Doctors spend over a decade on schooling, sometimes more depending on the choice of specialty. Is it any wonder that they come out speaking a whole other language than the rest of us?
While many different professions have their own lingo, the medical profession exaggerates this disconnect because so many of the terms are simply foreign to the majority of us in the public.
Doctors need to be able to get across their diagnoses, thoughts, and possible strategies in order to have a successful doctor-patient exchange.
Unfortunately, not all doctors have an ideal bedside manner or the ability to simplify and communicate effectively. This can leave patients not fully understanding their situation and if there was ever a topic that really needs to be fully understood it’s your own medical advice.
Brushing up on your medical lingo can give you confidence in doctor-patient communications making your visits less stressful. Even more importantly, if you don’t understand something you are being told, do not be afraid to ask questions.
Here are some of the most commonly used medical terms. They are a good starting off point for better understanding your own health.
ABATEMENT – A decrease in the acuity of a symptom.
ABSCESS – A collection of fluid located on or in the body. This is an immune system response to an infection. It is accompanied by redness and swelling.
ACUTE – Condition that comes on suddenly, with severity and ends after a short course.
AMBULATORY – Ability to walk.
ASYMPTOMATIC – Shows no symptoms.
BENIGN – A condition or abnormal growth that is treatable and not life-threatening.
BIOPSY – Removal of tissue for diagnostic purposes.
CYANOTIC – Bluish color of the skin due to poor circulation and lack of oxygen in the blood.
EDEMA – Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body causing swelling of the affected area.
EMBOLISM – The halting of blood flow by a blood clot, which can result in a stroke or heart attack.
FIBRILLATION – Uncontrollable twitching of muscle fibers of the heart.
IDIOPATHIC – Of unknown cause.
PALLIATIVE – Treatment is given to alleviate symptoms of a disease but not cure it. This mainly refers to pain management of a chronic disease state.
RADICULAR – Referring to the nerve roots which originate in the spine.
SUBLUXATION – A slight dislocation or misalignment of a bone in a joint.
The more well-learned you are, the more confident you will feel when speaking with doctors, nurses and other medical personnel, whether it’s regarding your own health or that of a friend or loved one.
To find a doctor in Lee County, Florida please visit our free resource www.ipalc.org/find sponsored by the Independent Physicians Association of Lee County.