Glossary

Health Terms beginning with "X"

Xerostomia

Dry mouth. One of the hallmark symptoms of Sjögren's, xerostomia can lead to difficulties with speech and swallowing food, extensive tooth decay, tooth loss, oral sores and fungal infections in the mouth. The salivary glands may enlarge to produce visible swelling, particularly below the ears at the angle of the jaw, and this may be confused with mumps.

X-linked

Denotes a gene located on the X chromosome. Because females have two X chromosomes and males have only one, males are vulnerable to many disorders that are recessive in females.

X-ray

High-energy electromagnetic radiation used to diagnose and treat disease; diagnostic test using high energy to visualize internal body organs.