Terminal disease

Terminal disease is a medical term that refers to a disease that cannot be cured or adequately treated and is reasonably expected to result in the death of the patient within a short period of time. This term is more commonly used for progressive diseases such as cancer or advanced heart disease than for trauma.

Definition

A terminal disease is a disease that cannot be cured or treated (for an individual or a class of individuals) and is thus likely to cause death within no more than a few years. Time frame can depend on the type of terminal illness or the individual patient's condition.

Prognosis

The prognosis of a terminal illness does not depend on the disease alone, but also on the patient's physical and mental condition, the stage of the disease, and the available treatments. The prognosis can change with progression of the disease, the patient's response to treatment, and other factors.

Treatment

Treatment for terminal diseases often focuses on improving the patient's quality of life and easing their symptoms, rather than attempting to cure the disease. This is known as palliative care.

Psychological aspects

Patients diagnosed with a terminal illness, and their families, often experience a range of emotions, including shock, fear, anger, and sadness. Counseling and support groups can help patients and their families cope with these emotions.

Ethical and legal issues

Terminal diseases raise a number of ethical and legal issues, including the right to die, euthanasia, and physician-assisted suicide. These issues are often the subject of intense debate.

See also

• Hospice
• End-of-life care
• Advance healthcare directive