Which term is used to describe a person suffering from a disease?

The term "patient" specifically refers to an individual who is receiving medical care or treatment for a disease or health condition. This designation emphasizes the relationship between the healthcare provider and the individual, highlighting the person's role as one who is undergoing evaluation, diagnosis, or intervention in a clinical setting. In this context, the term captures the essence of someone actively engaged in the healthcare system due to illness or health-related issues.

The other terms, while related to healthcare, do not convey the same specific meaning. "Consumer" generally refers to someone who purchases goods or services but does not indicate a direct relationship to medical treatment. "Client" is often used in various professional fields, including mental health and social services, but it lacks the medical connotation inherent in the term "patient." "Subject" is typically associated with scientific research, indicating an individual participating in a study rather than someone receiving treatment for a disease.