Conditions & Topics (A - Z)

Select from the alphabetical list to find the symptom or condition you're looking for.

E

E. coli O157:H7
A bacteria that can cause infection of the large intestine. E. coli O157:H7 is found in rare or undercooked meat, and can also be spread by using dirty cooking utensils or through contaminated water. It is also known as E. coli and escherichia coli.

E. Coli
A bacteria that can cause infection of the large intestine. E. coli is found in rare or undercooked meat, and can also be spread by using dirty cooking utensils or through contaminated water. It is also known as E. coli O157:H7 and escherichia coli.

Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Clinic
The Otolaryngology Department at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, often referred to as the ENT Clinic, provides specialized medical and surgical care to children, infancy through adolescence, who have problems with their ears, noses or throats.

Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) Specialist
Physician/surgeon who specializes in diseases of the ears, nose, throat, and head and neck. They are also known as otolaryngologists and ENT (Ear-Nose-Throat) physicians.

Eardrum
A thin membrane that in the middle ear that carries sound vibrations to the inner ear. It is also known as tympanic membrane.

Ear Infection
Presence and growth of bacteria or viruses in the ear. It is also known as otitis media (OM).

Ear Tubes
Small tubes that are surgically placed into your child's eardrum by an ear, nose and throat surgeon. It is also known as myringotomy tubes, tympanostomy tubes or ventilation tubes.

Ear Wax
Yellow secretion from glands in the outer ear (cerumen) that keeps the skin of the ear dry and protected from infection.

Eating Disorders
Abnormal eating behaviors.

Ebstein's Anomaly
Abnormal development of the tricuspid valve during pregnancy, causing an abnormally positioned valve that does not open easily (stenosis) and allows backflow of blood from the right ventricle into the right atrium (regurgitation).

Echo
A procedure that evaluates the structure and function of the heart by using sound waves recorded on an electronic sensor which produce a moving picture of the heart and heart valves. It is also known as echocardiogram and echocardiography. See our Quality Reports for information on our echo volumes and echo turnaround times.

Echocardiogram
A procedure that evaluates the structure and function of the heart by using sound waves recorded on an electronic sensor which produce a moving picture of the heart and heart valves. It is also known as echo and echocardiography. See our Quality Reports for information on our echo volumes and echo turnaround times.

Echocardiography
A procedure that evaluates the structure and function of the heart by using sound waves recorded on an electronic sensor which produce a moving picture of the heart and heart valves. It is also known as echo and echocardiogram. See our Quality Reports for information on our echo volumes and echo turnaround times.

Eclampsia
A condition characterized by seizures and mental status changes. A progression of preeclampsia with neurologic involvement.

Ectopic Pregnancy
The development of the fetus outside of the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy can occur in the fallopian tubes, cervical canal, or the pelvic or abdominal cavity. The cause of an ectopic pregnancy is usually a blocked fallopian tube.

Eczema
Inflammation of the skin, usually causing itching and sometimes accompanied by crusting, scaling, or blisters. A skin disorder that is characterized by itching, scaling, thickening of the skin and is usually located on the face, elbows, knees and arms. It is also known as atopic dermatitis.

Edema
Swelling due to an excess accumulation of and/or an inability to get rid of body fluids.

Edwards Syndrome
The presence of three #18 chromosomes. This condition is associated with severe health problems, birth defects and is typically fatal (one week to one year of age). It is also known as trisomy 18.

Effacement
Refers to a thinning or flattening of the cervix in preparation for delivery.

Effusion
A collection of fluid in a closed cavity.

Ejection Fraction
The measurement of the amount of blood pumped out of the ventricles.

Elective Surgery
An operation the patient (if age 18 years old or older) or the child's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) chooses to have done, which may not be essential to continuation or quality of life. It is also known as optional surgery.

Electrical Burns
Burns due to contact with an electrical current.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
A test that records the electrical activity of the heart, shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias) and detects heart muscle damage. It is also known as exercise electrocardiogram. See our Quality Reports for information on our EKG volumes.

