OCCULT JAUNDICE Meaning and
Definition
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Occult jaundice is a medical term used to describe a condition where the yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes is not visually apparent. Jaundice itself refers to the yellow discoloration of body tissues caused by elevated levels of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells.
In the case of occult jaundice, the increase in bilirubin levels is not high enough to cause the typical visible symptoms associated with jaundice. Instead, the condition can be detected only through laboratory tests, such as blood tests, where the bilirubin levels are measured. These tests are used to determine if there is an abnormal elevation of bilirubin in the bloodstream, indicating an underlying problem with the liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts.
Occult jaundice can emerge due to various factors, including liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. It can also be caused by obstruction or blockage in the bile ducts, gallstones, or other conditions that impair the normal flow of bile. Additionally, certain medications, genetic disorders, or excessive breakdown of red blood cells can lead to occult jaundice.
Although occult jaundice may not present obvious visual symptoms, it still requires medical attention. Further investigation is necessary to identify the underlying cause and determine appropriate treatment. Early detection and management of occult jaundice are crucial to prevent potential complications and ensure optimal liver and bile function.
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The presence of bile in the blood in such small amount as to produce no symptoms.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for OCCULT JAUNDICE
- occult jaundiae
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Etymology of OCCULT JAUNDICE
The etymology of the term "occult jaundice" is as follows:
1. Occult: The word "occult" comes from the Latin word "occultus", which means "hidden" or "concealed". It was originally used in the context of referring to secret or mysterious knowledge or practices. In medicine, "occult" is used to describe a condition or disease that is hidden or not easily detectable.
2. Jaundice: The word "jaundice" has its roots in the Old French word "jaunisse", which was derived from the Latin word "galbinus", meaning "greenish-yellow". The Latin "galbinus" was a combination of "galbus" (yellow) and "bini" (two) because the yellow pigmentation of jaundice was believed to have a greenish hue.
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