Petechial fever is a disease caused by bacterial infections, marked by the appearance of petechiae, or tiny red or purple spots on the skin. The word is spelled phonetically as /pɪˈtikiəl ˈfiːvər/. The first syllable, "pe", is pronounced like "pie". The second syllable, "te", sounds like "tea". The third syllable is pronounced like "cal", while the fourth syllable, "fever", sounds like the common English word for fever. The IPA phonetic transcription helps accurately represent the sounds in this term for effective communication in the medical field.
Petechial fever is a medical condition characterized by the presence of petechiae, which are small, pinpoint-sized red or purple spots on the skin or mucous membranes. It is also known as petechial rash or petechial hemorrhage.
Petechial fever commonly occurs as a symptom of various infectious diseases, particularly those caused by bacteria or viruses, such as meningococcal meningitis, sepsis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and dengue fever. The fever is usually accompanied by other symptoms, including headache, fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, and in severe cases, organ dysfunction or failure.
The petechiae result from the leakage of blood from tiny blood vessels called capillaries. This occurs due to the infection-induced inflammation and damage to the blood vessel walls, leading to weakened vessel integrity. The spots typically do not blanch when pressed, indicating non-blanching erythematous areas. While most commonly occurring on the skin, petechiae can also appear on the conjunctiva of the eyes, oral mucosa, or internal organs.
Early recognition and diagnosis of petechial fever are crucial for proper management and treatment. Medical attention is necessary to identify the underlying cause and initiate appropriate therapy, such as antibiotics or antiviral medication. Prompt treatment can help prevent complications and improve the patient's chances of recovery.
In conclusion, petechial fever is a condition characterized by the appearance of non-blanching red or purple spots on the skin or mucous membranes, resulting from the leakage of blood due to infection-induced inflammation. It is often associated with various infectious diseases and requires timely medical intervention for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Cerebrospinal f.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "petechial fever" is a compound term derived from the combination of two elements: "petechiae" and "fever".
1. "Petechiae": This term comes from the New Latin word "petechia", which was borrowed from the Italian word "petecchie". "Petecchie" is the plural form of "petecchia", a diminutive of the Latin word "pittacium", meaning "spotted fabric" or "woolen cloth". It is believed that the term "petechiae" was introduced in the late 17th century to describe small red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding beneath the skin's surface.
2. "Fever": The word "fever" has Old English roots, originating from the Old English word "fefer".