Hydrops abdominis is a medical term used to describe abnormal fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity. This condition can be caused by various diseases, including liver disease and heart failure. The three-syllable term is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as "haɪdrɒps æbˈdɒmɪnɪs". The phonetic symbols correspond to the sounds "hi-drops" for the first two syllables, "ab" as in "cab", "dom" as in "domino", and "inis" as in "tennis". Proper spelling and pronunciation of medical terms are essential for clear communication among healthcare professionals.
Hydrops abdominis, also known as abdominal dropsy or ascites, refers to the abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity. This condition can occur due to a variety of underlying medical conditions, and is characterized by the accumulation of fluid between the tissues lining the abdominal organs and the abdominal wall.
The excess fluid in hydrops abdominis can be transudate or exudate, depending on the cause. Transudate is a clear and pale fluid that results from increased pressure in the blood vessels, while exudate is a cloudy or milky fluid that contains proteins and other substances, indicating inflammation or infection.
Hydrops abdominis can be caused by numerous factors, such as liver disease (cirrhosis), heart failure, kidney disease, cancer, infection, or other systemic conditions. The accumulated fluid puts pressure on the stomach and intestines, leading to symptoms such as abdominal distension, discomfort, pain, and respiratory difficulties.
Diagnosis of hydrops abdominis involves taking a thorough medical history, physical examination, and performing various tests like blood tests, imaging studies (ultrasound, computed tomography), and sometimes, a diagnostic paracentesis (removal of fluid for analysis).
Treatment for hydrops abdominis primarily focuses on addressing the underlying cause. Depending on the severity, treatment options may include lifestyle modifications (such as dietary changes and limiting salt intake), medications to manage the underlying condition, therapeutic paracentesis to drain fluid, or more invasive procedures like surgical shunting or liver transplantation in advanced cases.
Abdominal dropsy, hydroreritonia, ascites.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "hydrops abdominis" is a medical term that is derived from ancient Greek roots. Here is the breakdown:
1. Hydrops: This term comes from the Greek word "hudrṓps" (ὕδρωψ), which means "edema" or "excessive fluid". It is a compound word formed by combining "hydor" (ὕδωρ), meaning "water", and "ops" (ὄψ), meaning "appearance" or "face". Thus, "hydrops" refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body.
2. Abdominis: This word originates from the Latin term "abdomen", which refers specifically to the part of the body between the chest and the pelvis.