Status choleraicus is a medical term that refers to a severe form of cholera, marked by acute diarrhea and dehydration. The word status is pronounced as /ˈsteɪtəs/, while choleraicus is pronounced as /kɒləˈreɪkəs/. The 'ch' in choleraicus is pronounced like the 'k' sound in 'kite'. The word status refers to the current situation or condition of a person, while choleraicus denotes the characteristic symptoms of cholera. This term is typically used by medical professionals to describe the severity of a cholera infection.
Status choleraicus refers to a severe and life-threatening condition characterized by continuous derangement of bodily fluids and electrolyte imbalances due to cholera infection. The term "status" is derived from Latin, meaning an abnormal or critical state, while "choleraicus" indicates the involvement of cholera, a highly infectious intestinal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
Cholera is primarily transmitted through contaminated water or food, leading to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in affected individuals. Status choleraicus typically occurs in advanced stages of cholera infection when the body's regulatory mechanisms fail to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. This condition is marked by excessive fluid loss through profuse watery diarrhea, resulting in a rapid decline in total body fluid volume.
The symptoms of status choleraicus include extreme thirst, dry and sunken eyes, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, muscle cramps, and a weak or absent pulse. If left untreated, status choleraicus can rapidly progress into a life-threatening situation, leading to multiorgan failure and shock. Immediate medical intervention is crucial to prevent complications and ensure a positive outcome.
Treatment for status choleraicus typically involves intravenous fluid replacement with balanced electrolyte solutions to restore and maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. Antibiotic therapy may also be administered to control the cholera infection. Oral rehydration solutions may be given in mild cases or to prevent dehydration. In severe instances, hospitalization and intensive care management may be necessary.
A condition sometimes following the cold stage of cholera, marked by cold skin, feeble pulse, hebetude, and a dull expression.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "status choleraicus" is a Latin phrase that is derived from two words: "status" and "choleraicus".
1. "Status" - This word comes from the Latin verb "stare", which means "to stand" or "to be in a particular state". In English, "status" generally refers to a person's social, economic, or professional standing. However, in medical terminology, it can also be used to describe the condition or state of a patient.
2. "Choleraicus" - This word is derived from "cholera", which is a severe infectious disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Cholera is characterized by severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. The suffix "-icus" is a Latin suffix that is often used to indicate "pertaining to" or "related to".