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.
Contents
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.
Common Medical Terms with Pictures
SSRI Meaning
SNRI Meaning
TBI Meaning
CTE Meaning
BPD Meaning
ASD Meaning
Aphasia Meaning
PCOS Meaning
IVF Meaning
BAC Meaning
ASOP Meaning
DNR Meaning
Confusing Medical Terms with Pictures
Prednisone vs. Prednisolone
Venomous vs. Poisonous
Catabolic vs. Anabolic
Purine vs. Pyrimidine
Prozac vs. Zoloft
HSA vs. PPO
HMO vs. PPO
PPO vs. EPO
Poison vs. Venom
Plaque vs. Tartar
Phenylephrine vs. Pseudoephedrine
Paramagnetic vs. Diamagnetic
Diverticulosis vs. Diverticulitis
Nutritionist vs. Dietician
Brown Fat vs. White Fat
Morbidity vs. Mortality
Genotype vs. Phenotype
Epidemic vs. Pandemic
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