MECONIUM ASPIRATION Meaning and
Definition
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Meconium aspiration is a medical condition that occurs when a newborn baby inhales or aspirates meconium, which is the thick greenish-black substance that makes up a baby's first stools. Meconium is normally passed by the baby after birth, but in some cases, it can be released into the amniotic fluid before or during labor. This exposes the baby to the possibility of inhaling or swallowing meconium during the process of delivery.
When meconium is inhaled, it can cause a blockage or inflammation in the airways, leading to meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). MAS can result in respiratory distress, as the meconium can obstruct the air passages and prevent the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs.
Symptoms of meconium aspiration include rapid and labored breathing, bluish skin coloration, grunting sounds, and a decreased heart rate. In severe cases, the baby may require immediate medical intervention and assistance with breathing, such as oxygen therapy or a ventilator. Treatment for meconium aspiration can also include antibiotic medication to prevent infection.
Meconium aspiration can be a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. It can be associated with complications such as pneumonia, airway inflammation, lung damage, or even an increased risk of infant mortality. However, with appropriate medical care and treatment, the majority of infants who develop meconium aspiration can recover and have good long-term outcomes.
Common Misspellings for MECONIUM ASPIRATION
- neconium aspiration
- keconium aspiration
- jeconium aspiration
- mwconium aspiration
- msconium aspiration
- mdconium aspiration
- mrconium aspiration
- m4conium aspiration
- m3conium aspiration
- mexonium aspiration
- mevonium aspiration
- mefonium aspiration
- medonium aspiration
- mecinium aspiration
- mecknium aspiration
- meclnium aspiration
- mecpnium aspiration
- mec0nium aspiration
- mec9nium aspiration
- mecobium aspiration
Etymology of MECONIUM ASPIRATION
The etymology of the term "meconium aspiration" can be broken down as follows:
1. Meconium: The word "meconium" comes from the Greek word "mekonion", which means "poppy juice" or "opium". In ancient times, this term was used to describe the dark, sticky substance that is the first feces passed by a newborn. Meconium is composed of various substances, including mucus, amniotic fluid, and materials ingested while in the womb.
2. Aspiration: The word "aspiration" has a Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word "aspirare", which means "to breathe upon" or "to inhale". In medical terms, aspiration refers to the inhalation or introduction of foreign substances, such as fluids or solids, into the airways or lungs.
