A key focus of my blog is STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). One of the most important fields in our economy is the medical field. There are many terms to know and understand in the medical field. The following contributed post is entitled, 25 Common Medical Acronyms Defined.
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There are literally thousands of acronyms used within the healthcare sector. This includes acronyms used to describe health conditions and acronyms used for various treatments and procedures.
Most of these acronyms are only useful to know if you’re a doctor or nurse. However, others are commonly used by the public and can therefore be beneficial for everyone to know the meaning of. This post delves into 25 of these common examples.
A&E
Accident & Emergency. This is the department of a hospital that deals with patients who require urgent treatment – often for serious and life-threatening injuries and illnesses.
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This is a behavioral condition present from birth that causes people to act impulsively and have trouble concentrating. ADHD can be managed through various behavioral strategies and sometimes medication. About 5% of people worldwide are believed to have ADHD.
ALS
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. ALS is a deteriorative motor neuron disease that affects the spine and brain, causing difficulty with breathing and control of arms and legs. It cannot be treated, but can be managed through medication and hydrotherapy. The ‘ice bucket challenge’ in 2014 famously helped to bring attention to this disease.
BP
Blood Pressure. The force at which your heart pumps blood around the body is often referred to as ‘BP’ by doctors and is measured with a BP monitor.
BPD
Borderline Personality Disorder. BPD is a condition that affects one’s mood – often causing people to become emotionally unstable more easily. Therapy and medication can help people manage this condition. About 1% of the population are believed to have BPD.
COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. COPD is a lung condition that causes breathing difficulties. Many people with COPD require breathing assistance equipment. While it can be hereditary, most cases of COPD are caused by smoking. Bronchitis and emphysema are both types of COPD.
CPR
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. When someone has a cardiac arrest, it is recommended that someone performs CPR – which typically involves chest compressions and rescue breathing. This helps to keep the blood pumping and body oxygenated, allowing a person to be more successfully revived by a paramedic with a defibrillator.
DNR
Do Not Resuscitate. Someone who does not want to be resuscitated by CPR and defibrillation can sign a DNR order. This legally states that they do not want to be brought back to life if their heart stops beating.
DVT
Deep Vein Thrombosis. DVT is when a blood clot forms in the body – usually in the legs. It typically requires urgent treatment, which may include use of blood-thinning medication or surgery.
EMT
Emergency Medical Technician. EMTs are medical professionals who are trained to respond to emergency call-outs. They work with paramedics in ambulances (EMTs are taught basic emergency care, while paramedics are trained to provide additional procedures).
ER
Emergency Room. ER is typically used to refer to a hospital’s emergency department – sometimes instead of A&E. However, ER can also refer to individual rooms where emergency patients receive treatment.
ECG/EKG
Electrocardiogram. An ECG or EKG is a simple type of test used to record the rate and rhythm of the heart. To perform this test, a medical professional must have EKG certification.
GERD
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Sometimes referred to as acid reflux, this is a condition in which stomach acid flows up the esophagus into the mouth. It can cause nausea and damage to the throat if not treated. Medications known as proton pump inhibitors can help people manage GERD.
IBS/IBD
Irritable Bowel Syndrome/Disease. IBS/IBD is a dysfunction of the intestine that can lead to either diarrhea or constipation along with bloating and stomach discomfort. It is typically caused by certain triggers – which could include certain foods or stress. Avoiding these triggers and using medication can help people to manage IBS/IBD.
ICU
Intensive Care Unit. This refers to special wards where people in critical care are monitored.
IV
Intravenous. This refers to the injection of substances into the veins. Many patients have an IV tube fitted to provide fluids or medicine. IV treatment is typically quicker than providing medication or fluids orally.
MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This is a radiology procedure that involves taking 3D photos of a person’s internal organs using a large machine. MRI scans can be used to diagnose everything from cancer to dementia.
MS
Multiple Sclerosis. MS is a chronic condition in which the immune system attacks the brain and nerves. People with MS can gradually develop mobility issues, eyesight issues and other problems caused by nerve damage. There is no treatment for MS, but it can be managed through medication and lifestyle changes.
OCD
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. OCD is a form of anxiety which causes people to carry out excessive rituals and routines such as constantly checking locks or washing one’s hands. It may require therapy to overcome. Over 2% of the population are believed to have OCD.
PT
Physical Therapy. This is a form of treatment used to restore movement and function after an injury or illness. It is carried out by a physical therapist at a hospital or clinic.
PTSD
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD is a form of anxiety caused by a traumatic event. Everyday reminders of this trauma can trigger anxiety attacks, flashbacks and nightmares. Therapy is typically required to overcome PTSD. 8% of women and 4% of men develop PTSD at some point in their life.
RSI
Repetitive Strain Injury. Repetitive actions can cause long-term injuries known as RSIs. Examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow and runner’s knee. RSIs can be treated by taking a rest from the activity that caused them, however some may require physical therapy or even surgery.
TB
Tuberculosis. This is a bacterial disease that affects the lungs. Historically, it is one of the biggest killer diseases, however nowadays it can often be easily treated with antibiotics if caught early enough.
TMD
Temporomandibular Disorder. This condition causes pain and stiffness in the jaw. It can have many causes, but can usually be treated with painkillers and jaw relaxation measures.
UTI
Urinary Tract Infection. This is an infection of the urinary tract that typically causes pain when urinating. UTIs can often be cleared up by drinking a lot of fluids, however antibiotics may be needed in some cases.
