Often, during a patient visit, I find myself explaining medical terms in more common language that a layperson can understand.

The following medical terms frequently come up in my conversations with patients. After each medical term is the common word or an explanation.

Conjunctivitis: pinkeye

Otitis media: ear infection in the middle ear, behind the eardrum

External otitis: “swimmer’s ear,” an infection of the ear canal

Pharyngitis: sore throat

Fracture: broken bone

Sprain: stretched ligament, a tough tissue that connects bone to bone

Strain: pulled muscle

Contusion: blunt impact injury, often causing a bruise

Hematoma: localized collection of blood

Hemorrhage: uncontrolled bleeding

Laceration: a cut to the skin

Abrasion: scraped skin

Skin abscess: boil

Hordeolum: sty

Cystitis: bladder infection

Pyleonephritis: kidney infection

Cellulitis: a bacterial skin infection

Analgesic: pain-relieving medicine

Hypertension: high blood pressure

Arrhythmia: irregular heartbeat

CPR: cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Myocardial infarction: heart attack

Angina: lack of oxygen to the heart, causing chest pain

Cerebral vascular accident (CVA): stroke

Transient ischemic attack (TIA): mini-stroke

Hemetemesis: vomiting blood

Hemoptysis: coughing up blood

Melena: black blood in stool

Hypoglycemia: low blood sugar

Cardiovascular: adjective for things pertaining to the heart and blood vessels

Renal: adjective for things pertaining to the kidneys

Hepatic: adjective for things pertaining to the liver

Cerebral: adjective for things pertaining to the brain

Cutaneous: adjective for things pertaining to the skin

Jaundice: yellowing of the skin

Edema: swelling

Medical terms can be confusing. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for an explanation in words you understand.

• Terry Hollenbeck, M.D., is an urgent-care physician at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Santa Cruz in Scotts Valley. A doctor with 36 years’ experience, he invites readers to view his previous columns on his Website, valleydoctor.wordpress.com. Information in this column is not intended to replace advice from your own health care professional. For any medical concern, consult your own doctor.