ENDOTOXICOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Endotoxicosis is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by the presence and effects of endotoxins in the body. An endotoxin, also known as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), is a toxic substance produced by certain bacteria, particularly gram-negative bacteria.
In endotoxicosis, these endotoxins are released into the bloodstream when the bacteria are destroyed or disintegrate, leading to widespread and often severe systemic inflammation. This condition commonly occurs in cases of bacterial infections, such as sepsis or septicemia, where the immune system is overwhelmed.
The effects of endotoxicosis on the body can be significant and varied. It typically triggers a cascade of inflammatory responses, leading to the release of various cytokines, which are small proteins involved in immune signaling. This intense immune response can result in fever, chills, increased heart rate, low blood pressure, organ dysfunction, and potentially life-threatening complications.
The diagnosis of endotoxicosis involves clinical evaluation, blood tests to assess for elevated levels of inflammatory markers, and sometimes blood cultures to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection. Treatment usually involves addressing the underlying bacterial infection with appropriate antibiotics, along with supportive measures such as intravenous fluids, medications to stabilize blood pressure, and sometimes, even intensive care management.
Overall, endotoxicosis is a serious condition caused by the release of endotoxins into the bloodstream, leading to widespread inflammation and potentially severe complications. Prompt recognition and appropriate management are crucial for improving outcomes in affected individuals.
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Poisoning by an endotoxin.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ENDOTOXICOSIS
- endotoxicosiq
- endotoxicosir
- endewtoxicosis
- enduetoxicosis
- endotwoxicosis
- e ndotoxicosis
- en dotoxicosis
- end otoxicosis
- endo toxicosis
- endot oxicosis
- endoto xicosis
- endotox icosis
- endotoxi cosis
- endotoxic osis
- endotoxico sis
- endotoxicos is
- endotoxicosi s
Etymology of ENDOTOXICOSIS
The word "endotoxicosis" is derived from several components:
1. Endo-: This prefix comes from the Greek word "entos", meaning "within" or "inside".
2. Toxi-: This prefix from the Greek word "toxon" refers to "poison" or "toxin".
3. -ic: This suffix denotes the adjective form of a word.
4. -osis: This suffix is used to form nouns, indicating a condition or process.
Combining these components, "endotoxicosis" is a term coined in medicine to describe the condition characterized by the presence of endotoxins (toxins produced by certain bacteria) in the blood, resulting in systemic toxicity.
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