Natural Medicine and Health Glossary - A guide to terminology.

NATURAL MEDICINE AND HEALTH GLOSSARY "I"

Term	Synonyms	Definition
Iatrogenic		Unintended and unwanted result of treatment.
Iatrogenic disease		A condition arising from medical treatment.
Ichthyosis		A variety of diseases in which the skin is dry and scaly.
IDDM	Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, Type I Diabetes Mellitus Formerly known as Juvenile diabetes, Juvenile-onset diabetes, Ketosis-prone diabetes	A chronic disease in which the pancreas makes little or no insulin because the beta cells have been destroyed, and body cells are unable to use glucose for energy. Onset is generally abrupt. The symptoms of IDDM include: great thirst, hunger, frequent urination, and weight loss. To treat the disease, the person must inject insulin, follow a diet plan, and exercise daily. IDDM usually occurs in children and in adults under age 30.
Identical twins		Twins arising from a single fertilized egg.
Idiopathic		Pertaining to a condition or disease of unknown cause.
IGT	Impaired Glucose Tolerance Formerly known as Borderline diabetes, Subclinical diabetes, Chemical diabetes, Latent diabetes	Blood glucose levels occasionally higher than normal but below the level required to diagnose diabetes. Even though persons with IGT may demonstrate a high level of glucose when tested, they may never develop diabetes.
Ileostomy		A surgically created opening from the small intestine to the abdominal wall for the passage of waste.
Ileum		Lower portion of the small intestine.
Ilium		The upper portion of the hipbone.
Imaging		The technique of creating pictures of structures inside of the body using X-rays, ultrasound waves, or magnetic fields.
Immobilize		To make a limb or part immovable in order to promote healing.
Immune system		The system that protects the body from invasion by foreign substances such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi.
Immunity		State of being resistant to a disease, particularly an infectious one.
Immunization		Introduction of antigens into the body in order to stimulate the development of immunity.
Immunocompromised		The weakening of the body’s immune system.
Immunodeficiency		A failure of the body’s immune system to fight disease.
Immunoglobulin		A protein that can act as an antibody.
Immunology		The study of the immune system, including how it functions and disorders that affect it.
Immunostimulant		A substance that increases the ability of the body’s immune system to fight disease.
Immunosuppressant		A substance that inhibits the activity of the immune system; used to prevent rejection of a transplant organ and in disorders where the body's immune system attacks its own tissues.
Immunosuppressive drugs		Drugs that block the body's ability to fight infection or foreign substances that enter the body. A person receiving a kidney or pancreas transplant is given these drugs to stop the body from rejecting the new organ or tissue. Cyclosporin is a commonly used immunosuppressive drug.
Immunosuppressive medications		Drugs that suppress the immune system.
Immunotherapy		A form of therapy that utilizes the body's immune system.
Impacted		Firmly lodged in place.
Impacted fracture		A bone break in which the two broken ends have been forced into each other.
Impedance plethysmography		A test used to evaluate blood flow through veins.
Imperforate anus		A birth defect in which the opening of the anus is not formed normally.
Impetigo		A highly contagious skin infection caused by bacteria, usually occurring around the nose and mouth; commonly occurring in children.
Implant		A small container of radioactive material placed in or near a cancer.
Implant (tissue)		An organ, tissue, or device surgically inserted and left in the body .
Implantable insulin pump		A small pump placed inside of the body that delivers insulin in response to commands from a hand-held device called a programmer.
Impotence	Impotent	Inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection adequate for sexual intercourse.
In vitro fertilization		The process by which the egg is fertilized outside the body, then transferred into the woman's uterus.
Incidence		How often a disease occurs; the number of new cases of a disease among a certain group of people for a certain period of time.
Incise		Surgically cut into.
Incision		A cut made with a sharp instrument such as a scalpel.
Incisional biopsy		The surgical removal of a portion of an abnormal area of tissue, by cutting into (incising) it, for microscopic examination.
Incisor		Any of the four front teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.
Incompetent cervix		A cervix which begins to dilate prematurely, usually in the second trimester.
Incontinence		Inability to control release of urine or feces.