Electrocoagulation
Electrosurgery which helps harden tissue.

Electrodesiccation
Electrosurgery which destroys tissue.

Electrodiagnostic Tests
Studies that evaluate and diagnose disorders of the muscles and motor neurons. Electrodes are inserted into the muscle, or placed on the skin overlying a muscle or muscle group, and electrical activity and muscle response are recorded. An example is electromyography and nerve conduction velocity.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)
A procedure that records the brain's continuous, electrical activity by means of electrodes attached to the scalp.

Electrolytes
Basic body chemicals necessary for proper cell function. These include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium. May refer to the blood test to assess the levels of these chemicals. Minerals in the bloodstream and in the cells of the body, such as sodium (salt), potassium and calcium. Electrolytes must remain in proper balance for the body to function normally. It is also known as lytes.

Electromyography (EMG)
Electrical test to determine nerve or muscle damage.

Electrophysiological Study (EPS)
A cardiac catheterization to study electrical current in patients who have arrhythmias.

Electrosurgery
Surgery which uses electrical instruments.

Ellipsoidal Joints
Allow all types of movement except pivotal movements. It is also known as wrist joint.

Emboli
Foreign matter carried by the bloodstream until it lodges and blocks the flow through that vessel. Embolus is the singular form.

Embolization
The insertion of a substance through a catheter into a blood vessel to stop hemorrhaging, or excessive bleeding.

Embolus
Foreign matter carried by the bloodstream until it lodges and blocks the flow through that vessel. Emboli is the plural form.

Embryo
A developing baby prior to the 8^th week after conception.

Emergency Services
The Emergency Department/Trauma Center at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is staffed by pediatric emergency medicine specialists and nurses with extensive pediatric emergency training. They treat more than 50,000 children annually for illnesses and injuries ranging from asthma to trauma. Children's Hospital is the only free-standing Level I Trauma Center dedicated solely to the care of children in Wisconsin, caring for the most critically ill and injured children. Support is available from surgery, anesthesiology, radiology, laboratory, respiratory therapy and pharmacy.

Emergency Surgery
An operation performed immediately as a result of a urgent medical condition. It is also known as urgent surgery.

Emission Imaging
Emission imaging occurs when tiny, nuclear particles or magnetic energy are detected by a scanner and analyzed by computer to produce an image of the body structure or organ being examined. Nuclear medicine studies use emission of nuclear particles from nuclear substances introduced into the body specifically for the examination. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies, for example, are obtained by using a large magnet to cause changes in the body tissue in order to detect magnetic energy in the body part or structure being examined.

Encephalitis
A viral infection of the brain.

Encephalocele
A birth defect in which all or some of the brain has herniated outside the skull into a membranous sac. The location of the herniation can be varied but in the United States we see these primarily at the back of the head.

Encephalocele, prenatal diagnosis of:
Through the use of prenatal ultrasound (examining the fetus using ultrasound imaging before birth) the diagnosis of some birth defects can be detected. With this knowledge, families can seek out information which will allow them to participate more fully in decision making and planning care for their infant. It provides them opportunity to plan for delivery at an institution that is able to care for both mother and baby which avoids the trauma of transport and separation. Encephalocele is a birth defect in which all or some of the brain has herniated outside the skull into a membranous sac. The location of the herniation can be varied but in the United States we see these primarily at the back of the head.

Encopresis
Constipation and intestinal obstruction (blockage) lead to an involuntary leakage of loose stool.

Endocardium
The membrane that covers the inside surface of the heart.

Endocarditis
A bacterial infection of the valves and interior surfaces of the heart. It is also known as bacterial endocarditis.

Endocrine Clinic
The Diabetes and Endocrine Center at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin treats a variety of hormonal disorders in children, including growth disorders, thyroid problems, early or late puberty, adrenal gland problems, pituitary gland problems, and calcium and bone problems.

