10 Jun Top medical terms that interpreters should know about

Some terms sound so similar it can be easy to confuse them. Other terms describe similar conditions, but it’s essential to choose the right terms for each condition. The keys to choosing the right term are often context and experience.

Medical terms 

Dysphagia and Dysphasia
Dysphagia – is a condition that makes swallowing difficult. Patients with dysphagia have trouble eating or drinking. Symptoms include coughing, choking and being unable to swallow certain or all food and drinks.
Dysphasia – is a brain injury that affects the communication centre, making it difficult or impossible to communicate.

Hypertension and Hypotension
Hypertension – is high blood pressure, a dangerous condition that can lead to severe health complications. People with hypertension are at increased risk of heart disease, stroke and even death.
Hypotension – is the opposite, low blood pressure (less than 90/60). In most cases, low blood pressure is not life threatening, but severe cases can deprive the brain and other vital organs of oxygen and nutrients and result in shock.

Psychosis and Sycosis
Psychosis is a symptom of mental disorder where people are disconnected from reality and see, hear and believe things that aren’t real. It is usually caused by illness, substance abuse, extreme stress or trauma.
Sycosis is pronounced in exactly the same way and is a chronic inflammation of the hair follicles caused by bacteria and most often found in beards.

Electrocardiogram and Echocardiogram
An Electrocardiogram (known as an EKG or ECG) is a medical test that records the electrical activity in the heart to check irregularities in heartbeat.
An Echocardiogram is a heart echo test that uses ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves) to produce pictures of the heart’s valves and chambers to help sonographers evaluate the pumping action of the heart.