A Simple Guide For Patients And Their Families: Medical Terminology In Plain

Medical terminology can often be overwhelming for patients and their families. When faced with a diagnosis or a loved one's illness, understanding the complex medical jargon becomes crucial for effective communication and decision-making. In this article, we will provide you with a simple guide to medical terminology, helping you navigate through the sea of unfamiliar words and phrases.

Why is Medical Terminology Important?

Medical terminology serves as the language of medicine. It enables healthcare professionals to communicate effectively and accurately describe symptoms, diagnoses, treatments, and medical procedures. For patients and their families, being familiar with medical terms can help them understand their condition, ask relevant questions, and actively participate in their healthcare journey.

Breaking Down Medical Terms

Medical terms are often composed of root words, prefixes, and suffixes. By understanding the meaning of these individual components, you can decipher the overall meaning of medical terms more easily.

Coeliac Disease...in plain English: A simple guide for patients and their families (Medical terminology...in plain English)

by Adele Tyler(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3357 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	62 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Root Words

Root words are the foundation of medical terms and describe a specific body part, condition, or action. For example, "cardi(o)" refers to the heart, "derm(a)" refers to the skin, and "neur(o)" refers to nerves.

Prefixes

Prefixes are added to the beginning of a root word to modify its meaning. They often indicate location, time, number, or status. "Hypo-" means below normal, "hyper-" means above normal, and "inter-" means between or among.

Suffixes

Suffixes are added to the end of a root word to indicate a procedure, condition, or disease. Examples include "-ectomy," which means surgical removal, "-itis," which means inflammation, and "-oma," which refers to a tumor or growth.

Common Medical Terminology

Here are some common medical terms you may encounter:

• Anemia - A condition where the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry sufficient oxygen to the tissues.
• Hypertension - High blood pressure, which can lead to various cardiovascular conditions.
• Appendicitis - Inflammation of the appendix, which often requires surgical removal.
• Arthritis - Inflammation of the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.
• Cancer - A group of diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth that can invade other parts of the body.

Resources to Learn More

There are numerous resources available to help patients and their families learn more about medical terminology. Here are some recommendations:

• Online medical dictionaries like MedlinePlus and WebMD provide comprehensive explanations of medical terms.
• Joining patient support groups for specific conditions can also provide valuable insights and explanations of medical terms.
• Speak openly with healthcare professionals and ask them to explain any medical terms or concepts you find confusing. They are there to help and guide you.

Understanding medical terminology is essential for patients and their families when dealing with healthcare issues. By familiarizing yourself with root words, prefixes, and suffixes, you can decipher the meaning of medical terms more easily. Additionally, utilizing available resources and openly communicating with healthcare professionals will further enhance your understanding and help you make informed decisions about your healthcare. Remember, knowledge is power, and becoming familiar with medical terminology can empower you to actively participate in your own well-being.

Coeliac Disease...in plain English: A simple guide for patients and their families (Medical terminology...in plain English)

by Adele Tyler(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3357 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	62 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

This book has been written as a guide for people who think they may have coeliac disease (CD) or for those people who have recently been diagnosed with CD. Written in an easy to read format, with beautifully illustrated images and diagrams, this book is also a useful guide for anyone who has a family member or close friend with CD to help them understand what life is really like for people with the condition. Providing information on things like why and how CD develops, the tests you may be asked to have, suggested questions that you may like to ask your doctor or gastroenterologist, how to maintain a gluten-free diet, how to manage the risks of cross contamination and how to cope on a day to day basis with CD, this book aims to make you feel easier about living with and managing your CD.