TOXIC MEGACOLON Meaning and
Definition
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Toxic Megacolon is a medical condition characterized by the rapid enlargement of the colon, leading to a potentially life-threatening condition. The term "toxic" refers to the presence of harmful substances in the colon, while "megacolon" indicates the abnormal dilation and distention of the colon.
In a healthy individual, the colon contracts to move waste material towards the rectum for elimination. However, in Toxic Megacolon, the muscles of the colon become weakened and lose their ability to contract properly. This can result from various factors, including severe inflammation, infection, or underlying diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease.
The enlargement of the colon in Toxic Megacolon often leads to dangerous complications such as the accumulation of toxic waste material, gas, and fluids. This can cause severe pain, abdominal distention, fever, rapid heart rate, diarrhea, and a significant increase in the risk of bowel perforation. If left untreated, the condition may result in septicemia, a life-threatening systemic infection.
Medical intervention is crucial in managing Toxic Megacolon. Treatment usually involves addressing the underlying cause, administering medication to control inflammation, relieving bowel obstruction, and restoring proper bowel function. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the affected portion of the colon.
Due to the potential for life-threatening complications, prompt diagnosis and appropriate medical intervention are critical in managing Toxic Megacolon effectively.
Common Misspellings for TOXIC MEGACOLON
- roxic megacolon
- foxic megacolon
- goxic megacolon
- yoxic megacolon
- 6oxic megacolon
- 5oxic megacolon
- tixic megacolon
- tkxic megacolon
- tlxic megacolon
- tpxic megacolon
- t0xic megacolon
- t9xic megacolon
- tozic megacolon
- tocic megacolon
- todic megacolon
- tosic megacolon
- toxuc megacolon
- toxjc megacolon
- toxkc megacolon
- toxoc megacolon
Etymology of TOXIC MEGACOLON
The term "toxic megacolon" is a medical term that combines two words: "toxic" and "megacolon". Here is the etymology of each word:
1. Toxic:
The word "toxic" originated from the Latin word "toxicus" which means "poisoned". In turn, "toxicus" comes from the Greek word "toxikon pharmakon". The Greek word "toxikon" refers to "poison for use on arrows", derived from "toxon" meaning "bow". Over time, the term "toxic" came to represent any poisonous substance or state.
2. Megacolon:
The term "megacolon" is composed of two parts: "mega-" and "colon". "Mega-" comes from the Greek word "megas" meaning "large" or "great".
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