INTESTINAL INFANTILISM Meaning and
Definition
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Intestinal infantilism, also known as unclassified congenital pseudo-obstruction, is a rare and complex medical condition that primarily affects the digestive system in infants and young children. It is characterized by chronic intestinal obstruction, impaired bowel motility, and symptoms resembling a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, leading to difficulty in passing stool or severe constipation.
Individuals with intestinal infantilism may experience symptoms including abdominal distension, vomiting, diminished appetite, abdominal pain, and malnutrition. The condition often arises from abnormalities in the muscles and nerves of the intestine, which result in decreased or absent motor function, hindering the normal flow of waste material through the digestive tract.
Diagnosis of intestinal infantilism can be challenging due to its similarity to other gastrointestinal disorders. It typically involves a comprehensive medical evaluation, including physical examination, blood tests, imaging tests (such as X-rays or ultrasound), and sometimes a biopsy of the intestinal tissue.
Treatment for intestinal infantilism aims to manage and relieve symptoms, as well as improve bowel function. It often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including dietary modifications, fluid and electrolyte management, medications to promote bowel movement, and, in severe cases, surgical interventions to remove obstructive segments of the intestine.
Though intestinal infantilism is a chronic and lifelong condition, early diagnosis and appropriate medical intervention can significantly improve an individual's quality of life and mitigate the associated complications. Consequently, close monitoring and follow-up care with healthcare professionals specializing in pediatric gastroenterology are crucial for effectively managing this condition.
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Herter type of i., a form associated with chronic intestinal trouble and possibly due to autointoxication; the bodily development is arrested with slight mental retardation, the abdomen is distended, there are frequent attacks of diarrhea, and fatigue, both bodily and mental, is induced by slight exertion.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for INTESTINAL INFANTILISM
- intestinalinfauntilism
- i ntestinal infantilism
- in testinal infantilism
- int estinal infantilism
- inte stinal infantilism
- intes tinal infantilism
- intest inal infantilism
- intesti nal infantilism
- intestin al infantilism
- intestina l infantilism
- intestinal i nfantilism
- intestinal in fantilism
- intestinal inf antilism
- intestinal infa ntilism
- intestinal infan tilism
- intestinal infant ilism
- intestinal infanti lism
- intestinal infantil ism
- intestinal infantili sm
- intestinal infantilis m
Etymology of INTESTINAL INFANTILISM
"Intestinal infantilism" is not a widely recognized or commonly used term in standard English. It seems to be a combination of two separate words with distinct origins:
1. Intestinal: The term "intestinal" is derived from the Latin word "intestinum", which means "intestine" or "bowel". The Latin term itself originated from the Latin word "intestinus", meaning "internal, inner".
2. Infantilism: The word "infantilism" comes from the Latin word "infantilis", which means "of or like an infant". It is derived from the Latin word "infans", meaning "infant" or "young child".
Combining these two words results in "intestinal infantilism", suggesting a condition or disorder related to the immature or underdeveloped functioning of the intestines or bowels.
