Exacerbate

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Exacerbate

Exacerbate (/ɪgˈzæsərˌbeɪt/) is a medical term often used to describe the worsening or increase in severity of a disease or its signs and symptoms.

Etymology

The term 'exacerbate' originates from the Latin word 'exacerbare' which means 'to irritate' or 'to provoke'.

Definition

In a medical context, to exacerbate means to increase in severity, to aggravate further, or to make a condition or disease worse. It is often used in relation to chronic diseases, where an exacerbation is a period where symptoms become worse or more severe.

Related Terms

  • Aggravate: To make a condition or disease worse.
  • Chronic: A term describing a disease or condition that lasts over a long period of time.
  • Acute: A term describing a disease or condition that has a sudden onset and/or a short course.
  • Symptom: A physical or mental feature which is regarded as indicating a condition of disease.
  • Disease: A particular abnormal condition that negatively affects the structure or function of all or part of an organism.

Usage in Medical Context

Exacerbate is often used in the context of chronic diseases such as asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), and rheumatoid arthritis. For example, certain factors like stress, allergens, or infections can exacerbate, or worsen, the symptoms of these diseases.

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