Causation
Causation
Causation (pronunciation: /kɔːˈzeɪʃən/) is a fundamental concept in the field of medicine that refers to the relationship between a cause and its effect.
Etymology
The term "causation" is derived from the Latin word "causatio", which means "the action of causing". It has been used in the English language since the 15th century.
Definition
In medicine, causation refers to the process by which an action, event, or factor produces an effect or result. This can be a direct cause, such as a virus causing an illness, or an indirect cause, such as poor diet leading to obesity and then to heart disease. Understanding causation is crucial in diagnosing diseases, determining their treatment, and preventing their occurrence.
Related Terms
- Etiology: The study of causation in medicine. It investigates what causes disease and its risk factors.
- Pathogenesis: The process by which a disease develops from its initial cause.
- Epidemiology: The study of how often diseases occur in different groups of people and why. Epidemiological information is used to plan and evaluate strategies to prevent illness and as a guide to the management of patients in whom disease has already developed.
- Risk Factor: Something that increases the likelihood of developing a disease or health disorder. It can be an activity, such as smoking, diet, family history, or many other things. Different diseases have different risk factors.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Causation
- Wikipedia's article - Causation
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