What does it mean to exacerbate a condition?

To exacerbate a condition means to make it worse or to intensify the severity of the symptoms associated with that condition. This term is commonly used in medical contexts to describe situations where a patient experiences an increase in symptoms or overall health decline due to various factors, such as lack of treatment, additional stressors, or ineffective interventions. For instance, a patient with asthma may exacerbate their condition by encountering allergens or failing to take prescribed medication, which could lead to increased wheezing and difficulty breathing. Understanding this term is critical in medical documentation and treatment planning, as healthcare providers need to monitor and manage factors that could exacerbate a patient's condition.