Endolymph
Fluid in the labyrinth (the organ of balance located in the inner ear).

Endometriosis
A condition in which tissue resembling that of the endometrium grows outside the uterus, on or near the ovaries or fallopian tubes, or in other areas of the pelvic cavity.

Endometrium
Mucous membrane lining of the inner surface of the uterus that grows during each menstrual cycle and is shed in menstrual blood.

Endodontist
A person who has undergone specialized training in performing root canal therapy. It is also known as pulp specialist.

Endorphins
Chemicals in the brain that are responsible for positive moods.

Endoscope
A small, flexible tube with a light and a camera lens at the end, used to examine the inside of the digestive tract. It can also be used to take tissue samples for testing from inside the digestive tract.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
A test using an endoscope to send dye through the digestive tract. The dye shows up on x-ray and gives the physician a look at the bile and pancreatic ducts.

Endoscopy
A test that uses an endoscope to examine the inside of part of the digestive tract.

Endothelial Cells
The delicate lining, only one cell thick, of the organs of circulation.

Endothelium
The cells or membrane lining organs.

Endotracheal Tube (ETT)
A special tube placed into the trachea (windpipe) through the nose or mouth. Usually laced to assist with breathing, can be connected to a ventilator or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

End-Stage Organ Disease
A disease that leads to functional failure of an organ, such as cardiomyopathy (heart).

End-To-End Anastomosis
Surgical connection of two segments of blood vessel by stitching the open end of one segment to the open end of another segment.

Enlarged Heart
A condition of the heart in which it is larger than normal.

Enema
A liquid placed into the rectum to either clear stool out of the large intestine, or to examine the large intestine with an x-ray (barium enema).

ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Clinic
The Otolaryngology Department at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, often referred to as the ENT Clinic, provides specialized medical and surgical care to children, infancy through adolescence, who have problems with their ears, noses or throats.

ENT (Ear-Nose-Throat) Physician
Physician/surgeon who specializes in diseases of the ears, nose, throat, and head and neck. They are also known as otolaryngologists and ear-nose-throat (ENT) specialists.

Enteritis
A chronic illness that causes irritation in the digestive tract. It occurs most commonly in the ileum (lower small intestine) or in the colon (large intestine). It is a form of inflammatory bowel disease. It is also known as Crohn's disease or ileitis.

Enuresis
Loss of urine, especially at night in bed.

Enzymes
Proteins that change one substance into another. For example, enzymes break down food into substances that can be used by our body.

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Test
A laboratory test used to find certain antibodies; sometimes used to diagnose allergies and HIV. A test using an endoscope to send dye through the digestive tract. The dye shows up on x-ray and gives the physician a look at the bile and pancreatic ducts.

Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT)
Replacing the enzyme which is missing or defective in a genetic disease.

Eosinophilic syndromes
There are many different disorders that affect a child's immune system. Many of these diseases are treated in the Primary Immunodeficiency Program at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. They also are known as immunodeficiencies, immune deficiencies, primary immunodeficiencies, or primary immune deficiencies.

Eosinophils
A type of white blood cell that can increase in allergy and other infections.

Epicardium
The membrane that covers the outside of the heart.

Epidermis
Outermost layer of the skin, which is made up of the horny layer, squamous cells and basal cells.

Epidural
An anesthetic which is injected into the "epidural space" in the lower back, just outside the spinal space, to numb the lower extremities. It is also known as epidural block and epidural anesthetic.

Epidural Analgesia
This is sometimes called a "walking" epidural because the medication infused through the epidural is an analgesic, which relieves pain but does not numb the body and allows movement. Combinations of medications may be used in the epidural - part analgesic, part anesthetic.

Epidural Anesthetic
An anesthetic which is injected into the "epidural space" in the lower back, just outside the spinal space, to numb the lower extremities. It is also known as epidural and epidural block.

