iatrogenic disease

Iatrogenic disease refers to an unfavorable health condition, such as illness, injury, or infection, that is unintentionally caused during medical care. This can occur through various medical interventions, including surgery, drug treatments, hospitalization, or diagnostic tests. The term originates from Greek words meaning "physician" and "genesis," highlighting its connection to medical practice.12

While the body naturally strives for a state of balance called homeostasis, disease can arise when these control mechanisms break down. The cause of a diseased state can be internal (idiopathic), external (noncommunicable or communicable), or iatrogenic, resulting from medical treatment. It is ethically imperative for healthcare providers to avoid causing iatrogenic harm, though all treatments carry potential risks.31