The term "hectic flush" refers to a sudden reddening of the face, often associated with an increase in body temperature. The spelling of this word is fairly straightforward, with each syllable pronounced distinctly. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be written as /ˈhɛktɪk flʌʃ/. The first syllable, "hectic," is pronounced with a short "e" sound followed by a hard "k" sound. The second syllable, "flush," is pronounced with a short "u" sound and a soft "sh" sound at the end.
The term "hectic flush" refers to a physiological condition characterized by a sudden, intense redness or flushing of the face, often accompanied by a sensation of heat and prickling or tingling. This condition is primarily caused by the dilation of blood vessels near the surface of the skin, leading to an increased blood flow. The phrase "hectic flush" is commonly used to describe a form of facial flushing that occurs as a result of certain medical conditions, particularly those that affect the circulatory system.
One of the most common causes of hectic flush is a condition known as flush syndrome or carcinoid syndrome, which is associated with the release of certain hormones by tumors, typically in the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, hectic flush can be a symptom of other diseases, including hemiplegic migraine, tuberculosis, or polycythemia vera. It can also be caused by certain medications, alcohol consumption, or emotional factors such as stress or embarrassment.
The term "hectic flush" derives from the word "hectic," which originally referred to a feverish state or the characteristic flush of the face associated with such a condition. Over time, the term has become more specifically associated with the flushing itself, and is now commonly used to describe the sudden and noticeable reddening of the face in various medical contexts.
• A redness of the face accompanying the rise of temperature in tuberculosis and certain other chronic affections.
• Hectic (4).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.