HYDRARGYRISM Meaning and
Definition
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Hydrargyrism is a medical term that refers to a condition or the effects of chronic mercury poisoning in the human body. It is characterized by a range of symptoms and manifestations resulting from prolonged exposure to mercury or its compounds.
Mercury is a toxic metallic element that can adversely affect various bodily systems when absorbed in excessive amounts. Exposure to mercury can occur through a variety of means, including inhalation, ingestion, or direct contact with the skin. Occupational exposure, such as in industries involving the use or processing of mercury, and consumption of contaminated fish are two common sources of mercury exposure.
The symptoms of hydrargyrism can vary depending on the level and duration of exposure. They may include gastrointestinal disturbances like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, neurological symptoms such as tremors, loss of coordination, and sensory impairments, as well as psychological and psychiatric disturbances like mood swings, depression, anxiety, and irritability. Additionally, disturbances in kidney function and renal damage may also occur in cases of severe mercury poisoning.
The diagnosis of hydrargyrism is typically based on the patient's history of exposure to mercury, symptoms, physical examination, and laboratory tests to measure mercury levels in the blood, urine, or hair. Treatment mainly focuses on removing the source of mercury exposure and addressing symptoms. This may involve supportive care, chelation therapy to remove mercury from the body, and management of specific symptoms or complications.
Prevention of hydrargyrism primarily involves limiting exposure to mercury, practicing good workplace safety measures in mercury-related occupations, and following guidelines for consuming fish known to have lower mercury levels.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYDRARGYRISM
- gydrargyrism
- bydrargyrism
- nydrargyrism
- jydrargyrism
- uydrargyrism
- yydrargyrism
- htdrargyrism
- hgdrargyrism
- hhdrargyrism
- hudrargyrism
- h7drargyrism
- h6drargyrism
- hysrargyrism
- hyxrargyrism
- hycrargyrism
- hyfrargyrism
- hyrrargyrism
- hyerargyrism
- hydeargyrism
Etymology of HYDRARGYRISM
The word "Hydrargyrism" is derived from the combination of two Greek terms - "hydrargyros" and "ismos".
The term "hydrargyros" (ὑδράργυρος) is composed of "hydor" (ὕδωρ) meaning "water" and "argyros" (ἄργυρος) meaning "silver". In Greek mythology and ancient alchemy, "hydrargyros" referred to the liquid metal mercury, which has a shiny, silver-like appearance and is known for its fluid nature.
The suffix "-ismos" (-ισμός) in Greek is used to indicate a condition, state, or quality.
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