1. Glossary
  2. ADL (activities of daily living)

ADL (activities of daily living)

ADL, or Activities of Daily Living, refers to the essential tasks that individuals typically perform every day to maintain their health and well-being. These activities include basic self-care tasks such as eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and moving around. They are fundamental to maintaining personal independence, and the ability to perform them affects one's quality of life.

In a medical context, assessing a person’s ability to carry out ADLs helps healthcare providers determine the level of care or assistance they might require. For individuals who face challenges due to age, illness, or disability, understanding their ADL capabilities allows for appropriate support plans to be put in place, promoting safety and autonomy. ADLs are often a focus in rehabilitation and occupational therapy to enhance a patient’s functional abilities.

Families and caregivers also keep track of ADLs to ensure their loved ones can live comfortably and independently. Interventions, like assistive devices or home modifications, can be introduced if difficulties arise, aiming to enhance daily functioning and reduce the risk of accidents.

Other glossary terms

ABG (arterial blood gas)

An ABG (arterial blood gas) test measures levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and acidity in the blood to assess lung and kidney function.

Absence from work

Absence from work is when an employee is not present during scheduled working hours due to various reasons like illness or personal commitments.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is a common medication used to relieve pain and reduce fever, often found in over-the-counter and prescription products.

Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to pimples and other lesions.

ACS (acute coronary syndrome)

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is a serious heart condition where blood flow to the heart is suddenly reduced, requiring immediate medical attention.

Acute (sudden onset or short duration)

"Acute" refers to a medical condition that appears suddenly and resolves over a short time.

Acyclovir

Acyclovir is a medication used to treat infections caused by certain viruses like herpes and shingles, reducing the severity and duration of symptoms.

Adalimumab

Adalimumab is a medication used to treat inflammatory conditions by reducing inflammation through targeting specific proteins in the body.

Addiction

Addiction is a compulsive engagement with substances or behaviors that negatively impact one's life.

Addison's disease

Addison's disease is a rare condition leading to insufficient hormone production by the adrenal glands, causing symptoms like fatigue and low blood pressure.

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

ADHD is a common condition affecting attention, impulse control, and activity level, characterized by symptoms like distractibility, impulsivity, and restlessness.

ADL (activities of daily living)

ADL (activities of daily living) refers to essential daily self-care tasks, crucial for maintaining independence and well-being.

Adrenal gland

The adrenal glands are small, triangle-shaped organs on top of the kidneys that produce hormones essential for stress response, metabolism, and blood pressure regulation.

Adrenaline (epinephrine)

Adrenaline (epinephrine) is a hormone and medication that helps the body respond to stress and is used in medical emergencies, like severe allergic reactions.

Allergen

An allergen is a substance that can trigger an allergic reaction in certain people.

Allergies

Allergies are the immune system's overreaction to typically harmless substances such as pollen or certain foods, causing symptoms from sneezing to potential severe reactions.

Allergist

An allergist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats allergies and related immune system reactions.

Allergy

An allergy is an immune system response to a harmless substance, mistakenly identified as a threat.

ALP (alkaline phosphatase)

ALP (alkaline phosphatase) is an enzyme found in the body that helps in protein breakdown, with its levels indicating liver and bone health.

Alprazolam

Alprazolam is a medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders by calming the brain through its effects on natural chemicals in the body.

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