Medical Terms

Medical terms can seem like a foreign language to many of us, but understanding them is crucial for navigating healthcare confidently. From deciphering a diagnosis to understanding a treatment plan, being familiar with medical vocabulary makes a significant difference in our health journey. Knowing medical terms empowers us to communicate better with healthcare providers, ensuring we make informed decisions.

List of Medical Terms

Let’s dive into the world of medical terms together. Here are some common medical terms and abbreviations that we might encounter:

AC: Ante cibum, or “before meals”
ADR: Adverse drug reaction
BP: Blood pressure
CBC: Complete blood count
A: “Without” or “lack of”
QD: Once daily
BID: Twice daily
PRN: As needed
Cardio: “Heart” (e.g., cardiology)
Neuro: “Nerve” (e.g., neurology)
Gastro: “Stomach” (e.g., gastroenterology)
Hypertension – High blood pressure
Myocardial Infarction – Heart attack
Diabetes Mellitus – A group of diseases that result in too much sugar in the blood
Cerebrovascular Accident – Stroke
Cholecystectomy – Surgical removal of the gallbladder
Nephrectomy – Surgical removal of a kidney
Osteoarthritis – A type of arthritis that occurs when flexible tissue at the ends of bones wears down
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – A digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter
Hepatitis – Inflammation of the liver
Pneumonia – Infection that inflames air sacs in one or both lungs
HR – Heart Rate
CBC – Complete Blood Count
EKG/ECG – Electrocardiogram
BMI – Body Mass Index
CT – Computed Tomography
MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging
IV – Intravenous
Rx – Prescription
Tx – Treatment
Dx – Diagnosis
Fx – Fracture
NPO – Nil Per Os (nothing by mouth)
SOB – Shortness of Breath
Anemia – A condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body’s tissues
Bronchitis – Inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes
Cystitis – Inflammation of the bladder
Dermatitis – Inflammation of the skin
Epilepsy – A neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions
Fibromyalgia – A disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain
Gastritis – Inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of the stomach
Hyperlipidemia – High levels of lipids (fats) in the blood
Meningitis – Inflammation of the membranes (meninges) surrounding your brain and spinal cord
Osteoporosis – A condition in which bones become weak and brittle
ADL – Activities of Daily Living
BUN – Blood Urea Nitrogen
CABG – Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
DVT – Deep Vein Thrombosis
GI – Gastrointestinal
HCT – Hematocrit
LFT – Liver Function Test
NG – Nasogastric
PCP – Primary Care Physician
RA – Rheumatoid Arthritis
TIA – Transient Ischemic Attack (mini-stroke)
UA – Urinalysis
VTE – Venous Thromboembolism
WBC – White Blood Cell
XR – X-Ray
BLS – Basic Life Support

Let’s keep these terms in mind as we navigate the healthcare environment. Understanding these can help us communicate better with healthcare professionals and understand our health better.

Common Medical Terms with Meanings

Chronic: A disease or condition that lasts for a long time or keeps coming back. Examples include asthma and arthritis.

CT Scan: Computed Tomography scan. This imaging method uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of the inside of our body.

Comorbidity: Having two or more diseases or medical conditions at the same time. For example, someone might have diabetes and heart disease.

NAD: Nothing Abnormal Detected. Doctors often use this term when they don’t find any issues during an examination.

SNT: Soft, Non-Tender. This term typically describes the condition of our abdomen when it’s examined and there’s no pain or hardness.

Let’s also go over some common abbreviations and acronyms:

AC: Ante cibum, which means “before meals.” It’s often found on medication instructions.
ADR: Adverse Drug Reaction. This refers to any harmful or unexpected reaction to a medication.
SLR: Straight Leg Raise. This is a test done to check for problems in our lower back or sciatic nerve.