PUERPERAL FEVER Meaning and
Definition
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Puerperal fever, also known as postpartum sepsis or childbed fever, refers to a bacterial infection that affects women after childbirth or during the postpartum period. It is characterized by fever and various other symptoms related to infection. The condition usually arises as a result of bacteria entering the female reproductive tract during delivery or through medical interventions like cesarean section, episiotomy, or use of instruments during childbirth.
The condition is primarily caused by group A streptococcus (streptococcus pyogenes) bacteria, but can also be caused by other types of bacteria such as Escherichia coli or staphylococcus aureus, among others. Symptoms typically appear within a few days after delivery and can include high fever, rapid heart rate, chills, abdominal pain, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and general weakness. If left untreated, puerperal fever can lead to severe complications such as septic shock, organ failure, or even death.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing puerperal fever. Treatment usually involves administering antibiotics to eradicate the bacterial infection and providing supportive care to alleviate symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalization might be necessary for close monitoring and intravenous administration of antibiotics. Preventive measures, including strict hygiene practices, proper antibiotic prophylaxis during childbirth, and early recognition of any signs of infection, can significantly minimize the risk of puerperal fever.
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Septicemia occurring after childbirth.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PUERPERAL FEVER
- ouerperal fever
- luerperal fever
- -uerperal fever
- 0uerperal fever
- pyerperal fever
- pherperal fever
- pjerperal fever
- pierperal fever
- p8erperal fever
- p7erperal fever
- puwrperal fever
- pusrperal fever
- pudrperal fever
- purrperal fever
- pu4rperal fever
- pu3rperal fever
- pueeperal fever
- puedperal fever
- puefperal fever
Etymology of PUERPERAL FEVER
The term "puerperal fever" is a medical term used to describe an infection that occurs after childbirth. The word "puerperal" is derived from Latin roots: "puer" meaning "child" or "youth", and "per" meaning "through" or "by means of". Thus, "puerperal" refers to the period immediately after childbirth. The term "fever" simply describes the elevated body temperature commonly associated with this infection.
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