Catastrophic illness

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Catastrophic Illness

Catastrophic illness (pronunciation: /kəˌtæstrəˈfɪk ˈɪlnəs/) is a severe health condition that requires extensive medical treatment and often leads to long-term health problems or disability.

Etymology

The term "catastrophic" is derived from the Greek word "katastrophē", meaning "overturning" or "sudden end". The term "illness" comes from the Old English "ill", meaning "not healthy". Together, they describe a health condition that suddenly and severely impacts a person's life.

Definition

A catastrophic illness is defined as a severe health condition that requires extensive medical treatment and often leads to long-term health problems or disability. This can include diseases such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other serious illnesses. The cost of treatment for these conditions can be extremely high, often leading to financial hardship for the patient and their family.

Related Terms

  • Chronic Illness: A long-term health condition that may not be life-threatening but can impact a person's quality of life.
  • Acute Illness: A sudden and severe health condition that requires immediate medical attention.
  • Critical Illness: A serious health condition that can result in long-term disability or death.
  • Terminal Illness: A disease that cannot be cured or adequately treated and is reasonably expected to result in the death of the patient.

See Also

External links

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