How Do You Spell PHYSIOLOGICAL JAUNDICE?

1. Physiological jaundice is a medical condition commonly seen in newborn infants, characterized by a yellowing of the skin and eyes, resulting from an excess of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down. In newborns, high levels of bilirubin can accumulate due to the immaturity of their liver, which is not yet fully efficient in processing and excreting it.

   The term "physiological" in physiological jaundice refers to the fact that this condition is a normal, temporary occurrence in newborns. It usually appears within the first few days of life, peaks around the second or third week, and gradually subsides by the end of the first month without causing any harm. This type of jaundice is typically harmless and does not require treatment.

   One of the primary causes of physiological jaundice is an increased rate of red blood cell breakdown in the newborn's body. Additionally, the liver's ability to process bilirubin may be limited, leading to its accumulation in the bloodstream. This condition is often a result of various factors, including infant's immature liver function, the presence of substances in breast milk that can affect bilirubin metabolism, or a relatively higher amount of red blood cells in newborns.

   While physiological jaundice does not usually require specific treatment, it is essential to monitor the baby's bilirubin levels closely. In severe cases, treatment may involve phototherapy, a process in which the infant is exposed to specific wavelengths of light that help break down bilirubin. This aids in its elimination from the body.

2. The mild form of icterus neonatorum, due to stagnation of bile in the ducts or possibly to a rapid destruction of red blood-corpuscles during the first few days after birth.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PHYSIOLOGICAL JAUNDICE

The word "physiological jaundice" originates from two main roots: "physiological" and "jaundice".

The term "physiological" comes from the Greek word "phusiologikos", which means "of or pertaining to nature or natural functions". It is derived from the Greek words "phusis" meaning "nature" and "logos" meaning "study" or "knowledge".

The word "jaundice" is derived from the Old French word "jaunisse" and the Latin word "galbinus". In ancient times, the condition was often described as "icterus", which comes from the Greek word "ikteros" or "ikterus", meaning "jaundice". This Greek word is believed to be derived from "iktos", meaning "lizard", as the yellowish appearance of the skin was said to resemble the color of a lizard.