course of illness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "course of illness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the progression or development of a medical condition over time. Example: "The doctor explained the course of illness to the patient, detailing the expected symptoms and recovery timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Patients with a rapid cycling course of illness are difficult to treat effectively.

Journal of Affective Disorders

Early emergence of delta abnormalities in depression may be of relevance to clinical course of illness.

Journal of Affective Disorders

In all, our findings suggest connectome structure to have predictive value for the course of illness in schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia Research

Thus, identification of relevant diagnostic biomarkers is a critical unmet need, particularly early in the course of illness.

Journal of Affective Disorders

However, few studies have examined whether levels of EE predict the course of illness for patients engaged in psychosocial interventions.

Journal of Affective Disorders

Similar to the 1968 Hong Kong flu, the Asian flu was associated with variation in susceptibility and course of illness.

Britannica

At mile three, I heard a familiar voice echoing a phrase that has evolved over the course of illness.

The New York Times - Health

The pugilistic attitude most doctors adopt toward disease is understandable, even desirable, for much of the course of illness.

The New York Times

Her early course of illness was characterized by two hospitalizations in 1982 for major depression.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

Alternatively, those who are more impulsive may have a more severe course of illness.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

Complicating the course of illness, psychiatric comorbidity is very highly prevalent (Schaffer et al. 2006).

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a patient's health status, use "course of illness" to provide a clear understanding of how the condition has evolved, including changes in symptoms, treatments, and overall health.

Common error

Avoid using "course of illness" to describe a single symptom or event. The phrase refers to the entire progression of the disease, not just one isolated occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "course of illness" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the manner in which a disease progresses over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

80%

News & Media

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "course of illness" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes the progression and development of a disease over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most commonly found in scientific and medical contexts, with the primary purpose of informing clinical decisions, patient education, and research. Alternative phrases like ""disease trajectory"" or ""illness progression"" can be used to add nuance. It's crucial to remember that this phrase refers to the entire progression of a disease, and not to be confused with a single event. The high frequency and consistent usage across authoritative sources underscores the importance of understanding its proper application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disease trajectory

Focuses on the predicted path and progression of the disease.

illness progression

Highlights the advancing nature of the illness over time.

disease development

Emphasizes the evolving stages and changes within the disease.

clinical course

Focuses on the observable and measurable aspects of the illness in a medical setting.

natural history of disease

Describes the typical progression of a disease without medical intervention.

progression of condition

Similar to illness progression, but can apply to non-disease health states.

evolution of disease

Implies a gradual change and unfolding of the disease process.

path of disease

Metaphorically describes the route or stages that a disease follows.

disease advancement

Highlights the forward movement and worsening of the disease.

unfolding of illness

Suggests a gradual revelation of symptoms and effects over time.

FAQs

How is "course of illness" used in medical contexts?

In medical contexts, "course of illness" describes the progression of a disease from onset to resolution, including changes in symptoms and the effects of treatment. Understanding the "disease trajectory" is crucial for effective patient management.

What's a simple way to explain "course of illness" to a patient?

Explain that the "course of illness" is like a timeline of their condition, showing how it started, how it's changing, and what to expect in the future. It helps them understand the "illness progression" and manage their health better.

Are there factors that can influence the "course of illness"?

Yes, factors like genetics, lifestyle, access to healthcare, and adherence to treatment plans can all significantly influence the "course of illness". Comorbidities and environmental factors also play a role in the "clinical course".

What are some alternatives to "course of illness"?

Alternatives include ""disease trajectory"", ""illness progression"", or ""clinical course"", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize. Each option provides a slightly different nuance while describing the development of a condition.