HAEMOLYTIC JAUNDICE Meaning and
Definition
-
Haemolytic jaundice is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal breakdown of red blood cells, leading to an increased production of bilirubin and the subsequent development of yellowing of the skin and eyes, known as jaundice. It is a type of jaundice that occurs as a result of excessive destruction of red blood cells, causing a buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream.
This condition can be caused by various factors such as inherited red blood cell disorders like sickle cell disease, thalassemia, or hereditary spherocytosis. It can also be triggered by certain infections, medications, autoimmune disorders, or exposure to certain toxins. In these cases, the accelerated breakdown of red blood cells overwhelms the liver's capacity to appropriately process and eliminate bilirubin, leading to its accumulation throughout the body.
The symptoms of haemolytic jaundice include yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, pale stools, fatigue, weakness, abdominal pain, and sometimes an enlarged spleen. Treatment usually focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the condition and managing the symptoms. In severe cases, blood transfusions or medications to suppress the immune system may be necessary.
Regular monitoring of blood counts, liver function, and bilirubin levels is essential for managing haemolytic jaundice and preventing complications such as anemia or gallstones. With proper treatment and management, the prognosis for individuals with this condition is generally good, although the outlook may vary depending on the underlying cause and its severity.
Common Misspellings for HAEMOLYTIC JAUNDICE
- gaemolytic jaundice
- baemolytic jaundice
- naemolytic jaundice
- jaemolytic jaundice
- uaemolytic jaundice
- yaemolytic jaundice
- hzemolytic jaundice
- hsemolytic jaundice
- hwemolytic jaundice
- hqemolytic jaundice
- hawmolytic jaundice
- hasmolytic jaundice
- hadmolytic jaundice
- harmolytic jaundice
- ha4molytic jaundice
- ha3molytic jaundice
- haenolytic jaundice
- haekolytic jaundice
- haejolytic jaundice
- haemilytic jaundice
Etymology of HAEMOLYTIC JAUNDICE
The word "haemolytic jaundice" can be broken down into two parts: "haemolytic" and "jaundice".
1. "Haemolytic" originates from the Greek words "haemo" meaning "blood" and "lysis" meaning "to break", thus referring to the breakdown or destruction of red blood cells. In this context, "haemolytic" describes a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed more rapidly than they can be replaced.
2. "Jaundice" comes from the French word "jaunisse", which can be traced back to the Old French word "jalne" meaning "yellow". Jaundice is a medical condition characterized by the yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and whites of the eyes, caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream.
