How Do You Spell OBSTRUCTIVE JAUNDICE?

1. Obstructive jaundice is a medical condition characterized by the yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes due to a blockage or obstruction in the bile duct system, which prevents the normal flow of bile from the liver to the intestines. Bile is a substance produced by the liver that aids in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine.

   The obstruction causing obstructive jaundice can occur at various levels of the bile ducts, such as the intrahepatic (within the liver), extrahepatic (outside of the liver), or both. It is often caused by gallstones, tumors, strictures, or inflammation in the bile ducts or the surrounding organs.

   As a result of the obstruction, bilirubin (a yellow pigment formed from the breakdown of red blood cells) accumulates in the bloodstream and is not properly excreted through the bile. This buildup of bilirubin causes the characteristic yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes associated with jaundice.

   In addition to yellowing of the skin, obstructive jaundice may also present with other symptoms including dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, weight loss, and fatigue. Depending on the underlying cause and the extent of the obstruction, complications such as infections, liver damage, or liver failure may arise.

   Prompt diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause of obstructive jaundice are crucial to prevent further complications and restore proper bile flow. Treatment may involve surgical intervention to remove the obstruction, endoscopic procedures to relieve the blockage, or other interventions tailored to the specific cause of the condition.

2. Hepatogenous j, resulting from interference with the flow of bile in the bile-ducts.

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

Common Misspellings for OBSTRUCTIVE JAUNDICE

The word "obstructive jaundice" has its origins in the etymology of the individual terms:

1. Obstructive: The term "obstructive" comes from the Latin word "obstruere", which means "to block" or "to obstruct". It refers to something that is causing an obstruction or blockage.

2. Jaundice: The word "jaundice" has its roots in the Old French word "jaunisse", which comes from the Latin word "galbinus" and the Greek word "ikanos". It originally referred to a yellowish coloration of the skin, eyes, and body fluids due to an excess of bilirubin, a yellowish pigment formed by the breakdown of hemoglobin.