ELEPHANTIASIS Meaning and
Definition
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Elephantiasis is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal enlargement and thickening of body parts, particularly the limbs, skin, and underlying tissues. It is caused by a chronic and progressive infection of the lymphatic system, often resulting from parasitic infestation or obstruction of lymphatic vessels.
The most common cause of elephantiasis is a parasitic infection called lymphatic filariasis. This infection is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The microscopic worms responsible for the disease lodge themselves in the lymphatic vessels, obstructing the flow of lymph fluid and leading to the accumulation of fluid, swelling, and ultimately, the enlargement of affected body parts.
Elephantiasis most commonly affects the lower limbs, although it can also manifest in the arms, genitals, breasts, and other areas. The affected body parts may become extremely enlarged, disfigured, and have a rough, thickened skin texture resembling the texture of an elephant's skin, from which the condition derives its name.
Elephantiasis can cause significant pain, disability, and psychological distress due to the physical deformities it produces. Treatment primarily focuses on managing the underlying infection, if present, through the administration of antiparasitic medications and alleviating symptoms through the use of compression garments and skin care. In severe cases, surgical interventions such as lymphatic drainage procedures may be necessary to reduce swelling and improve quality of life. Prevention primarily involves controlling mosquito populations, using protective measures to avoid mosquito bites, and administering mass drug administration programs in affected communities.
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Barbados leg, pachydermia, hypertrophy of the skin and subcutaneous tissues due to obstructed circulation in the blood or lymphatic vessels; called also e. Arabum, e. indica.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A disease of the skin by which it becomes thick, livid, and insensible to feeling.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ELEPHANTIASIS
- elephantitis
- wlephantiasis
- slephantiasis
- dlephantiasis
- rlephantiasis
- 4lephantiasis
- 3lephantiasis
- ekephantiasis
- epephantiasis
- eoephantiasis
- elwphantiasis
- elsphantiasis
- eldphantiasis
- elrphantiasis
- el4phantiasis
- el3phantiasis
- eleohantiasis
- elelhantiasis
- ele-hantiasis
- ele0hantiasis
- elephantisis
- elephantiases
- elephantiosis
- elephatnosis
Etymology of ELEPHANTIASIS
The word "elephantiasis" originated from the Greek term "elephas" meaning "elephant". It is derived from a combination of "elephantiāsis" in Late Latin and "elephantiásis" in Greek. The term was initially used to describe a condition characterized by an abnormal enlargement of body parts, typically the limbs, resembling the massiveness of an elephant. This condition is primarily associated with a parasitic infection called lymphatic filariasis, caused by the presence of filarial worms in the lymphatic system. Over time, the term "elephantiasis" has become synonymous with this specific medical condition.
Similar spelling words for ELEPHANTIASIS
- elephant-tusk,
- elephant's ear,
- elephant seal,
- elephant ear,
- elephantopus,
- elephant bird,
- elephantidae,
- elephantine,
- elephant's-foot,
- elephant tree,
- elephant yam.
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