SERUM SICKNESS Meaning and
Definition
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Serum sickness is a hypersensitivity reaction that occurs when the immune system recognizes a foreign substance, referred to as an antigen, usually a medication or a foreign protein such as from an insect sting, as harmful. It typically develops within one to two weeks following exposure to the antigen and is more commonly observed in individuals who have been previously sensitized to the foreign substance.
This condition manifests as a collection of symptoms that vary in severity, including fever, rash, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and occasionally gastrointestinal disturbances. The symptoms are the result of the immune system's response to the antigen, which triggers the release of immune cells and chemicals that initiate inflammation within the body.
The diagnosis of serum sickness is often based on the clinical presentation in conjunction with a thorough medical history and exclusion of other similar conditions. It is crucial to identify the causative agent to ensure proper treatment and prevent further exposure.
Treatment for serum sickness commonly involves discontinuing exposure to the antigen and administration of medications to alleviate the symptoms. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antihistamines, and corticosteroids are frequently prescribed to reduce inflammation and provide relief.
Although serum sickness is typically self-limiting and resolves on its own within a few weeks, severe cases may require more aggressive management. Proper identification and avoidance of the triggering antigen are essential in preventing future occurrences of this hypersensitivity reaction.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SERUM SICKNESS
- aerum sickness
- zerum sickness
- xerum sickness
- derum sickness
- eerum sickness
- swrum sickness
- ssrum sickness
- sdrum sickness
- srrum sickness
- s4rum sickness
- s3rum sickness
- seeum sickness
- sedum sickness
- sefum sickness
- setum sickness
- se5um sickness
- se4um sickness
- serym sickness
- serhm sickness
Etymology of SERUM SICKNESS
The word "serum sickness" is derived from the combination of two words: "serum" and "sickness".
1. Serum: The term "serum" refers to the clear, yellowish fluid portion of blood that remains after the red and white blood cells, as well as the clotting factors, have been removed. The word "serum" comes from the Latin word "serum" meaning "whey" or "liquid whey". In medical context, serum is often used to describe a component prepared from blood that contains antibodies or other substances for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
2. Sickness: The word "sickness" is a noun meaning the state of being ill or unwell, characterized by various symptoms and signs of disease.
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