LOCHIORRHAGIA Meaning and
Definition
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Lochiorrhagia is a medical condition characterized by excessive or prolonged bleeding following childbirth or delivery. Derived from the Greek words "lochia" meaning discharge after childbirth or menstruation and "rhegnynai" meaning to burst forth, lochiorrhagia refers specifically to the abnormal and heavy bleeding that occurs beyond the normal postpartum period.
Typically, after giving birth, women experience a bloody discharge called lochia, which gradually tapers off over a few weeks. Lochiorrhagia, however, refers to the circumstance in which bleeding continues in excessive amounts or persists for an extended duration, usually more than six weeks after delivery. This condition can be alarming and may result in complications if left untreated.
The exact cause of lochiorrhagia is not always clear, but it can be attributed to various factors such as retained placental fragments, uterine infections, hormonal imbalances, or uterine atony (failure of the uterus to contract effectively after childbirth). Other potential causes include trauma to the birth canal or cervix, blood clotting disorders, or uterine abnormalities.
Diagnosis of lochiorrhagia involves medical evaluation, physical examination, and a review of the patient's medical history. Treatment options may include medications to promote uterine contraction, surgical interventions to remove retained placental tissues or repair uterine abnormalities, or blood transfusions if there is significant blood loss.
It is essential for individuals experiencing lochiorrhagia to seek prompt medical attention to prevent complications such as anemia, infection, or severe hemorrhage. With appropriate treatment, most cases of lochiorrhagia can be resolved effectively, ensuring the well-being and successful recovery of the individual after childbirth.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LOCHIORRHAGIA
- kochiorrhagia
- pochiorrhagia
- oochiorrhagia
- lichiorrhagia
- lkchiorrhagia
- llchiorrhagia
- lpchiorrhagia
- l0chiorrhagia
- l9chiorrhagia
- loxhiorrhagia
- lovhiorrhagia
- lofhiorrhagia
- lodhiorrhagia
- locgiorrhagia
- locbiorrhagia
- locniorrhagia
- locjiorrhagia
- locuiorrhagia
- locyiorrhagia
- lochuorrhagia
Etymology of LOCHIORRHAGIA
The word "lochiorrhagia" is derived from two Greek components: "lochia" (λόχια) and "rhegnymi" (ῥήγνυμι).
Firstly, "lochia" refers to the vaginal discharge that occurs in the days and weeks following childbirth. It includes blood, uterine tissue, and mucus.
Secondly, "rhegnymi" means "to burst forth" or "to break". This component is commonly used in medical terminology to describe sudden or excessive flow or hemorrhage.
Combining these two components, "lochiorrhagia" refers to the excessive or abnormally heavy bleeding occurring after childbirth.
