ICTERIC FEVER Meaning and
Definition
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Icteric fever is a medical condition characterized by the presence of fever and jaundice. It is commonly associated with liver diseases such as viral hepatitis, including hepatitis A, B, and C. The term "icteric" refers to the yellowish discoloration of the skin, eyes, and mucus membranes caused by an excessive buildup of bilirubin in the body.
In icteric fever, the fever is often accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Jaundice, which is one of the hallmark features of this condition, occurs due to the impaired liver function that leads to the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood and subsequently its deposition in body tissues.
The fever component of icteric fever is mostly low-grade and may be intermittent or continuous. It is important to note that icteric fever can be caused by various etiologies other than viral hepatitis, including alcoholic hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury, autoimmune hepatitis, and genetic conditions affecting liver metabolism.
Diagnosis of icteric fever involves thorough medical evaluation, including a detailed history, physical examination, and laboratory tests that assess liver function, such as the measurement of liver enzymes, viral serology, and imaging studies. Treatment of icteric fever depends on the underlying cause. It may involve antiviral therapy for hepatitis viruses, liver support measures, and management of complications associated with liver dysfunction.
In summary, icteric fever is a condition characterized by fever and jaundice, primarily caused by liver diseases such as viral hepatitis. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to prevent potential complications and ensure a favorable outcome.
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Pernicious malaria with jaundice as a prominent symptom.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ICTERIC FEVER
- ucteric fever
- jcteric fever
- kcteric fever
- octeric fever
- 9cteric fever
- 8cteric fever
- ixteric fever
- ivteric fever
- ifteric fever
- idteric fever
- icreric fever
- icferic fever
- icgeric fever
- icyeric fever
- ic6eric fever
- ic5eric fever
- ictwric fever
- ictsric fever
- ictdric fever
- ictrric fever
Etymology of ICTERIC FEVER
The term "icteric fever" is composed of two words: "icteric" and "fever".
The word "icteric" comes from the Greek word "ikteros" (ἰκτερός), which means "jaundice". Jaundice is a medical condition characterized by the yellowing of the skin and eyes, commonly associated with liver disease or obstruction of the bile ducts. "Icter-", as a prefix, is often used in medical terminology to indicate a relationship with jaundice or a symptom related to it.
The word "fever" has its roots in Latin, derived from the Latin word "febris", which means "fever" or "heat". It is often used to indicate an elevated body temperature often associated with illness or infection.
