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Idiopathic: meaning, definitions and examples

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idiopathic

 

[ˌɪdɪəˈpæθɪk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

medical condition

The term 'idiopathic' refers to a medical condition or disease for which the cause is unknown or not identifiable. In many cases, patients may present with symptoms that are typical of a specific illness, but extensive tests fail to reveal any underlying pathology. This term is frequently used in medical literature when discussing conditions such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Understanding idiopathic conditions can be challenging for healthcare providers, as treatment may need to focus on symptom management rather than addressing a root cause.

Synonyms

mysterious, unexplained, unknown cause.

Examples of usage

  • The patient has been diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
  • Idiopathic hypertension can often be difficult to manage.
  • Doctors are puzzled by her idiopathic condition.
  • He suffers from idiopathic epilepsy, which has no known cause.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Greek roots: 'idios' meaning 'own' or 'private', and 'pathos' meaning 'suffering' or 'disease'.
  • The term has been used in medical literature since the early 20th century to describe mysterious health issues.

Medical Usage

  • Many chronic diseases, like some forms of arthritis, can be classified as idiopathic when their origins are unexplained.
  • Idiopathic diseases can complicate treatment because identifying a cause is key for effective care.
  • Around 10-20% of all medical diagnoses can be considered idiopathic, illustrating the complexity of human health.

Psychology

  • When patients are told their condition is idiopathic, it can lead to feelings of frustration or helplessness due to the uncertainty.
  • The mystery of idiopathic conditions fuels research, as scientists strive to uncover hidden causes and improve treatments.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'idiopathic' appears in medical dramas and shows, reflecting the challenges faced by characters dealing with unknown illnesses.
  • In literature, stories sometimes explore characters grappling with idiopathic conditions, mirroring real-life struggles with health mysteries.

Scientific Research

  • Research into idiopathic conditions often leads to breakthroughs that can help understand broader medical issues.
  • Advancements in genetics and technology are being used to uncover causes of some idiopathic diseases, advancing personalized medicine.

Translations

Translations of the word "idiopathic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 idiopática

🇮🇳 अज्ञात

🇩🇪 idiopathisch

🇮🇩 idiopatik

🇺🇦 ідіопатичний

🇵🇱 idiopatyczny

🇯🇵 特発性の

🇫🇷 idiopathique

🇪🇸 idiopático

🇹🇷 idiopatik

🇰🇷 특발성의

🇸🇦 إيديوباتي

🇨🇿 idiopatický

🇸🇰 idiopatický

🇨🇳 特发性

🇸🇮 idiopatski

🇮🇸 ídiopatískt

🇰🇿 идиопатиялық

🇬🇪 იდიოპათიური

🇦🇿 idiyopatik

🇲🇽 idiopático

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,717, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.