October is Health Literacy Month, a time to emphasize the importance of understanding health information. Whether you’re at the doctor’s office or reading through a medical report, you might come across terms that sound complex or unfamiliar. To help you navigate these conversations and documents, we’ve put together a simple glossary of common medical terms that patients often find confusing. Whether you’re jumping from doctor to doctor, or just trying to organize your appointments, understanding your health is crucial.
Glossary of Common Medical Terms
Acute
- Definition: Refers to a condition that comes on suddenly and is typically severe, but short-term.
- Example: An acute injury, like a broken bone, may require immediate treatment.
Chronic
- Definition: Describes a long-lasting condition that may develop slowly over time.
- Example: Diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure) are chronic conditions that often require ongoing management.
Benign
- Definition: Indicates that a condition, tumor, or growth is not cancerous and doesn’t pose a serious health risk.
- Example: A benign cyst may not need treatment unless it causes discomfort.
Malignant
- Definition: Refers to a condition, particularly tumors or growths, that are cancerous and potentially harmful.
- Example: Malignant tumors require prompt treatment to prevent the spread of cancer.
Inflammation
- Definition: The body’s natural response to injury or infection, often causing redness, swelling, heat, and pain.
- Example: Arthritis involves inflammation of the joints, leading to pain and stiffness.
Biopsy
- Definition: A procedure in which a small sample of tissue is taken from the body to be examined under a microscope for signs of disease.
- Example: A biopsy may be performed to determine whether a lump is cancerous or benign.
Hypertension
- Definition: Another term for high blood pressure, a chronic condition that can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Example: Managing hypertension often involves medication and lifestyle changes.
Immunosuppressant
- Definition: A type of medication that reduces the strength of the body’s immune system, often used in patients with autoimmune diseases or those undergoing organ transplants.
- Example: People who receive a kidney transplant may take immunosuppressants to prevent their body from rejecting the new organ.
Lesion
- Definition: Any abnormal change or damage in tissue, often appearing as a sore, ulcer, or tumor.
- Example: A skin lesion might be evaluated to rule out skin cancer.
Metabolism
- Definition: The process by which your body converts food into energy.
- Example: A fast metabolism means your body burns calories more quickly, while a slow metabolism may lead to weight gain.
Pathogen
- Definition: Any organism—such as a virus, bacterium, or fungus—that causes disease.
- Example: The flu is caused by a viral pathogen, while strep throat is caused by a bacterial pathogen.
Prognosis
- Definition: A prediction about the likely outcome or course of a disease or condition.
- Example: The doctor may give a prognosis after assessing the severity of an illness or injury.
Triage
- Definition: The process of determining the priority of patients’ treatments based on the severity of their condition.
- Example: In an emergency room, triage helps doctors decide who needs immediate care and who can wait.
Remission
- Definition: A period during which the symptoms of a chronic disease are reduced or disappear.
- Example: Cancer patients are considered to be in remission when their cancer is no longer detectable.
Sepsis
- Definition: A life-threatening condition caused by the body’s extreme response to infection, leading to widespread inflammation.
- Example: Early recognition and treatment of sepsis can be lifesaving.
Endoscopy
- Definition: A procedure where a flexible tube with a light and camera is inserted into the body to examine the digestive tract or other internal organs.
- Example: An upper endoscopy might be done to investigate the cause of persistent heartburn.
Tachycardia
- Definition: A condition where the heart beats faster than normal, typically over 100 beats per minute.
- Example: Tachycardia can occur during exercise, stress, or as a result of a heart condition.
Anemia
- Definition: A condition in which the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the tissues.
- Example: Symptoms of anemia often include fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
Intravenous (IV)
- Definition: Refers to the administration of fluids or medication directly into a vein.
- Example: An IV drip is commonly used in hospitals to deliver antibiotics, fluids, or pain medications.
Why Health Literacy Matters
Understanding these and other medical terms can help you take a more active role in your healthcare. When you can interpret the terminology, you’re better equipped to ask informed questions, follow treatment plans, and make decisions that support your health and well-being.
At Rochester Medical Center, we are committed to clear and transparent communication. Our healthcare providers are always here to explain any terms or procedures you don’t understand. Feel free to ask questions, it’s your right as a patient to fully comprehend your health and treatment.
This Health Literacy Month, we encourage everyone to take the time to better understand their health and feel empowered during medical conversations. Knowledge is power, and it’s key to making the best decisions for your health.
If you have any questions or need further clarification about your medical care, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Rochester Medical Center.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic
National Institutes of Health (NIH)