Epidural Block
An anesthetic which is injected into the "epidural space" in the lower back, just outside the spinal space, to numb the lower extremities. It is also known as epidural and epidural anesthesic.

Epidural Pump
During certain surgeries, epidural anesthesia is used. This type of anesthesia is given through a small catheter into the "epidural space" surrounding the spinal cord. The catheter can be connected to a pump that will give a constant flow of medication. After surgery, this catheter can be left in for one or two days.

Epilepsy
A condition in which there is a problem with the brain that causes long-term seizures in the child.

Epilepsy Center
The Pediatric Epilepsy Center at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin specializes in the treatment of epilepsy in children, especially those with unusual or difficult to control seizures. Medical treatment is offered for all types of seizures, and epilepsy surgery is offered for certain types of seizures. Our pediatric neurologists and pediatric epileptologists are experienced with conventional antiseizure drugs, as well as newer medications developed in recent years.

Epinephrine
One of two chemicals (the other is norepinephrine) released by the adrenal gland that increases the speed and force of heartbeats. It dilates the airways to improve breathing and narrows blood vessels in the skin and intestine so that an increased flow of blood reaches the muscles and allows them to cope with the demands of exercise. It is also a drug that can be given in anaphylactic emergencies. It is also known as adrenalin.

Episiotomy
Refers to a surgical incision made by the medical staff during the final stage of labor, in a woman's perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening. This larger opening is made to assist in the delivery process of the baby.

Epispadias
Occurs when the urethral opening is in an abnormal location. In males, the opening is usually on the topside of the penis and not the tip. It is also known as bladder exstrophy or exstrophy of the bladder and is treated in the Urology Program at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.

Epithelium
The cells or membrane covering the outside of organs.

Epstein's Pearls
A type of benign cyst (fluid-filled sac) that occur on the roof of the infant's mouth. They are small, white bumps that are commonly seen in infants. Epstein's pearls are harmless and do not require treatment. The cysts will improve over a period of weeks, in most cases.

Eruption
When a tooth emerges from the gums.

Erythema Nodosum
A skin condition, characterized by red bumps that usually appear on the shins.

Erythema Toxicum
A common red rash on the skin of newborns.

Erythrasma
A skin infection of the top layer of skin characterized by irregular pink patches that turn to brown scales.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
A measurement of how quickly red blood cells fall to the bottom of a test tube. When swelling and inflammation are present, the blood's proteins clump together and become heavier than normal. Thus, when measured, they fall and settle faster at the bottom of the test tube. Generally, the faster the blood cells fall, the more severe the inflammation. It is also known as sed rate.

Erythrocytes
Blood cells that mainly help transport oxygen to all the tissues in the body. It is also known as erythrocytes. It is also known as red blood cells (RBCs).

Escherichia Coli
A bacteria that can cause infection of the large intestine. Escherichia coli is found in rare or undercooked meat, and can also be spread by using dirty cooking utensils or through contaminated water. It is also known as E. coli and E. coli O157:H7.

Esophageal Atresia
During pregnancy, the baby's esophagus does not develop properly, and ends before reaching the stomach. Food cannot pass from the mouth into the stomach.

Esophageal Manometry
A test that measures the muscle tone in the esophagus.

Esophageal pH Monitoring
A test used to monitor the amount of acid in the esophagus, which helps evaluate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Esophageal Stricture
A narrowing in the esophagus, often caused by irritation from long-term presence of acid in the esophagus with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
A test using an endoscope to look at the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine. Tissue samples can also be taken to test for diseases. It is also known as upper endoscopy.

Esophagus
The "food pipe"; the passage from the mouth to the stomach. The tube that connects the mouth to the stomach

Estrogen
A group of hormones secreted by the ovaries which affect many aspects of the female body, including a female's menstrual cycle and normal sexual and reproductive development.

Euphoria
A feeling of elation or well-being that is not based on reality and is commonly exaggerated.

