What do antibiotics specifically target?
Antibiotics are designed to fight bacterial infections, not viruses. It's important to use them properly to avoid resistance, so always finish the full prescribed course.
What does the suffix '-itis' usually mean in medical terms?
When you see '-itis' at the end of a medical term, it usually means there's inflammation. For example, 'arthritis' means inflammation in the joints, and 'tonsillitis' means inflammation of the tonsils. Knowing these suffixes can help you understand medical conditions better.
What does 'hematology' focus on?
Hematology is the field of medicine that deals with blood—its components, its functions, and disorders like anemia or clotting problems. Hematologists help diagnose and treat blood conditions using various tests.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to damage to the optic nerve, often caused by high pressure in the eye. It can lead to blindness if not treated, so regular eye exams are essential for early detection.
What does an MRI help doctors with?
An MRI is a tool that uses magnets and radio waves to take detailed pictures of your organs and tissues. It’s a non-invasive and safe way to diagnose problems without using radiation.
What does 'anticoagulant' refer to in medicine?
Anticoagulants are medications that stop blood from clotting, which is essential for preventing strokes and heart attacks. Drugs like warfarin and heparin help keep blood flowing smoothly and prevent dangerous clots from forming.
What’s a 'biopsy' used to find?
A biopsy is a procedure where a small sample of tissue is taken to check for abnormalities like cancer cells. This helps doctors make an accurate diagnosis and choose the best treatment for the patient.
What is the medical term for high blood pressure?
Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure, a condition where the pressure of blood in your arteries is too high. Left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems like heart disease and stroke. Lifestyle changes and medications can help control it.
What does 'hypo-' mean in medical terms?
The prefix 'hypo-' means ‘below normal,’ often used in terms like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hypotension (low blood pressure). It helps identify conditions where levels are lower than usual. For instance, a hypodermic needle goes under the skin.
What is the main function of 'Dialysis' in healthcare?
Dialysis helps when your kidneys can’t do the job of filtering waste from your blood. It's a vital procedure for people with kidney failure. The first successful dialysis was done back in 1945 by Dr. Willem Kolff, who is known as the father of dialysis.
What branch of medicine deals with kids?
Pediatrics is the medical specialty that focuses on children’s health. It includes everything from diagnosing illnesses to preventing diseases. The word comes from Greek, where 'pais' means child and 'iatros' means doctor.
What does the term 'gastritis' refer to?
Gastritis is when the lining of your stomach becomes irritated or inflamed. This can happen due to infections, drinking too much alcohol, or using painkillers for long periods. It can cause discomfort like nausea, bloating, or pain, and if untreated, may lead to ulcers or other complications.
What is the medical term for bladder inflammation?
Cystitis is the inflammation of the bladder, often caused by bacterial infections like E. coli. Symptoms include a frequent urge to urinate and pain when doing so. Drinking plenty of fluids and practicing good hygiene can help prevent cystitis.
What does 'hyper-' in medical terms usually imply?
The prefix 'hyper-' indicates something is higher than normal. It shows up in terms like hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or hyperthermia (high body temperature). Understanding this can make medical terms much easier to decipher.
What does the term 'bronchitis' refer to?
Bronchitis causes swelling in the bronchial tubes, making it hard to breathe and leading to a persistent cough. It can be viral (acute) or linked to smoking (chronic).
What does the medical term 'tachycardia' mean?
Tachycardia is when your heart beats faster than normal—over 100 beats per minute while at rest. It can be caused by stress or exercise but may also signal health issues that need attention.
What does the term 'Cholecystectomy' mean in surgery?
Cholecystectomy is the surgery to remove the gallbladder, usually due to problems like gallstones or infection. This helps reduce pain and prevent future complications, especially if the gallbladder is causing trouble.
Which tool is used to measure blood pressure?
A sphygmomanometer is the device used to check your blood pressure. It works by inflating a cuff around your arm and measuring the pressure of your blood. It’s an essential tool for diagnosing and monitoring high blood pressure and other heart conditions.
What’s the medical term for tissue death caused by lack of blood flow?
Necrosis refers to the death of tissue because of a lack of blood flow. Without treatment, this can lead to serious complications. Forms like avascular necrosis or gangrene are specific types of this condition.
What’s it called when the appendix gets inflamed?
Appendicitis happens when your appendix becomes inflamed, often causing sharp pain. If not treated quickly, the appendix can burst and lead to serious health issues. The appendix is a small tube attached to your large intestine, and even though it’s not fully understood, it can still cause major trouble when it gets infected.
What’s the medical term for removing the appendix?
An appendectomy is the surgery performed to remove the appendix when it becomes inflamed (appendicitis). It’s one of the most common emergency procedures and can be done with minimal invasion.
What does the term 'lipid' refer to in the body?
Lipids are fats or oils in your body that play a key role in energy storage and making up your cells. Foods like butter, oils, and avocados are rich in lipids. They’re essential for keeping your body working properly.
What area does 'dermatology' specialize in?
Dermatology is all about the skin, hair, and nails. It covers everything from minor rashes to serious conditions like skin cancer, and having the right terms is key for effective diagnosis and treatment.
What does the prefix 'gastro-' refer to?
'Gastro-' comes from the Greek word for stomach, and you'll see it in words like 'gastroenteritis,' which refers to inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
What is the term for surgically replacing or repairing a joint?
Arthroplasty is surgery to either repair or replace a damaged joint. It's most commonly done on the hips or knees to relieve pain and improve mobility. Thanks to medical advances, artificial joints today are more durable and flexible than ever.
What procedure is commonly used to check the inside of the colon?
Colonoscopy is a procedure that allows doctors to examine the inside of your colon for issues like polyps or cancer. It’s a key test for detecting colorectal cancer early. Proper prep is required, including fasting and taking special liquids to clear the bowel.
What is the main role of insulin in your body?
Insulin helps your cells absorb glucose from the blood, turning it into energy. It's essential for regulating your blood sugar levels and preventing issues like diabetes.
Which branch of medicine focuses on the digestive system?
Gastroenterology is all about the digestive system, dealing with everything from your stomach to your intestines. Gastroenterologists often use endoscopes to check inside and treat conditions like Crohn’s disease.
What’s the medical field focused on caring for older adults?
Geriatrics is the branch of medicine that specializes in the health care of older adults. It addresses the unique medical needs of aging bodies, like chronic conditions and mobility issues. The term 'geriatrics' comes from the Greek word 'gero,' meaning old age.
What’s the purpose of a 'scalpel' in surgery?
A scalpel is a small, sharp knife that surgeons use to make precise cuts in the body. It helps them make clean and accurate incisions, which is essential for performing successful surgeries. The word 'scalpel' comes from the Latin word 'scalpellus,' meaning a little knife.