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Septicemia Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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septicemia

[ˌsɛp.tɪˈsiː.mi.ə ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

Septicemia is a serious bloodstream infection that occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. It can lead to severe sepsis and septic shock, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms may include fever, chills, rapid breathing, and confusion.

Synonyms

blood poisoning, sepsis, systemic infection.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor diagnosed her with septicemia after she showed signs of a serious infection.
  • Immediate treatment is crucial for patients suffering from septicemia to prevent further complications.
  • He was hospitalized due to septicemia resulting from a recent surgery.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medical Understanding

  • Septicemia can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening response by the body to infections.
  • Early symptoms can include fever, chills, and rapid heartbeat, but can progress quickly to severe illness without treatment.
  • It’s often treated with antibiotics and may require hospitalization for serious cases.

Historical Significance

  • In the past, septicemia contributed to many deaths during surgeries, before the development of antiseptic techniques.
  • The discovery of penicillin in the early 20th century dramatically improved the treatment of infections, including septicemia.

Pop Culture

  • Sepcticemia has been referenced in films and books that involve medical emergencies, illustrating its seriousness.
  • Characters in dramatic narratives often face septicemia as a complicating factor when dealing with injuries or infections.

Preventive Measures

  • Good hygiene practices can help prevent infections that may lead to septicemia.
  • Vaccinations for certain diseases can reduce the risk of infections that might escalate to this condition.

Origin of 'septicemia'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'septicus,' meaning 'putrefying' or 'decaying,' combined with 'haima,' which means 'blood.'
  • It was first used in medical contexts in the late 19th century, as scientists began to understand blood infections.

The term 'septicemia' originates from the combination of the Greek word 'septikos,' meaning 'putrefactive' or 'infectious,' and the New Latin suffix '-emia,' which denotes a condition of the blood. It was first introduced into medical terminology in the late 19th century as a more specific term to describe the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in the blood. The understanding of septicemia has evolved over time, particularly with advancements in microbiology and infectious disease treatment. Initially seen predominantly as a consequence of untreated infections, septicemia is now recognized as a complex condition that requires prompt medical intervention to improve outcomes. Its classification has also expanded, leading to a clearer differentiation between septicemia, sepsis, and severe sepsis.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,992, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.