Coronary Thrombosis
A blood clot forming in the arteries supplying blood to the heart.
Corpuscle
One of the cells in the blood. Cells make up 45 percent of the blood and include red cells, which carry oxygen to the tissues and waste carbon dioxide to the lungs, and white cells which destroy invading bacteria and help to resolve inflammation.
Cortisone and Corticosteroids
Natural steroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands. Synthetic cortisone (corticosteroid drugs) is used as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant agent, and to treat Addison's disease, a condition in which the adrenal glands are underactive. Cortisone may have several adverse side-effects such as water retention, high blood pressure, and diabetes, so it is used with caution.
Cot Death
Also known as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), it occurs suddenly and unaccountably during sleep in about 1 in 600 babies under the age of six months. It seems that there are a variety of causes but often no cause can be identified. Cot death is more common in low-income families, in babies born prematurely, in low birth weight infants, and in babies whose mothers smoked during pregnancy.
Cough
A protective reflex response that helps rid the respiratory passages of irritants or mucus. Coughing is a symptom of respiratory disorder so anyone with a persistent cough should see a doctor.
Crab Lice
Lice which infest the pubic hair. They are usually transmitted by sexual or close physical contact. The crabs are 1 mm in diameter. When they lay their eggs (nits) near the roots of the hairs, there is intense itching. Effective treatment is simple, using lotions on which your doctor or chemist will advise you.
Cramp
A painful spasm of muscle, often in the abdomen. Cramp is also common in the legs and feet. Causes of cramp include poor circulation, abnormal salt balance, exhaustion, and stress.
Craniotomy
Surgical opening of the skull.
Cretinism
A condition caused by a congenital lack of thyroid hormone, and characterized by severely retarded physical and mental development.
Crohn's Disease
Severe inflammation of parts of the intestine, cause unknown. It is also known as regional ileitis. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea (often blood-stained), weight loss, and often fever general debility. Treatment is non-specific. Measures to control diarrhea, improve nutrition, and build up the general health are important. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs are used, and occasionally surgical removal of the affected segment of bowel is necessary.
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