Silver
Silver (Medicine)
Silver (/ˈsɪlvər/; from the Old English siolfor, and ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₂elgʰ-, meaning 'shiny' or 'white') is a chemical element with the symbol Ag (from the Latin argentum, derived from the Proto-Indo-European h₂erǵ: 'shiny' or 'white') and atomic number 47. In the context of medicine, silver has been used for its antimicrobial properties.
Medical Uses
Silver has been used in medicine for centuries, primarily due to its antimicrobial properties. It is used in a variety of medical applications, including wound dressings, medical devices, and antibiotic coatings.
Silver in Wound Dressings
Silver is often used in wound dressings to prevent infection. The silver ions in the dressing are toxic to bacteria and other microorganisms, helping to prevent infection and promote healing.
Silver in Medical Devices
Many medical devices, such as catheters and endotracheal tubes, are coated with silver to prevent bacterial colonization and subsequent infection.
Silver as an Antibiotic
Silver is also used as an antibiotic coating on medical devices. The silver ions interfere with the bacteria's ability to form a biofilm, a protective layer that can shield the bacteria from antibiotics.
Safety and Toxicity
While silver has many beneficial uses in medicine, it is not without potential risks. Prolonged exposure to silver can lead to a condition known as Argyria, a permanent blue-gray discoloration of the skin and other body tissues.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Silver
- Wikipedia's article - Silver
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