Medical terms explained in simple English.
An allergy is a malfunction (immune response) of our defence system when it interacts with the environment or with medication, i.e., with non-infectious foreign agents. The body mistakenly produces antibodies and can respond with symptoms of inflammation. Allergic responses are mounted, for example, against pollen (hay fever), house dust mites, certain foods, animal hair etc., and can become noticeable in form of symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, or skin rash.
Medication that can be used to treat bacterial infectious diseases. Two different groups of antibiotics are distinguished depending on their mode of action. They are for one agents that inhibit or destroy the growth of bacteria, such as penicillin. For the other, they are narrow-spectrum antibiotics that act only against specific germs, and broad-spectrum antibiotics that are effective against a number of different germs.
Medications that are prescribed mainly for the treatment of depression, but also for panic attacks, anxiety, compulsive disorders, and for treatment of pain. Antidepressants modulate various messenger systems within the brain and produce a healthy messenger balance.
Medications for treatment of diabetes mellitus. These include, for example, oral antidiabetics, i.e. medication in tablet form, and insulin, which is administrated via a pen (injection). In addition, they include so-called incretin analogs used for treatment of type II diabetes. The are injected like Insulin.
Collective term for means to prevent pregnancy. A distinction is made between barrier methods, such as condoms, female condoms, copper or hormonal IUDs, diaphragm, and hormonal methods, including various birth control pills, contraceptive patches or birth control shots.
Urinary tract infections are among the most common bacterial infections in humans.1 The risk of contracting a bladder infection (cystitis) is particularly high in the cold season because the mucous membranes – not only in the mouth and nose but also in the genital area – are more susceptible to hypothermia and dryness. In addition, the immune system is usually weaker in the autumn and winter months. Dry mucous membranes in the genital area facilitate their colonisation with viruses and bacteria, which in turn can lead to cystitis. This is most frequently triggered by E.coli bacteria, which account for about 80 percent of all urinary tract infections.2 In combination with a weakened immune system, the risk of bladder infection also increases. Women are also more prone to cystitis than men because their urethra is shorter, which makes it easier for pathogens to enter the urinary tract.3
The first signs of minor bladder infections are usually pain and a burning sensation, more difficult urination and a frequent urge to urinate, whereby urine output usually remains rather low. A painful bladder, which may even include cramps, and changes in urine colour or odour, can also indicate cystitis. If the infection extends to the genital tract, women may experience increased discharge. An infection may also extend to and cause pain in the ovaries. In men, on the other hand, bladder infections can painfully affect the prostate, vas deferens or epididymis. An infection extending to the kidneys causes pain in the lower back. Very important: If cystitis is accompanied by blood in the urine, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Drinking sufficient fluids and keeping your body warm during the colder season is an important aspect of preventing bladder infections. Ensure that your feet and pelvic area are kept warm, for example with thick socks, tights or longer jackets that extend over the hips. You should also avoid sitting on cold surfaces outside such as benches or walls. In addition, a healthy, vitamin-rich diet can support the immune system and therefore avert bladder infections. Patients who are more prone to recurrent cystitis can drink bladder and kidney teas to flush the urinary tract as a precautionary measure.
Bladder infection = antibiotics? Not necessarily! In this case it is good to know that half of the uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections do heal spontaneously. You should therefore first attempt to treat them with non-antibiotic measures.2 These include the preventive measures recommended as well as the use of phytotherapeutics, such as real goldenrod. The Aristo Pharma portfolio includes suitable remedies containing herbal ingredients, such as Harntee Steiner®, Solidago Steiner® Lösung (solution) or Solidago Steiner® Tabletten (tablets). These can help to flush the urinary tract in the event of bladder infection and therefore eliminate the pathogens.
1 Foxman B. Epidemiology of urinary tract infections: incidence, morbidity, and economic costs. Am J Med 2002; 113 Suppl 1A: 5S–13S
2 Münst J et al. Akute und rezidivierende Harnwegsinfekte der Frau in der allgemeinmedizinischen Praxis. Ther Umsch 2018; 75: S. 547–552
3 Foxman B. Urinary tract infection syndromes: occurrence, recurrence, bacteriology, risk factors, and disease burden. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2014; 28: 1–3
A check-up is a medical preventative examination that should be performed regularly. There are numerous kinds of check-ups that help detect potential diseases early, ranging from early cancer detection, various organs screenings, to physical stress tests.
