Blood poisoning is a condition where bacteria toxins have entered into the blood vessels. The phonetic transcription of this word is /blʌd pɔɪzənɪŋ/. The spelling of the word "blood" is straightforward, as the phonetic sounds match the letters. The word "poisoning," on the other hand, has its "o" pronounced as /ɔ/ instead of its regular pronunciation /oʊ/. This spelling rule is common in English, where some vowel sounds do not correspond to the standard phonetic pronunciation of the letter.
Blood poisoning, also referred to as septicemia or sepsis, is a serious medical condition characterized by the presence and spread of harmful bacteria or their toxins in the bloodstream. It occurs when an infection, often originating in a specific body part or organ such as the lungs, urinary tract, or skin, enters the bloodstream and rapidly disseminates throughout the body.
The bacteria or toxins within the bloodstream trigger a systemic response known as sepsis, leading to widespread inflammation, tissue damage, and potential organ failure. Common symptoms of blood poisoning include high fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, confusion, severe pain, and difficulty breathing.
If left untreated, blood poisoning can be life-threatening. It requires immediate medical attention and hospitalization for diagnostic tests, close monitoring, and intensive treatment. The primary goal of treatment is to eradicate the underlying infection through the administration of intravenous antibiotics appropriate for the identified bacteria.
In severe cases of blood poisoning, patients may require additional interventions such as fluids and medications to stabilize blood pressure, oxygen therapy, support for organ function, or even surgery to drain infected areas.
Prevention measures are crucial and include proper wound care, prompt treatment of infections, good hygiene practices, and immunizations. Early recognition and treatment significantly improve the chances of recovery, while delayed diagnosis or inadequate treatment can lead to serious complications and a higher risk of mortality.
• Septicemia, pyemia, toxemia.
• Septicemia, pyemia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "blood poisoning" is a somewhat outdated medical term that described a condition now known as sepsis or systemic infection. The etymology of the word "blood poisoning" can be broken down as follows:
1. "Blood": The word "blood" originated from the Old English word "blōd", which evolved from the Proto-Germanic "blōþam". It has cognates in other Germanic languages such as German "Blut" and Dutch "bloed", all derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*bhlo-to-".
2. "Poisoning": The term "poisoning" derives from the word "poison", which has its roots in Latin. The Latin word "potio" meant a potion or drink, and over time, it came to mean a harmful substance.