Here is a quick and small introduction to the vast world of medical terms! Since I am also new into the world of medical terms, I’ll try my best to be as original and creative when teaching you about new words you might have never heard about. In this glossary, you will learn about medical tools, humans defense mechanisms and different interesting pathologies linked to urgency prehospital care.
aneurysm
noun
A localized enlargement or bulging of an artery due to a weakened vessel wall.
Example: The patient was rushed to the hospital after a ruptured aneurysm caused internal bleeding.
en: anévrisme
angina
noun
Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, often due to coronary artery disease.
Example: The patient complained of severe chest pain, prompting the paramedics to administer nitroglycerin to reverse the angina complication.
en: angine
angioplasty
noun
A medical procedure used to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels, often with a balloon or stent.
Example: The cardiologist performed an angioplasty to restore blood flow to the patient’s heart.
anisocoria
noun
A condition in which the pupils of the eyes are of unequal size.
Example: The paramedic noted anisocoria, which could indicate a neurological injury.
en: anisocorie
apnea
noun
cessation of breathing, especially during sleep or in a medical emergency.
Example: The newborn experienced apnea, requiring immediate intervention from the medical team.
en: apnée
asystole
noun
A state of no electrical activity in the heart, resulting in a lack of heartbeat and circulation.
Example: The ECG confirmed asystole, and the medical team immediately began resuscitation efforts.
en: asystolie
bronchoconstriction
noun
The narrowing of the airways in the lungs due to the tightening of muscles around the bronchi, often seen in asthma or an alleric reaction. This mechanism is usually followed by inflammation and production of mucus in the airway.
Example: The patient was given a bronchodilator to relieve bronchoconstriction and improve breathing.
edema
noun
A condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of fluid in body tissues, causing swelling.
Example: The paramedic noticed significant edema in the patient’s legs, indicating possible heart failure.
en: oèdeme
intravenous (IV)
noun
A method of delivering fluids, medications, or nutrients directly into a vein through a needle or catheter.
Example: The paramedic quickly started an intravenous line to administer fluids to the dehydrated patient.
en: intraveineuse
ischemia
noun
A condition in which there is a reduced blood supply to a tissue or organ, often due to a blockage in the arteries.
Example: The patient showed signs of myocardial ischemia due to a blocked coronary artery.
en: ischémie
laryngoscope
noun
A medical instrument used to visualize the larynx and facilitate endotracheal intubation.
Example: The paramedic used a laryngoscope to assist with intubation in the trauma patient.
en: laryngoscope
pacemaker
noun
A medical device implanted in the body to regulate abnormal heart rhythms by sending electrical impulses to the heart.
Example: The patient received a pacemaker to correct his irregular heartbeat.
en: Stimulateur cardiaque
pathogenesis
noun
The origin and development of a disease, including the biological mechanisms involved.
Example: Understanding the pathogenesis of infections helps in developing effective treatments.
en: pathogenèse
shock
noun
A life-threatening condition where the body’s organs do not receive enough blood flow, leading to failure of vital functions.
Example: The paramedics treated the patient for shock after severe blood loss from the accident.
en: choc
speticemia (sepsis)
noun
A severe bloodstream infection that can lead to systemic inflammation and organ failure.
Example: The patient developed septicemia after a severe bacterial infection.
sphygmomanometer
noun
A medical device used to measure blood pressure, typically consisting of an inflatable cuff and a pressure gauge.
Example: The nurse used a sphygmomanometer to check the patient’s blood pressure.
en: sphygmomanomètre
stethoscope
noun
A medical instrument used to listen to internal body sounds, such as heartbeats and lung sounds.
Example: The paramedic used a stethoscope to assess the patient’s breathing sounds.
en: stéthoscope
subluxation
noun
A partial dislocation of a joint, where the bones remain in partial contact but are not properly aligned.
Example: The patient suffered a subluxation of the shoulder after a sports injury.
tachycardia
Noun
An abnormally fast heart rate, typically above 100 beats per minute in adults.
Example: The patient was experiencing tachycardia due to severe dehydration.
en: tachycardie
tracheostomy
noun
A surgical procedure that creates an opening in the trachea to establish an airway.
Example: The patient required a tracheostomy after prolonged respiratory failure.