See cardiac insufficiency
Reduction in the amount of water in the body caused by insufficient intake of fluids or by increased loss of fluids.
Depression is a mental disease that can manifest in various symptoms. In addition to psychosocial factors, such as early loss of a parent, abuse or trauma, genetic factors and brain metabolic and functional disorders can play a role in the development of Depression.
As the name implies, the emergency contraceptive pill, also called “morning after pill”, is used in cases of emergency (e.g., after accidents with contraception) after intercourse when a pregnancy is not desired. The emergency contraceptive pill must be taken as soon as possible after intercourse and can be obtained without a prescription in German pharmacies.
Persistent or recurrent inability of achieving or maintaining penile erection sufficient to have intercourse.
Several foods produced from certain grains have a high gluten content, the so-called grain starch of plants.
A loss of over 100 hair per day is referred to as hair loss. Hereditary hair loss is the most frequent form. Constant stress or inadequate nutrition, for example, are less frequent causes of hair loss.
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a disease in which the blood pressure is permanently elevated. The most common causes are having a family history, being overweight, lack of exercise, or stress. It must be treated because high blood pressure can damage vessels.
Motion sickness. Symptoms can include dizziness, nausea, and vomiting caused by contradicting movement stimuli – such as in a plane, on a ship, or in a car.
Lactose (milk sugar) is contained in numerous foods (milk, milk containing products etc.) and is used as a filler in the production of medicinal products. A specific enzyme is required to digest lactose, which many people do not have. Stomach pain, bloating and diarrhoea are possible consequences of consuming lactose despite an existing intolerance.
The hormonal change in a woman’s body, which usually begins between mid-40s and early 50s, is known as menopause. The exact start of menopause and its duration varies from woman to woman. During this time, the ovaries gradually stop producing oestrogen and the maturation of fertilisable eggs also decreases. Physicians divide the menopause into different stages:
The onset of menopause is initially manifested by cycle disorders, which can be very different for each woman. Menstruation may therefore become increasingly lighter or irregular. However, unusually heavy or longer menstruation may also occur. Over time, this can be accompanied by hot flushes, profuse perspiration and insomnia. Further symptoms can include vaginal dryness, a reduced libido (reduced sexual desire), weight gain or mood swings all the way to depressive moods. Headaches, chest tightness, back pain, digestive problems or dizziness may also be symptoms that occur during menopause.
More severe menopausal symptoms may require hormone preparations to relieve perspiration or hot flushes, for example. These preparations are offered in different dosage forms, for example in the form of tablets. Your treating physician will explain whether and which hormone therapy is suitable for you, as well as the risks, advantages and disadvantages. One possible alternative could be preparations containing ingredients derived from medicinal plants, e.g. with the proven herbal active ingredient of the Black Cohosh (cimicifuga) contained in Sinei® by Aristo Pharma, for example.
See emergency contraceptive pill
Any drug used to treat tumours (“cancer”) is referred to as an oncologic, which is derived from “onkos” (ancient Greek ὄãêïò onkos “swelling”).
Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease that reduces the bone mass, resulting in possible fractures.
Overactive thyroid function can be the consequence of regulatory dysfunction of the thyroid. The metabolism is in full swing, causing various symptoms.
Plant-based medicines whose efficacy and tolerability are also scientifically tested in controlled clinical trials.
See erectile dysfunction
See check-up
Unpleasant to excruciating sensory perception often associated with actual or potential tissue damage, perceived with different intensities from person to person. Pain is an alarm signal of the body that signals that something is wrong.
Collective term for chemical drugs that affect the activity of the central nervous system and in this way influence mental functions, such as mood and emotionality.
Reflux (lat. refluere = flowing back), or heartburn, is the main symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and describes the flowing back of stomach acid into the oesophagus. Because the oesophagus is not intended to tolerate the stomach acid contents, painful burning, heartburn, results.
The thyroid is a hormone gland. It releases, amongst others, l-thyroxine and triiodo-thyronine, hormones that regulate the metabolism.
Underactive thyroid function is usually the consequence of a destruction of previously functional thyroid tissue. As a result, the entire metabolism slows down, which can lead to symptoms.
Widespread diseases are diseases that have a social impact due to their high prevalence and economic costs. They include, for example, diabetes mellitus type II, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
