How Do You Spell DECOMPENSATION?

Pronunciation: [dˌiːkəmpənsˈe͡ɪʃən] (IPA)

Decompensation is spelled as dɛkom-pen-sey-shuhn. The word is used in medical terms to describe a deterioration of a physiological or psychological system that was previously functioning well. The spelling of this word is derived from the prefix "de-" meaning "to undo" or "reverse" and the word "compensation" which means "to offset or make up for a deficiency". The "s" in "compensate" is replaced with "se" to indicate a change in sound from "s" to "sh".

DECOMPENSATION Meaning and Definition

1. Decompensation, in the medical field, refers to the deterioration or failure of an organ or bodily system to maintain its proper functioning. It is typically used to describe a situation where an individual with a pre-existing condition or chronic illness experiences a worsening of their symptoms or a breakdown in their body's compensatory mechanisms, leading to a decline in overall health.

   The concept of decompensation often arises in the context of physical illnesses, such as heart failure, liver cirrhosis, or respiratory disorders. In these cases, decompensation may manifest as the sudden onset or worsening of symptoms, including shortness of breath, fatigue, fluid retention, or organ dysfunction.

   However, decompensation can also pertain to mental health. In psychiatry, it is used to describe a state in which an individual with a previously controlled or stable mental condition experiences a marked deterioration in their psychological wellbeing. This might be characterized by the emergence or escalation of symptoms related to a psychiatric disorder, such as depression, anxiety, or psychosis.

   Overall, decompensation signifies a loss of homeostasis and an inability of the body or mind to cope with the demands placed upon it. It underscores the critical importance of timely medical intervention and management to prevent further deterioration and potentially life-threatening complications.

2. A failure of compensation in heart disease.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for DECOMPENSATION

• recompensaton
• recompensation
• recompensasion
• Recumpensation

Etymology of DECOMPENSATION

The word "decompensation" originated from medical terminology and has its roots in the Latin language.

- "De-" is a prefix in Latin meaning "down" or "removal".

- "Compensare" is a Latin verb meaning "to weigh against" or "to balance".

When used in a medical context, "decompensation" refers to the loss of the body's ability to maintain normal physiological function or equilibrium. It is often used to describe a deterioration or failure of a previously stable condition or state.

Plural form of DECOMPENSATION is DECOMPENSATIONS