Toxemia Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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toxemia
[tɒkˈsiːmiə ]
Definition
medical condition
Toxemia refers to a condition characterized by the presence of toxic substances in the blood. It can occur during pregnancy, often associated with conditions like preeclampsia or eclampsia, where high blood pressure and excess protein in urine indicate a serious health risk. It may also be associated with other illnesses where toxins enter the bloodstream, leading to systemic effects.
Synonyms
blood poisoning, toxic shock, toxicity.
Examples of usage
- She was diagnosed with toxemia during her pregnancy.
- Toxemia can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly.
- Doctors monitor for signs of toxemia in high-risk patients.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Medical Significance
- Toxemia, particularly in pregnancy, can lead to conditions like preeclampsia, affecting both the mother and the baby.
- Monitoring for signs of toxemia is crucial during pregnancy to prevent severe complications.
- Historically, toxemia was poorly understood until advancements in maternal-fetal medicine shed light on its dangers.
Historical Context
- The concept of toxins affecting the blood dates back to early medical theories that linked poisons to illness in the Middle Ages.
- Research in the 19th century led to a better understanding of how the body processes toxins and their effects on health.
Pop Culture
- On medical dramas, toxemia is often referenced in high-stakes situations involving pregnant characters to showcase dramatic health crises.
- Documentaries about maternal health often discuss toxemia to highlight its impact on pregnancy and its representation in modern medicine.
Public Health Awareness
- Increasing awareness about symptoms of toxemia has helped in maternal health programs across the world.
- Educational campaigns often focus on toxemia to enlighten expecting parents about the importance of prenatal check-ups.
Origin of 'toxemia'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines 'toxi,' meaning poison, and 'emia,' meaning in the blood, coming from Greek roots.
- Etymology reveals that the components of the word come from distinct historical backgrounds, illustrating the evolution of medical language.
The term 'toxemia' is derived from the combination of two roots: 'toxin', meaning a poisonous substance produced by living cells or organisms, and 'emia', which refers to the presence of a substance in the blood. The word began to be used in the medical field in the late 19th century as knowledge about toxic substances in the body increased, particularly in relation to infectious diseases and pregnancy-related conditions. The evolution of the term reflects a growing understanding of how toxins can adversely affect human health, particularly during pregnancy, leading to complications such as preeclampsia and eclampsia. Over time, the understanding of toxemia has expanded, and the term now encompasses various medical situations where toxic agents are present in the bloodstream.