Epidemic dropsy

Epidemic dropsy is a clinical syndrome that occurs in epidemic form, characterized by bilateral pitting edema, glaucoma, and ascites. It is caused by the consumption of adulterated mustard oil contaminated with argemone oil.

Pronunciation

Epidemic dropsy is pronounced as /ɪˈpɪdɪmɪk ˈdrɒpsi/.

Etymology

The term "epidemic" is derived from the Greek words "epi" meaning "upon" and "demos" meaning "people". "Dropsy" comes from the old English "dropesie" which was derived from the Greek word "hydrops" and the Latin "hydropisis", both meaning "water retention".

Symptoms

The symptoms of epidemic dropsy include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. In severe cases, it can lead to cardiac failure and death.

Causes

Epidemic dropsy is caused by the consumption of mustard oil adulterated with argemone oil. Argemone oil contains toxic alkaloids such as sanguinarine and dihydrosanguinarine which cause the disease.

Treatment

Treatment of epidemic dropsy involves supportive care, diuretics to reduce edema, and management of complications such as glaucoma and cardiac failure.

Prevention

Prevention of epidemic dropsy involves ensuring the purity of mustard oil and other edible oils. This can be achieved through stringent food safety regulations and public awareness campaigns.

Related Terms

• Edema
• Glaucoma
• Ascites
• Anorexia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Cardiac failure
• Death

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Epidemic dropsy
• Wikipedia's article - Epidemic dropsy

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