Incubation period		The time period between when an infectious organism enters the body and when symptoms occur.
Indehiscent		Fruit that remains closed upon reaching maturity.
Indigestion		Impaired digestion, commonly refers to abdominal pain following meals.
Induction of labor		The use of artificial means to start the process of childbirth.
Infarct	Infarction	An area of tissue that dies because of lack of blood supply.
Infection		Disease caused by invasion of body tissue by bacteria, viruses or fungi.
Infectious		Ability to transmit a disease caused by microorganisms.
Infective arthritis		Arthritis caused by bacteria from a wound or the bloodstream entering a joint.
Inferior vena cava		Large vein returning blood from your legs and abdomen to your heart.
Infertility		Absent or diminished ability to reproduce.
Infiltrate		Introduce medication, typically local anesthetic, into an area of tissue.
Inflammation		Body tissue's reaction to injury that leads to swelling, pain, heat and redness.
Inflammatory bowel disease	Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis	The general term for two inflammatory disorders affecting the intestines.
Inflammatory joint disease		Any type of arthritis that causes a joint to become inflamed.
Inflorescence		The flowering structure above the last stem leaves (including bracts and flowers).
Influenza	Flu	A viral infection characterized by headaches, muscle aches, fever, weakness, and cough.
Informed consent		Agreement to undergo a medical procedure after the technique, its risks, and its possible complications have been explained.
Infusion (Body)		The introduction of a substance, such as a drug or nutrient, into the bloodstream or a body cavity.
Infusion (Herbal)		Product that results when a drug or herb is steeped to extract its medicinal properties, sometimes referred to as a tea.
Ingestion		Taking food, water, or medicine into the body by mouth.
Ingrown toenail		A painful condition of the big toe in which the nail grows into the skin on either side, causing inflammation and/or infection.
Inguinal		Pertaining to the groin where the abdomen and thighs meet.
Inguinal orchiectomy		Surgery to remove the testicle through the groin.
Inhaler		A device used to introduce a powdered or misted drug into the lungs through the mouth, usually to treat respiratory disorders such as asthma.
Inheritance		The passing of traits from parent to child through genes.
Injected		Having prominent bloodvessels.
Injection		The use of a syringe and needle to insert a drug into a vein, muscle, or joint or under the skin.
Injection site rotation		Changing the places on the body where a person injects insulin. Changing the injection site keeps lumps or small dents from forming in the skin. These lumps or dents are called lipodystrophies. However, people should try to use the same body area for injections that are given at the same time each day -- for example, always using the stomach for the morning injection or an arm for the evening injection. Using the same body area for these routine injections lessens the possibility of changes in the timing and action of insulin.
Injection sites		Places on the body where people can inject insulin most easily. These are: The outer area of the upper arm. Just above and below the waist, except the area right around the navel (a 2-inch circle). The upper area of the buttock, just behind the hip bone. The front of the thigh, midway to the outer side, 4 inches below the top of the thigh to 4 inches above the knee. These areas can vary with the size of the person.
Innervation		Nerve supply.
Inoperable		Unsuitable for treatment by surgery.
Inotropic medications		Medications that increase the strength of contraction of the heart.
Insecticide		A substance which repels and / or kills insects.
Insemination		The deposit of semen into the vagina.
In situ		"In place"; often describes a cancer that has not spread.
Insomnia		Inability to sleep.
Inspiration		Taking a breath in; inhalation.
Insulin		A hormone made by the pancreas or taken by injection that regulates the amount of sugar (glucose) in the bloodstream.
Insulinoma		A noncancerous tumor of the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas; the tumor releases excess insulin into the blood, causing glucose levels to drop dangerously low.
Insulin allergy		When a person's body has an allergic or bad reaction to taking insulin made from pork or beef or from bacteria, or because the insulin is not exactly the same as human insulin or because it has impurities. The allergy can be of two forms. Sometimes an area of skin becomes red and itchy around the place where the insulin is injected. This is called a local allergy. In another form, a person's whole body can have a bad reaction This is called a systemic allergy. The person can have hives or red patches all over the body or may feel changes in the heart rate and in the rate of breathing. A doctor may treat this allergy by prescribing purified insulins or by desensitization. See : Desensitization.
