Enterosepsis is a medical term used to describe a severe infection in the intestines. The spelling of this word can be broken down phonetically as "en-tuh-ro-SEP-sis." The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˌɛntəroʊˈsɛpsɪs/. The first syllable is pronounced as "en-tuh-roh," with the stress on the second syllable. The word "sep" is pronounced as "SEP" with a sharp emphasis on the 'p' sound. The last syllable "sis" is also stressed, pronounced as "sɛpsɪs."
Enterosepsis is a medical term that refers to a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the presence of bacteria or their byproducts in the bloodstream caused by an infection originating in the intestinal tract. It is a form of sepsis, which occurs when an infection spreads throughout the body causing inflammation and organ dysfunction. Enterosepsis specifically involves the invasion of the bloodstream by microorganisms and toxins from the intestines.
The condition usually arises due to a breach in the integrity of the gastrointestinal barrier, such as perforation of the intestines or severe inflammation. This allows bacteria normally present in the gut to gain access to the bloodstream, resulting in the dissemination of infection to various organs. Symptoms of enterosepsis may include a high fever, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, confusion, increased breathing rate, and signs of organ dysfunction.
Enterosepsis is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment, as it can lead to multiple organ failure and death if left untreated. The diagnosis is made based on clinical evaluation, blood tests, and imaging studies. Treatment typically involves the administration of intravenous antibiotics to target the infectious organisms, fluid resuscitation to maintain blood pressure, and supportive care to stabilize organ function.
Prevention of enterosepsis involves early recognition and treatment of conditions that can lead to intestinal perforation or inflammation, such as gastrointestinal ulcers, diverticulitis, or inflammatory bowel disease. Proper hygiene practices, including hand washing and food safety, also play a crucial role in reducing the risk of enterosepsis.
Autointoxication from decomposition of the intestinal contents.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "enterosepsis" is a compound term derived from two Greek roots: "entero" meaning "intestine" or "gut", and "sepsis" which means "infection" or "infection spreading throughout the body".
- "Enteron" (ἔντερον) is the Greek word for "intestine" or "gut". It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*enter-", which also gave rise to the Latin word "intestinum" (meaning "intestine") and the English word "intestinal".
- "Sepsis" (σήψις) is the Greek word for "decay" or "putrefaction". In medical terminology, it refers to a severe bacterial infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, or even death.