abstain

avoid

acute

short-term; sudden onset

adenopathy

swollen glands

adverse effect

side effect

alopecia

hair loss

anaphylaxis

a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction

anemia

low red blood cell count

anesthetize

to numb; put to sleep

aneurysm

a swelling in an artery

angina

pain from not enough blood supply

anorexia

loss of appetite

antecubital

Inside the elbow

antitussive

drug that relieves coughing

anus

rectum

arrhythmia or dysrhythmia

a change from the normal heartbeat

arthralgia

joint pain

asthenia

loss of energy; weakness

ataxia

unsteady movement

atrophy

wasting away (of tissues, such as muscles)

axilla

armpit