Hepatic fever is a disease caused by the inflammation of the liver. Phonetically, the word 'hepatic' is pronounced as /hɪˈpatɪk/, where the 'h' is silent but the emphasis is on the 'e'. The second part of the word, 'fever', is pronounced as /ˈfiːvər/, with emphasis on the first syllable. The spelling of 'hepatic' is derived from the Latin 'hepaticus', meaning 'pertaining to the liver', while 'fever' is derived from the Latin 'febris', meaning 'fever'. Hepatic fever, also known as acute hepatitis, can be caused by a variety of factors, including viral infections and alcohol abuse.
Hepatic fever is a medical condition characterized by intense inflammation or infection of the liver, usually caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection. It is also commonly referred to as hepatitis.
The liver, a vital organ responsible for various metabolic processes in the body, plays a crucial role in detoxifying substances and producing essential proteins. However, when it becomes inflamed or infected, it can lead to a range of symptoms and complications known as hepatic fever.
The most common causes of hepatic fever include hepatitis viruses, especially hepatitis A, B, and C. These viruses are primarily transmitted through contaminated food or water, sexual contact, or exposure to infected blood. Other potential causes can include certain medications, alcohol abuse, autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders, or exposure to toxins or chemicals.
Symptoms of hepatic fever typically include fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, pale stools, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and generalized malaise. In severe cases, patients may experience liver failure, leading to complications such as ascites (abdominal fluid accumulation), coagulation disorders, and hepatic encephalopathy (a decline in brain function).
Diagnosis of hepatic fever often involves blood tests to detect liver enzymes and specific viral markers. Treatment may vary depending on the underlying cause but frequently includes antiviral medications, lifestyle modifications, and supportive care to manage symptoms and promote liver healing. In some cases, liver transplant may be necessary for advanced liver damage.
Prevention of hepatic fever primarily revolves around practicing good hygiene, getting vaccinated against viral hepatitis, practicing safe sex, avoiding intravenous drug use, and minimizing alcohol consumption.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "hepatic fever" is derived from two main roots: "hepat-" and "fever".
The first part, "hepat-", is derived from the Greek word "hepar" (ἧπαρ), which means "liver". This root is used in medical terminology to refer to anything related to the liver.
The second part, "fever", comes from the Latin word "febris", which means "fever" or "feverish". The term is used to describe an elevated body temperature that occurs as a response to an infection, inflammation, or other medical conditions.
Thus, when combined, "hepat-" (liver) and "fever" create the term "hepatic fever", which refers to a fever specifically associated with liver diseases or disorders.