"Constitutional symptom" is spelled as /ˌkɒnstɪtjuˈʃənəl ˈsɪmptəm/. The word "constitutional" refers to something inherent to a person's physical or mental makeup, while "symptom" means a sign or indication of a condition or disease. When used together, "constitutional symptom" describes a symptom that is related to the overall health and well-being of an individual, rather than a specific organ or system. This term is commonly used in healthcare to help diagnose and treat underlying health issues.
A constitutional symptom refers to a physical or physiological manifestation of an underlying systemic disease or condition that affects the entire body. It is not limited to a specific organ or system but rather reflects a general state of illness or dysfunction. Constitutional symptoms are often non-specific in nature, making them challenging to diagnose and treat.
These symptoms are commonly seen in various medical conditions such as infections (e.g., fever, fatigue), autoimmune disorders (e.g., weight loss, sweating), metabolic disturbances (e.g., malaise, poor appetite), or malignancies (e.g., unintentional weight loss, night sweats). Since many different diseases can cause constitutional symptoms, they are considered warning signs that should prompt further medical evaluation.
Constitutional symptoms are often associated with an alteration in the overall well-being and normal functioning of an individual. They may manifest as changes in energy levels, appetite, sleep patterns, or mood. Patients experiencing constitutional symptoms may report feeling unwell, tired, or having a general sense of discomfort or unease without being able to pinpoint a specific cause.
While constitutional symptoms alone are not diagnostic of any particular disease, they serve as important clues for physicians to investigate further. Medical professionals utilize a combination of patient history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies to identify the underlying condition responsible for the constitutional symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
A symptom indicating that the disease has become general, the toxins or other materies morbi being present in the blood.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "constitutional symptom" is a medical term used to describe symptoms that are indicative of a systemic or generalized illness affecting the entire body rather than being localized to a specific organ or system. The etymology of the word can be broken down as follows:
1. Constitutional: This word is derived from the Latin word "constitutionem" which means "a way of being", "nature", or "condition". In medical terminology, it refers to the overall physical and mental condition of an individual.
2. Symptom: This word comes from the Greek word "symptoma" which means "occurrence" or "happening". In medical terminology, it refers to a physical or mental feature that is related to a disease or disorder.
Therefore, "constitutional symptom" combines the notion of an overall characteristic or condition with a manifestation or occurrence that is indicative of an underlying illness.