Medical Terminology · Multiple Systems · Medium
Exacerbation
Meaning: A sudden worsening or flare-up of the symptoms of an existing disease.
In practice: He was admitted with an acute exacerbation of COPD after catching a chest infection from his grandson.
Quick check
Two questions on related medical terminology words.
Which word means: Listening to sounds within the body, such as the heart and lungs, using a stethoscope.
Answer: Auscultation
Which word means: A collection of signs and symptoms that consistently occur together.
Answer: Syndrome
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