Insulin antagonist		Something that opposes or fights the action of insulin. Insulin lowers the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood, whereas glucagon raises it; therefore, glucagon is an antagonist of insulin.
Insulin binding		When insulin attaches itself to something else. This can occur in two ways. First, when a cell needs energy, insulin can bind with the outer part of the cell. The cell then can bring glucose (sugar) inside and use it for energy. With the help of insulin, the cell can do its work very well and very quickly. But sometimes the body acts against itself. In this second case, the insulin binds with the proteins that are supposed to protect the body from outside substances (antibodies). If the insulin is an injected form of insulin and not made by the body, the body sees the insulin as an outside or "foreign" substance. When the injected insulin binds with the antibodies, it does not work as well as when it binds directly to the cell.
Insulin pen		An insulin injection device the size of a pen that includes a needle and holds a vial of insulin. It can be used instead of syringes for giving insulin injections.
Insulin pump		A device that delivers a predetermined amount of insulin into the body.
Insulin reaction	Insulin shock	A condition in insulin-taking diabetics resulting in low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) due to excess insulin or inadequate carbohydrate intake.
Insulin receptors		Sites on the outer portion of the cell membrane that bind with insulin in the blood. When the cell and insulin bind together, glucose from the blood enters the cell and is used for energy.
Insulin resistance	Insulin insensitivity	Many people with noninsulin-dependent diabetes produce enough insulin, but their bodies do not respond to the action of insulin. This may happen because the person is overweight and has too many fat cells, which do not respond well to insulin. Also, as people age, their body cells lose some of the ability to respond to insulin. Insulin resistance is also linked to high blood pressure and high levels of fat in the blood. Another kind of insulin resistance may happen in some people who take insulin injections. They may have to take very high doses of insulin every day (200 units or more) to bring their blood glucose (sugar) down to the normal range.
Insulin shock		A severe condition that occurs when the level of blood glucose (sugar) drops quickly. The signs are shaking, sweating, dizziness, double vision, convulsions, and collapse. Insulin shock may occur when an insulin reaction is not treated quickly enough. Taking small amounts of sugar, juice, or food that contains sugar will usually help the person feel better within 10-15 minutes.
Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus	IDDM, Type I Diabetes Mellitus Formerly called Juvenile diabetes, Juvenile-onset diabetes, Ketosis-prone diabetes	A chronic disease in which the pancreas makes little or no insulin because the beta cells have been destroyed, and body cells are unable to use glucose for energy. Onset is generally abrupt. The symptoms of IDDM include: great thirst, hunger, need to urinate often, and weight loss. To treat the disease, the person must inject insulin, follow a diet plan, and exercise daily. IDDM usually occurs in children and in adults under age 30.
Insulin-induced atrophy		Small dents that form on the skin when a person keeps injecting a needle in the same spot. They are harmless.
Insulin-induced hypertrophy		Small lumps that form under the skin when a person keeps injecting a needle in the same spot.
Insulin-resistance		A partial blocking of the effect of insulin. This interference can be caused by hormones produced by the placenta or by excessive weight gain.
Insulinoma		A tumor of the beta cells in areas of the pancreas called the islets of Langerhans. Although not usually cancerous, such tumors may cause the body to make extra insulin and may lead to a blood glucose (sugar) level that is too low.
Intensive care		The close monitoring of a patient who is seriously ill.
Intensive intermittent claudication		Pain in the muscles of the leg that occurs off and on, usually while walking or exercising, and results in lameness (claudication). The pain results from a narrowing of the blood vessels feeding the muscle. Products are available to treat this condition.
Intensive management		A form of treatment for insulin-dependent diabetes in which the main objective is to keep blood glucose (sugar) levels as close to the normal range as possible. The treatment consists of three or more insulin injections a day or use of an insulin pump; four or more blood glucose tests a day; adjustment of insulin, food intake, and activity levels based on blood glucose test results; dietary counseling; and management by a diabetes team.
