empirical treatment

Empirical treatment refers to the initiation of therapy based on clinical experience and knowledge of a patient's symptoms, before definitive diagnosis or lab results confirm a specific condition. It is commonly used in medicine when a doctor suspects a certain illness but lacks immediate test results, allowing for timely intervention to improve patient outcomes. For example, a physician may prescribe antibiotics for a suspected bacterial infection even before laboratory confirmation, based on the symptoms presented. This approach aims to address potential health issues quickly and effectively while awaiting more precise diagnostic information.