GINA

Abbreviation with 2 meanings

GINA
Stands forGlobal Initiative for Asthma
Meanings2
CategoriesMedical, Government & Politics

GINA has two meanings. It stands for Global Initiative for Asthma (respiratory) or Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (US law).

Meanings of GINA at a glance

#GINA stands forContext
1Global Initiative for AsthmaMedical › Respiratory
2Genetic Information Nondiscrimination ActGovernment & Politics › US Law

1. Global Initiative for Asthma

Medical · Respiratory Abbreviations

International organization that publishes the annually updated Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention, used by clinicians and health systems around the world. Its reports set out stepwise treatment, inhaler technique and asthma action plans.

Example: Per GINA, as-needed low-dose ICS-formoterol is preferred over SABA alone for mild asthma.

Founded in 1993 in collaboration with the US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the World Health Organization. Its 2019 report marked a major shift by recommending against SABA-only treatment for adults and adolescents. GINA also organizes World Asthma Day each May. Pronounced "JEE-nah."

2. Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act

Government & Politics · US Law Abbreviations

Law of 2008 that bars health insurers from using genetic information to set premiums or determine eligibility and prohibits employers with 15 or more employees from using it in hiring, firing or promotions. Genetic information includes test results and family medical history.

Example: The wellness program's family history questionnaire raised GINA concerns.

President George W. Bush signed it in May 2008 after more than a decade of proposals. It does not cover life, disability or long-term care insurance, so genetic test results can still affect those policies. Employment provisions are enforced by the EEOC.

More respiratory abbreviations

  • FiO2 – Fraction of inspired oxygen
  • FRC – Functional residual capacity
  • FVC – Forced vital capacity
  • GGO – Ground-glass opacity
  • GOLD – Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease
  • HCAP – Healthcare-associated pneumonia
  • HFNC – High-flow nasal cannula
  • HP – Hypersensitivity pneumonitis

See all 109 respiratory abbreviations →

More US law abbreviations

  • FMLA – Family and Medical Leave Act
  • FOIA – Freedom of Information Act
  • GCA – Gun Control Act of 1968
  • GENIUS Act – Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act
  • GLBA – Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act
  • HAVA – Help America Vote Act
  • HEA – Higher Education Act of 1965
  • HIPAA – Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

See all 104 US law abbreviations →

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.