Interaction		Change in body's response to one substance when another is taken. Interactions may increase the response, decrease the response, cause toxicity or completely change the response expected from either substance. Interactions may occur between drugs and drugs, drugs and vitamins, drugs and herbs, drugs and foods, vitamins and vitamins, minerals and minerals, vitamins and foods, minerals and foods, vitamins and herbs, herbs and herbs, foods and foods.
Interferon		A protein produced by animal cells that regulates parts of the immune system. It has natural anti-viral activities and may have anti-tumor activities.
Interleukins		Substances used in biological therapy. Interleukins stimulate the growth and activities of certain kinds of white blood cells.
Intermenstrual		Between menstrual periods.
Intermittent claudication		Discomfort in the leg muscles brought on by walking and relieved by rest; produced by inadequate blood flow.
Internal fixation		A method of holding a broken bone in place using surgically inserted screws, rods, or plates.
Internal radiation		A type of therapy in which a radioactive substance is implanted into or close to the area needing treatment.
International units		Measurement of biological activity. In the case of vitamin E, 1 International Unit (IU) equals 1 milligram (mg)(1IU = 1mg).
Internist		A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and medical treatment of adults.
Interstitial cystitis		A chronic inflammation of the bladder wall leading to frequent, painful urination.
Interstitial lung disease		A disease of the connective tissue surrounding the air sacs of the lungs that causes a dry cough, scarring of lung tissue, and shortness of breath.
Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis		The scarring of connective tissue in the lungs that leads to shortness of breath.
Interstitial radiation therapy	Interstitial radiation	A treatment for cancer in which a radioactive material is inserted into or near a tumor to provide direct radiation.
Intervertebral discs		Broad, flat cartilage structures containing a gel-like fluid that cushion and separate vertebrae,
Intestinal bypass		A surgical procedure in which the beginning of the large intestine is joined to its end so that less food is absorbed; because of serious side effects, usually performed only on seriously obese people.
Intestines		Portion of the digestive tract extending from stomach to anus and responsible for much of the absorption of nutrients. See Duodenum, Ileum, Jejunum and Colon.
Intima		Inner layer in the wall of an artery.
Intimate sexual contact		Vaginal or anal intercourse; oral/genital sex; or open mouth kissing.
Intolerance		Inability to endure, as with pain or a drug therapy.
Intra-abdominal bleeding		Synonymous with hemoperitoneum
Intra-arterial	IA	Into an artery.
Intracavitary	IC	Into a cavity or space, specifically the abdomen, pelvis, or the pleural cavity of the chest.
Intracavitary radiation		A radioactive source (implant) placed in a body cavity such as the chest cavity or the vagina.
Intra-aortic balloon pump		A small balloon inserted into the aorta that helps to circulate blood by inflating between heartbeats.
Intracerebral		Within one or both of the 2 major hemispherical components of the brain, which serve the "higher" mental functions.
Intracranial		Within the skull.
Intracranial hemorrhage		Bleeding within or on the surface of the brain.
Intractable		Describes a condition that does not respond to treatment.
Intraductal papilloma		A small wartlike growth that projects into a breast duct.
Intraepithelial		Within the layer of cells that forms the surface or lining of an organ.
Intrahepatic		Within the liver.
Intralesional	IL	Into the cancerous area in the skin.
Intramedullary rod		A strong metal rod that is placed inside of a broken bone to help it heal correctly.
Intramuscular	IM	Into a muscle.
Intramuscular injection		Putting a fluid into a muscle with a needle and syringe.
Intraocular pressure		The pressure of fluid within your eyeball.
Intraoperative radiation		A type of external radiation used to deliver a large dose of radiation therapy to the tumor bed and surrounding tissue at the time of surgery.
Intraperitoneal		Within the peritoneal cavity, the area that contains the abdominal organs.
Intraperitoneal chemotherapy		Treatment in which anticancer drugs are put directly into the abdomen through a thin tube.
Intrathecal chemotherapy		Treatment with drugs that are injected into the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cort (cerebrospinal fluid).
Intrauterine		Within the cavity of the uterus.
Intrauterine device	Intra uterine contraceptive device, Intrauterine contraceptive device, IUCD, IUD	A prosthesis inserted into the uterine cavity to prevent implantation of the fertilized egg, probably by irritation of the lining.
