Bilious typhoid, a now outdated medical term, is pronounced [ˈbɪliəs ˈtaɪfɔɪd], with emphasis on the first syllable. The spelling of "bilious" comes from the Latin "bile," meaning "gall," and refers to the yellowish-green color of the vomit caused by the disease. "Typhoid" is derived from Greek, and originally meant "typhus-like." Together, the phrase was used to describe a severe form of typhoid fever that was characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms such as bilious vomiting and diarrhea, as well as high fever and delirium.
Bilious Typhoid is a medical condition characterized by an acute systemic infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. Also known as Typhoid fever or Enteric fever, it primarily affects the digestive system and is typically contracted through consumption of contaminated food or water. The term "bilious" refers to the presence of bile, which is a digestive fluid produced by the liver.
Symptoms of Bilious Typhoid may include high fever, headache, weakness, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, loss of appetite, and a characteristic rose-colored rash. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as intestinal bleeding, perforation of the bowel, or the infection spreading to other organs in the body. The severity of the illness can vary, with some cases being mild and self-limiting, while others can become life-threatening.
Treatment for Bilious Typhoid typically involves the administration of antibiotics to eliminate the infection. Adequate rest, oral rehydration therapy, and a nutritious diet are also important to support the patient's recovery. Prevention measures include maintaining good personal hygiene, practicing proper food handling and cooking techniques, and ensuring access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities.
In conclusion, Bilious Typhoid is an acute infection caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria, primarily affecting the digestive system. Prompt medical treatment and preventive measures are crucial to mitigate the severity and spread of the disease.
Icteric form of relapsing fever.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "bilious typhoid" does not have a specific etymology on its own. However, by breaking down the individual words, we can understand their origins:
1. Bilious: The word "bilious" originates from the Latin word "bilis", which means "bile". It refers to a substance produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, involved in the digestion process. In older medical terminology, the term "bilious" was often associated with disorders of the liver or disturbances in the secretion of bile. Over time, its meaning has expanded to include symptoms like nausea, irritability, or an unpleasant disposition.
2. Typhoid: The word "typhoid" comes from the Greek word "typhos", meaning "smoke" or "haze". It was originally used to describe a feverish state with delirium or a confused mental state.