Glossary of Medical and Health Terms. List M & N

Malaria

An infectious disease of the tropics characterized by high fever and chills. The fever typically recurs every third day. Some forms of malaria can be fatal

Malnutrition

Poor nourishment resulting from an inadequate or improper diet

Manic-depressive

A mental disorder marked by alternating periods of excitability and depression. Also called bipolar affective disorder

Marijuana

A drug derived from the leaves of the Cannabis sativa plant. Makes the user feel euphoric and lightheaded

Marrow

The soft and sponge-like material inside the bones

Measles

A highly contagious viral disease occurring most frequently in childhood and characterized by small, red spots on the skin, high fever and nasal discharge

Meningitis

Inflammation of the meninges as the result of infection by bacteria or viruses. Symptoms include high fever, headache, stiff neck and vomiting. This is a life-threatening disease that must be treated promptly

Menstruation

The periodic discharge of blood and tissues from the uterus. This usually occurs about every four weeks in a woman who isn't pregnant. Also called "a period"

Menopause

The time in a woman's life in which the menstrual cycle ends characterized by some symptoms like pain and dryness in the vagina, insomnia and depression

Metabolism

The chemical and physical processes involved in building up, storing and using materials required for healthy life

Migraine

A group of symptoms that includes a severe headache, usually on one side of the head, and often accompanied by visual disturbances, nausea, irritability and other symptoms

Mineral

A naturally occurring compound found in different plants and food stuff, necessary for health

Miscarriage

spontaneous expulsion of a human fetus before it is viable and especially between the 12th and 28th weeks of pregnancy

Mumps

A viral disease of childhood characterized by swelling of the parotid (salivary) glands and fever

Narcolepsy

Frequent and uncontrolled desire for sleep, can be dangerous in some cases

Nausea

A feeling of sickness in the stomach, sometimes followed by the urge to vomit

Nebulizer

A device that produces a very fine vapor to be inhaled, usually given to people suffering from asthma and other breathing disorders