Question

What is the difference between etiology and pathology?

Answer 1

Hint: Etiology and pathology are terms that have a very similar meaning but are not the same. Etiology deals with the cause of disease, while pathology discusses the mechanism by which the disease is caused.

Complete answer:
In epidemiology, a disease can be described by the usage of either terms, “etiology” or “pathology”. This does not mean that they can be used interchangeably.
Etiology of a disease is the term coined to all possible causes of a disease and its risk factors. Let us take asthma as an example, etiology will define the risk factors like allergens, excessive mucus formation, genetic tendency for weak lungs, bacterial infection of the lungs and susceptibility to hyperventilate. Etiology answers to the initial questions about the disease.
Pathology or Pathogenesis is the detailed explanation as to how the disease affected the patient in question. Once etiology of a disease is confirmed, pathology deals with the mechanism of action of the risk factor. In case of asthma, the inflammation of bronchioles due to said risk factors is discussed under pathology, i.e. inflamed bronchioles causing excessive mucus formation which leads to constricted air passage, rendering the afflicted person short of breath, is a matter considered under pathology.

Note:
While talking about symptoms or pathways of disease affliction, pathology is the term to use. Etiology on the other hand, is the study about the organisms that can cause the disease and factors that may worsen the situation for the patient.