"Purpura haemorrhagica" is a medical term that refers to a condition that causes bleeding under the skin, resulting in purple or red spots. The spelling of this word can be confusing due to its Latin origin. The first word "purpura" is pronounced /pərˈpjurə/ and refers to the discoloration of the skin caused by bleeding. The second word "haemorrhagica" is pronounced /hɛməˈrædʒɪkə/ and means bleeding. Together, the word is pronounced /pərˈpjʊərə hiːməˈrædʒɪkə/ and can be difficult to spell without knowledge of its Latin roots.
Purpura haemorrhagica is a medical condition characterized by the sudden onset of widespread bleeding underneath the skin and mucous membranes. It is considered a rare and severe form of purpura, which is a condition that involves spontaneous bleeding into the skin, resulting in the appearance of red or purple spots or patches known as petechiae or ecchymoses.
The underlying cause of purpura haemorrhagica is typically an abnormal immune response within the body. This immune reaction leads to the activation of blood vessels and the subsequent leakage of blood into the surrounding tissues, resulting in the characteristic bleeding. It can be associated with various underlying diseases or conditions, including autoimmune disorders, infections, medications, or cancers.
Symptoms of purpura haemorrhagica typically include the sudden appearance of small, pinpoint-sized red or purple spots on the skin, often accompanied by larger patches of bruising. In severe cases, bleeding may also occur from the mucous membranes, such as the nose, mouth, or gastrointestinal tract. Other symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, joint pain, and fever.
Prompt medical attention is necessary when purpura haemorrhagica is suspected, as it can be life-threatening if left untreated. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause, such as administering medications to suppress the abnormal immune response or treating any associated infections. Blood transfusions or other supportive measures may be required in severe cases to maintain adequate blood clotting and prevent complications.
Land scurvy, morbus maculosus Werlhoffii; a disease, probably infectious, characterized by extensive ecchymoses, hemorrhages from the mucous membranes, and prostration of a typhoidal nature; it lasts from a few weeks to several months, and may terminate fatally.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "purpura haemorrhagica" is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by bleeding into the skin and mucous membranes. The etymology of this term can be broken down as follows:
1. "Purpura": The word "purpura" comes from the Latin word "purpura" meaning "purple". In ancient times, the term was used to describe the purple color observed in certain skin conditions, particularly when caused by bleeding under the skin. The Latin term itself was derived from the Greek word "porphyra", which also refers to purple.
2. "Haemorrhagica": This word is the combination of two components.
- "Haemorrhage" is derived from the Greek word "haimorrhagia", which is a combination of "haima" meaning "blood" and "rhagein" meaning "to burst forth".