What it means
A name for a set of findings that are seen together, often before or even without one known cause. Some syndromes are named after the person who described them, such as Down syndromeDOWN SIN-drohmA genetic condition in which a person has a third copy of chromosome 21.Full entry and Cushing syndromeKUSH-ing SIN-drohmA condition caused by too much cortisol in the body over a long time.Full entry ; others are named for what happens, such as respiratory distress syndromeRES-pruh-tor-ee dih-STRES SIN-drohmA breathing disorder of newborns, mostly premature babies, whose lungs do not yet make enough surfactant.Full entry or irritable bowel syndromeIR-ih-tuh-bul BOW-ul SIN-dromeA long-term bowel condition with belly pain and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation or both.Full entry .
At a glance
| Spanish | síndrome |
|---|---|
| Also written | syndromes |
Related terms
Down syndrome
A genetic condition in which a person has a third copy of chromosome 21.
Cushing syndrome
A condition caused by too much cortisol in the body over a long time.
respiratory distress syndrome
A breathing disorder of newborns, mostly premature babies, whose lungs do not yet make enough surfactant.
etiology
The cause or origin of a disease, or the study of causes of disease.