PHTHISIS Meaning and
Definition
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Phthisis is a medical term referring to a chronic, progressive, and debilitating disease characterized by the progressive wasting away or atrophy of body tissues, particularly the lungs. Derived from the Greek word "phthisis," meaning "wasting away" or "consumption," it primarily affects the respiratory system and is now synonymous with tuberculosis, a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
This disease typically affects the lungs, causing a range of symptoms such as persistent coughing, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, and shortness of breath. Phthisis often manifests as the active form of tuberculosis, where the bacteria actively multiply and cause tissue damage. However, it can also refer to the advanced stage of the disease, characterized by severe tissue destruction and fibrosis, resulting in irreversible lung damage.
Historically, phthisis was a widely prevalent and fatal disease in the 19th and early 20th centuries, causing mass casualties before the advent of effective antibiotics. With advancements in medical science and the development of antibiotics like streptomycin, phthisis is now more curable and manageable with appropriate treatment. Nevertheless, due to the emergence of drug-resistant strains, global efforts to combat and control phthisis remain crucial.
In a broader sense, phthisis can also be used metaphorically to describe any condition or situation that causes a progressive and destructive wasting away or decline in health, vitality, or resources.
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1. A wasting or atrophy, local or general. 2. Specifically, tuberculosis of the lungs, consumption.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Pulmonary consumption, a disease produced by tubercles in the lungs.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PHTHISIS
- ohthisis
- lhthisis
- -hthisis
- 0hthisis
- pgthisis
- pbthisis
- pnthisis
- pjthisis
- puthisis
- pythisis
- phrhisis
- phfhisis
- phghisis
- phyhisis
- ph6hisis
- ph5hisis
- phtgisis
- phtbisis
- phtnisis
- phthusis
Etymology of PHTHISIS
The word "phthisis" has its roots in Greek. It comes from the Greek word "phthísis" (φθίσις), meaning "consumption" or "wasting away". In ancient Greek medical texts, "phthísis" was used to describe a specific lung disease that caused emaciation and wasting of the body. Over time, the term "phthisis" has been used more broadly to refer to various types of wasting diseases, particularly those affecting the lungs.
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