The word "anasarcous" is a medical term that refers to a condition where there is widespread swelling or accumulation of fluid in the body tissues. The spelling of this word can be explained using International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) symbols: /ænəˈsɑːrkəs/. It starts with the /æ/ sound, similar to "cat," followed by the combination of /nə/ and /ˈsɑːrk/, which means "edema" in medical terminology. The word ends with the sound /kəs/, making it a seven-letter word with a unique spelling.
Anasarcous is an adjective used to describe a medical condition called anasarca. Anasarca refers to severe generalized edema or excessive swelling of the body due to fluid accumulation in the interstitial spaces or tissues. This condition manifests as widespread and noticeable swelling, usually in the lower extremities, abdomen, and face.
The term anasarca is derived from the Greek words "ana," meaning throughout or whole, and "sarx," meaning flesh or body. Therefore, anasarcous represents a condition that affects the body extensively, resulting in a diffused and considerable swelling.
Anasarcous can occur due to various underlying medical conditions such as heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, cirrhosis, severe malnutrition, and certain inflammatory conditions. These conditions can disrupt the normal fluid balance in the body, leading to the accumulation of fluids in the tissues.
The swelling associated with anasarcous is typically pitting edema, meaning that if pressure is applied to the swollen area, an indentation or pit will persist even after the pressure is removed. This is primarily due to the excess fluid accumulating in the interstitial spaces.
Treatment of anasarcous involves addressing the underlying condition causing the fluid retention. This may include medication to manage heart or kidney conditions, dietary changes to reduce sodium intake, diuretics to promote fluid elimination, and other therapeutic interventions aimed at improving organ function and fluid balance.
Overall, anasarcous is a term used to describe the extensive edema or swelling seen in anasarca, which reflects the accumulation of fluid in the body's tissues.
Dropsical; marked by anasarca.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Dropsical.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "anasarcous" comes from the combination of two Greek roots: "ana" and "sarx".
- The prefix "ana" is derived from the Greek term "ana-" meaning "up", "back", or "again". In medical terminology, it is commonly used to indicate "excessive" or "abnormal" conditions.
- The root "sarx" translates to "flesh" or "tissue" in Greek. It is often used in medical terminology to refer to conditions or structures related to bodily tissues.
Thus, when combined, "anasarcous" refers to a medical condition characterized by abnormal swelling or edema, typically indicating fluid retention in the bodily tissues.