Tolerated illness

Tolerated Illness

Tolerated illness (/tɒləreɪtɪd ˈɪlnɪs/) is a term used in medicine to describe a condition that is not actively treated, but rather managed with lifestyle changes or palliative care. This approach is often taken when the risks or side effects of treatment outweigh the potential benefits.

Etymology

The term "tolerated illness" is derived from the English words "tolerate", meaning to allow the existence or occurrence of something without interference, and "illness", referring to a disease or period of sickness affecting the body or mind.

Related Terms

Chronic Illness: A long-term health condition that may not have a cure. It can affect a person's lifestyle and quality of life. Chronic illnesses can be tolerated illnesses if they are managed rather than actively treated.

Palliative Care: A specialized form of medical care for people with serious illnesses. It focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the illness. Palliative care can be a part of the management strategy for a tolerated illness.

Quality of Life: A term used to evaluate the general well-being of individuals and societies. It can be significantly impacted by a tolerated illness.

Risk-Benefit Analysis: A decision-making process that is used in medicine to weigh the potential benefits of a treatment against its potential risks or side effects. This analysis is often used to determine whether an illness should be treated or tolerated.

Symptom Management: The practice of managing the symptoms of an illness rather than trying to cure the illness itself. This is often the approach taken with tolerated illnesses.