Intrauterine growth retardation		Fetal growth that is less than optimal because of unfavorable conditions in the uterus.
Intravenous	IV	Within or into a vein.
Intravenous catheter	IV catheter	A catheter (hollow tube) inserted into a vein for administration of fluids and medications.
Intravenous injection		Putting a fluid into a vein with a needle and syringe.
Intravenous pyelogram	IVP	X-ray study of the kidneys and urinary tract. Structures are made visible by the injection of a substance that blocks x-rays. Also called IVP.
Intrinsic		A term used to describe something originating from or located in a tissue or organ.
Intrinsic factor		A substance found in the gastric juices that allows vitamin B12 to be absorbed.
Intubation		A term used to describe something originating from or located in a tissue or organ.
Invasive		Describes something that spreads throughout body tissues, such as a tumor or microorganism; also describes a medical procedure in which body tissues are penetrated.
Invasive cancer		Cancer that spreads into and destroys nearby tissues.
Inversion	Inverted nipple	Retraction of the nipple.
Investigational new drug		A drug allowed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used in clinical trials but not approved by the FDA for commercial marketing.
Investigational treatments		Treatments that use new substances or methods of treating disease and are given under strict scientific controls.
Investigator		An investigator is the experienced clinical researcher who prepares a protocol or treatment plan and implements it with patients.
In vitro		"In glass"; a biological test or process that is carried out in a laboratory.
In vitro fertilization	IVF	A treatment for infertility in which an egg and a sperm are joined outside the woman's body, and the fertilized egg is then inserted into the uterus or fallopian tube.
In vivo		"In the living body"; a biological process that occurs inside of the body.
Involuntary		Not controlled through will.
Iodine		An element for the formation of thyroid hormones.
Ionizing radiation		Radiation that damages cells or genes; can be used to treat cancer.
IQ	Iintelligence quotient	A measure of a person's intelligence as determined by specific tests.
Iridocyclitis		An inflammation of the iris and ciliary body.
Iris		The round, colored membrane of the eye surrounding the pupil, which serves to control the amount of light reaching the retina.
Iron		A mineral necessary for the formation of important biological substances such as hemoglobin, myoglobin, and certain enzymes.
Iron-deficiency anemia		A type of anemia caused by a greater-than-normal loss of iron due to bleeding, problems absorbing iron, or a lack of iron in the diet.
Irrigate		Wash out a wound or operative field with a cleansing fluid.
Irrigation		Repeated flushing of a cavity or lesion to minimise local infection.
Irritable bladder		Involuntary contractions of muscles in the bladder, which can cause lack of control of urination.
Irritable bowel syndrome		Abnormal muscle movement in the intestines, which causes abdominal pain and irregular bowel movements (diarrhea, constipation, or both)
Irritation, of nerve root		Intermittent mild pressure which gives rise to symptoms but no loss of function.
Ischemia		Deficiency of blood flow within an organ or part of an organ.
Islet cell transplantation		Surgically placing the beta (islet) cells from the pancreas of one person into the pancreas of another. Beta cells make the insulin that the body needs to use glucose for energy. Although transplanting islet cells may one day help people with diabetes, it is still in the research stage.
Islets of Langerhans		Insulin-producing tissue in the pancreas that makes and secretes hormones that help the body break down and use food. Named after Paul Langerhans, the German scientist who discovered them in 1869, these cells sit in clusters in the pancreas. There are five types of cells in an islet: beta cells, which make insulin; alpha cells, which make glucagon; delta cells, which make somatostaton; and PP cells and D1 cells, about which little is known.
Isomers		Two or more distinct compounds that have the same molecular formula and an identical number of atoms of each element, but in a different arrangement.
Isometric		Contracting a muscle against resistance without changing its length.
Isotonic		Muscular work which produces motion of a body part.
Isotope		A variant form of a chemical element that has similar structure but different mass. Some isotopes are radioactive.
IU	I.U.	International units.
IUD	Intrauterine device	A contraceptive device made of plastic or metal that is inserted into the uterus.
IV	Intravenous	Inside a vein (blood vessel).
IVF		See In vitro fertilization.

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