esophageal lining, often to diagnose conditions or collect tissue samples. The term combines esophagus with -scopy, meaning “to view.”

Esophagus is the muscular tube that transports swallowed material from the pharynx to the stomach through coordinated peristaltic waves. In medical contexts it is often called the gullet or œsophagus, but in US English the standard term is esophagus. It is pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable and often features a long a/e sound depending on accent.

Gastrectomy is a surgical procedure involving partial or total removal of the stomach. It’s used to treat conditions like stomach cancer or severe ulcers. The term combines the Greek stoma- (mouth) with -ectomy (surgical removal), and is spoken with care to maintain clear distinction of the syllables in medical contexts.

Gastritis is a medical term for the inflammation of the stomach lining. It typically presents with discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. The word combines Greek roots for “stomach” and “inflammation,” and is used in clinical and educational contexts to describe acute or chronic gastric mucosal irritation.

Gastroenterology is the medical specialty focusing on the digestive system, its diseases, and their treatment. It involves diagnosing and managing conditions from the esophagus to the intestines, liver, pancreas, and biliary tract. Clinically, gastroenterologists perform procedures like endoscopy and colonoscopy, and coordinate care for complex gastrointestinal disorders.

Gastroesophageal is an adjective describing anything related to the stomach (gastro-) and the esophagus (esophageal). It is typically used in medical contexts to denote conditions, parts, or relationships involving both organs, often in terms of anatomy, pathology, or surgical considerations. The term is polysyllabic and commonly appears in professional discourse, journals, and clinical discussions.

Glaucoma is a medical condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that can damage the optic nerve, potentially leading to vision loss. It is typically chronic and requires ongoing monitoring and treatment to prevent progression. The term is used broadly across ophthalmology and patient education, often with emphasis on early detection and management.

Gynecology is the branch of medicine dealing with the health of the female reproductive system, including the uterus, ovaries, and vagina. It encompasses medical and surgical care, preventive care, and the management of reproductive health, pregnancy, and related disorders. In practice, it covers diagnosis, treatment, and counseling for gynecologic conditions across the lifespan.

Hematology is the branch of medicine that studies blood, its disorders, and blood-forming tissues. It covers laboratory analysis, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions such as anemia, leukemia, and clotting disorders. The term combines Greek roots for blood and study, and is used in medical education, clinical settings, and research to describe this specialized field.

Hemorrhage (noun) refers to a discharge of blood from a ruptured blood vessel, either externally or internally. It can denote significant bleeding due to injury, illness, or surgical procedures, and is used in medical and everyday contexts. The term also appears metaphorically to describe rapid, excessive loss of something valuable.

Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of the liver, caused by viral infection, alcohol use, or autoimmune factors. It commonly presents with jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain, and can be acute or chronic. The term covers several distinct conditions (types A–E) that affect liver function and health outcomes.

Histology is the branch of biology that studies the microscopic structure of tissues. It involves preparing thin tissue sections, staining them, and examining them under a microscope to understand tissue organization, cellular relationships, and function. The word combines Greek roots related to tissue and science, and it’s a foundational tool in pathology, anatomy, and biomedical research.

Hypercalcemia is a medical condition characterized by abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood. It can affect bones, kidneys, and nerves, and may cause symptoms like weakness, confusion, or abdominal pain. Accurate pronunciation is uncommon in general contexts but critical in medical discussions and exams.

Hyperglycemia is a condition characterized by an abnormally high level of glucose in the blood. It typically refers to prolonged elevated blood sugar, often associated with diabetes, and can lead to symptoms such as frequent thirst, fatigue, and increased urination if not managed. It’s a term used in clinical contexts as well as patient education.

Hyperlipidemia is a medical condition characterized by elevated levels of lipids in the blood, typically cholesterol and triglycerides. It is often asymptomatic but increases cardiovascular risk if untreated. The term combines the Greek prefix hyper- (above), lip- (fat), and -emia (blood), indicating excessive fat in the bloodstream.

Hyperparathyroidism is a medical condition characterized by excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone, typically due to glandular overactivity or a parathyroid tumor. It disrupts calcium and phosphate balance, leading to bone, kidney, and neuromuscular symptoms. Proper pronunciation helps clinicians, researchers, and patients communicate clearly about diagnosis, treatment, and multidisciplinary care.

Hyperthyroidism is a medical condition in which the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormones, leading to a accelerated metabolism and a range of symptoms. It is typically diagnosed by elevated hormone levels in blood tests and can impact heart rate, weight, sleep, and energy. Management includes medical treatment and lifestyle adjustments under clinical supervision.

Hypoglycemia is a medical condition characterized by an abnormally low level of blood glucose. It typically presents with symptoms like dizziness, sweating, and confusion, and requires prompt recognition and treatment. The term comes from Greek roots meaning “under” (hypo) and “sweet” (glycemia).