Gastric crisis is a medical condition characterized by sudden and severe pain in the stomach. The word "gastric" is pronounced /ˈɡæs.trɪk/ with the stress on the first syllable. It is spelled with a "g" and not a "j" because the sound is a hard "g" sound. The word "crisis" is pronounced /ˈkraɪ.sɪs/ with the stress on the second syllable. It is spelled with a "c" and not a "k" because the "c" sound is pronounced as an "s" sound in this case due to the following "r." The spelling of this word helps us to understand the pronunciation of its sounds more accurately.
Gastric crisis refers to a sudden onset of severe symptoms and complications associated with the gastrointestinal system, particularly the stomach. The term "gastric" relates to the stomach, while "crisis" signifies the acute and intense nature of the condition. This medical condition, often encountered in individuals with underlying gastric disorders, manifests as a severe episode of intense abdominal pain, often accompanied by other distressing symptoms.
During a gastric crisis, individuals may experience excruciating pain in the upper abdomen, which can radiate to the back or chest. The pain is frequently accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, bloating, and a feeling of fullness. Additionally, gastric crises can be characterized by increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, individuals may even present with signs of dehydration and weight loss due to the inability to eat or drink adequately.
Gastric crisis can be caused by a variety of factors, including but not limited to peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, or gallbladder diseases. It can also occur as a complication of certain medications or as a result of stress. Treatment for gastric crisis typically involves a combination of managing the underlying condition, providing pain relief, and administering medications to alleviate symptoms such as acid reflux and vomiting. In extreme cases, hospitalization may be necessary for close monitoring, intravenous hydration, or surgical interventions to address the underlying cause.
An attack, usually of several days' duration of severe pain in the abdomen or around the waist, accompanied by nausea and vomiting and occasionally diarrhea, occurring in the course of, or preceding, tabes dorsalis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "gastric" originates from the Latin word "gastricus", which in turn comes from the Greek word "gastēr", meaning "stomach". "Crisis", on the other hand, stems from the Latin word "crisis", borrowed from the Greek word "krisis", meaning "turning point" or "decision", which later evolved to mean "a sudden change" or "critical stage". Therefore, the term "gastric crisis" essentially refers to a critical or sudden change related to the stomach or digestive system.