GAS EMBOLISM Meaning and
Definition
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Gas embolism is a medical condition characterized by the presence of gas bubbles in the bloodstream or within tissues and organs. It occurs when gases, such as air or nitrogen, enter the circulatory system or body cavities and disrupt normal blood flow or cause tissue damage.
This condition typically arises from traumatic injuries, surgical procedures, medical interventions, or decompression sickness (commonly known as "the bends"). When gas bubbles enter the bloodstream, they can obstruct blood vessels, leading to ischemia (reduced blood flow) and tissue damage in affected areas. The severity of gas embolism can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions, depending on the site and extent of the gas bubble infiltration.
Symptoms of gas embolism vary depending on the location and size of the gas bubbles. Common manifestations may include chest pain, breathing difficulties, confusion, dizziness, seizures, paralysis, and in severe cases, heart and lung failure. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent further complications and potential fatality.
Treatment for gas embolism involves the immediate administration of 100% oxygen to dissolve the gas bubbles and to increase oxygenation. In severe cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is utilized, where patients are exposed to higher atmospheric pressures to enhance gas dissolution and improve tissue oxygenation. Additionally, supportive care, such as fluids and medications, may be provided to stabilize blood pressure and support vital functions.
Overall, gas embolism is a serious medical condition caused by the entry of gas bubbles into the bloodstream, leading to potentially life-threatening consequences.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GAS EMBOLISM
- fas embolism
- vas embolism
- bas embolism
- has embolism
- yas embolism
- tas embolism
- gzs embolism
- gss embolism
- gws embolism
- gqs embolism
- gaa embolism
- gaz embolism
- gax embolism
- gad embolism
- gae embolism
- gaw embolism
- gas wmbolism
- gas smbolism
- gas dmbolism
Etymology of GAS EMBOLISM
The word "gas embolism" combines two terms: "gas" and "embolism".
- "Gas" comes from the Greek word "khaos", which means "empty space" or "void". It was later adopted into Latin as "chaos" and eventually evolved into "gas" in English, referring to a substance in a state where its particles move freely and are not confined.
- "Embolism" derives from the Greek word "embolismos", meaning "insertion" or "intercalation". It was formed by combining the prefix "em-" (meaning "in") and "ballein" (meaning "to throw" or "to insert"). In medical terminology, "embolism" refers to the obstruction of a blood vessel by a foreign substance, such as a blood clot or an air bubble.
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