Eustachian Tube
A canal that links the middle ear with the throat area. The eustachian tube helps to keep the pressure between the outer ear and the middle ear the same. Having the same pressure allows for the proper transfer of sound waves. The eustachian tube is lined with mucous, just like the inside of the nose and throat.

Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (EOAE)
A test that uses a tiny, flexible plug that is inserted into the baby's ear. Sounds are sent through the plug. A microphone in the plug records the otoacoustic emissions (responses) of the normal ear in reaction to the sounds. There are no emissions in a baby with hearing loss. This test is painless and is usually completed within a few minutes, while the baby sleeps.

Evoked Potentials
Procedures that record the brain's electrical response to visual, auditory and sensory stimuli.

Exanthem
A rash.

Excoriation
An area of the skin covered by a crust, or scab, usually caused by scratching.

Excrete
Remove waste from the body.

Exercise Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
A test that records the electrical activity of the heart, shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias) and detects heart muscle damage. It is also known as electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG).

Expiration
Exhaling; giving off carbon dioxide.

Expressive Language Disorder
A communication disorder identified by developmental delays and difficulties in the ability to produce speech.

Exstrophy of the Bladder
Occurs when the urethral opening is in an abnormal location. In males, the opening is usually on the topside of the penis and not the tip. It is also known as epispadias and bladder exstrophy and is treated in the Urology Program at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.

External Beam Therapy
Is delivered externally from a machine directed to the cancer inside the patient.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
Venoarterial (VA) ECMO therapy is used when support for the heart and lungs is needed. A catheter is placed in a vein (veno) and an artery (arterial). VA bypass is normally used for infants with heart or blood pressure problems. A surgical procedure, often done at the bedside so as not to move a critically ill infant, is required for cannulation or the placement of catheters in vessels in the neck (an artery and vein). The unoxygenated blood is removed from the right atrium of the heart via the catheter placed in the right internal jugular vein that is threaded into the right atrium. Oxygenated blood is returned to the baby via the catheter in the right common carotid artery threaded into the ascending aorta. The amount of time an infant can remain on ECMO varies depending on his/her condition and on the recovery of the heart and lung function. The age of the infant, the original illness, the amount of damage to the lungs prior to ECMO and any complications that may occur with ECMO will also determine the length of therapy. The maximum amount of time is approximately two weeks. There are several complications associated with ECMO. These include: 1) bleeding due to the heparinization of the blood in the ECMO circuit to prevent the blood from clotting, 2) infection because of the introduction of a foreign object (the catheters) into the body, 3) emboli can be air or tiny clots that move from the ECMO circuit into the infant's bloodstream, 4) mechanical failure as a result of the circuit or any part of the equipment failing in its function. To provide ECMO specially trained staff is required. A physician who is familiar with ECMO and the infant's care are required to be available 24 hours. An ECMO specialist trained in the equipment and the physiologic process to staff 24 hour care of the baby is also required.

Extracranial
Outside of the brain.

Extrauterine
Refers to outside the uterus.

External Fetal Monitoring
Fetal heart rate monitoring is a method of checking the rate and rhythm of the fetal heartbeat.

Extrinsic Asthma
Asthma that is triggered by an allergic reaction, usually to something that is inhaled.

Extubation
Removal of the breathing tube or endotracheal tube (ETT).

Eye Clinic
The Eye Clinic at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin treats about 7,500 children with problems such as strabismus (eye misalignment), amblyopia (lazy eye or vision), nasolacrimal duct obstruction, congenital cataracts and congenital glaucoma.

Eye Prophylaxis
Eye drops or ointment containing an antibiotic medication that are placed in a newborn's eyes.

Eye Socket
The bony area surrounding the eyeball. It is also known as orbit.

Eye Trauma
Refers to any injury to the eye. It is a regular event in children and a common cause of loss of vision.

Eyelid Lacerations
Cuts to the eyelid caused by trauma. Your child's physician will examine the eye closely to make sure there is no damage to the eye itself.