prophylaxis

(prō'fĭlăk`sĭs), measures designed to prevent the occurrence of disease or its dissemination. Some examples of prophylaxis are immunization against serious diseases such as smallpox or diphtheria; quarantinequarantine
, isolation of persons, animals, places, and effects that carry or are suspected of harboring communicable disease. The term originally referred to the 40 days of offshore wait during which incoming vessels could not discharge passengers or cargo in the era when
..... Click the link for more information. to confine communicable disease; public health measures to ensure the safety of food, milk, and water; the care of teeth to offset decay; and restrictions put on persons with such disorders as diabetes or heart disease to prevent the aggravation of these conditions.

Prophylaxis

in medicine, measures taken to foster health and prevent and eliminate the causes of disease in man. Individual prophylaxis involves observance of the rules of personal hygiene in everyday life and at work, while collective prophylaxis includes the system of health measures employed to protect the community. The concept of prophylaxis and the means of implementing it have changed in the course of history with changing social conditions, systems of government, and levels of scientific development.

Prophylaxis has its roots in antiquity, when prevention of disease based on observance of the rules of personal hygiene and a sound diet occupied an important place in medicine. However, a scientific foundation was not laid until the 19th century. The study of the environment’s role in the origin of disease, advances in epidemiology, hygiene, and physiology, and the wide dissemination of progressive socially oriented ideas in clinical medicine helped establish scientific prophylaxis. Progressive physicians and medical researchers in Russia and abroad believed that the future of medicine lay in the development of collective prophylaxis and in the unity of therapeutics and preventive medicine.

The modern concept of prophylaxis embraces a system of comprehensive state, social, and medical measures aimed at eliminating factors injurious to human health and ensuring full development of man’s physical and moral potential. Thus, in a broad sense prophylaxis denotes measures that create optimum conditions with respect to work, rest, housing, and physical culture, in order to foster health and increase longevity and work capacity. In medicine, prophylaxis denotes measures taken to prevent disease (for example, immunization), protect health, and prolong life.

The implementation of collective prophylaxis necessitates legislation, continuous and substantial expenditure, and the combined efforts of all branches of government, medical establishments, industry, construction, and agriculture. The socioeconomic conditions of capitalism restrict preventive measures to those considered necessary by the ruling class for safeguarding the health of hired workers; prophylaxis usually denotes only the measures taken to control certain, chiefly infectious, diseases. Despite the broadening of the concept of prophylaxis, therapeutics is still separated from preventive medicine in many capitalist countries.

Marxist works link revolutionary demands for improving working and living conditions to the political tasks of the working class. Issues relating to collective prophylaxis, including shorter working days, social insurance, health legislation, and improvement of working conditions, occupy an important place in the program documents of the communist and workers’ parties.

The program adopted by the Eighth Congress of the RCP(B) (1919) established the prophylactic aims of the Soviet public health system, which relies on state socioeconomic measures and on the work of public-health agencies and establishments. In the socialist countries, collective prophylaxis is the responsibility of the socialist society as a whole. Governmental measures taken to raise the material and cultural level of the population, shorten the working day, and improve working and living conditions are of great value. In the USSR, provisions for prophylaxis are made in the constitution of the USSR (arts. 118–122), in the Code of Labor Laws, and in sanitary legislation. The Basic Principles of the Legislation on Public Health of the USSR and the Union Republics (1969) consolidated those principles of organizing the USSR public-health system that are of importance for prophylaxis: “The health of the people of the USSR is protected by a system of socioeconomic, medical, and sanitary measures that is implemented by (1) broad health and prophylactic standards, with special concern for the health of the young; (2) the creation of proper hygienic conditions at work and at home, as well as elimination of the causes of industrial injuries, occupational diseases, and other factors injurious to health; (3) improvement of the environment and prevention of water, soil, and air pollution; (4) systematic expansion of the network of public-health facilities and enterprises of the medical industry; (5) free provision of all types of medical care, improvement in the quality and level of medical care, gradual broadening of the system of physical examinations in dispensaries, and development of specialized medical care; (6) free provision of therapeutic and diagnostic aids in the hospital, with a gradual increase in the provision of such aids free or at nominal cost for other types of medical care; (7) expansion of the network of sanatoriums, preventoria, houses of rest, resort hotels, tourist homes, and other facilities for the treatment and rest of workers; (8) physical and hygienic training of citizens and the development of mass programs for physical culture and sports; (9) development of sound principles of nutrition; and (10) the extensive involvement of social organizations and workers’ groups in health protection.”

Of paramount importance in the prophylactic sector of the Soviet public-health system is the work of the sanitary-epidemi-ological service, which carries out current and preventive state inspection of sanitary conditions and helps protect the environment, improve working and living conditions, and carry out immunization programs and other measures aimed at preventing epidemics. The synthesis of prophylaxis and therapeutics in medical establishments is reflected in the dispensary program, a basic feature of Soviet medicine. Particularly important is the dispensary program for children, adolescents, pregnant women, and industrial workers, especially those subjected to occupational hazards. Measures taken to care for the health of mothers, children, and adolescents are causing a sharp reduction in mortality among mothers and children and are helping prevent postpartum diseases and rear a healthy new generation. Women’s and children’s consultation clinics, maternity hospitals, kindergartens, and day-care centers engage in extensive prophylactic work.

In the USSR, the widespread system of preventive checkups of workers, adolescents, and other groups and the related preventive and corrective measures taken on behalf of individual workers and entire groups are other important areas of prophylaxis. Public-health education is still another aspect of the prophylactic work of Soviet physicians and paramedical personnel.

REFERENCES

Semashko, N. A. Izbr. proizv., 2nd ed. Moscow, 1967.
Solov’ev, Z. P. Voprosy sotsial’noi gigieny i zdravookhraneniia: Izbr. proizv. Moscow, 1970.
Rukovodslvo po sotsial’noi gigiene i organizatsii zdravookhraneniia, 3rd ed., vols 1–2. Edited by N. A. Vinogradov. Moscow, 1974.

P. N. BURGASOV

Prophylaxis in veterinary medicine is aimed at preventing the development and spread of infectious, parasitic, and noncontagious diseases among domestic animals, fishes, bees, and fur-bearing animals; protecting people against diseases common to man and animals; decreasing losses in livestock raising; increasing the productivity of animals, fishes, and bees; raising the level of veterinary medicine on livestock farms; breeding healthy young animals; and establishing highly productive, healthy herds of cattle. The Soviet system of prophylaxis in veterinary medicine, based on the Veterinary Legislation and Veterinary Code of the USSR, takes into account the social and economic interests of a socialist society. The Veterinary Service of the USSR is responsible for the veterinary and sanitary protection of state borders, the systematic supervision, inspection, and examination of livestock farms, and the examination of foodstuffs and industrial raw materials of animal origin. The service also carries out general and specific corrective and an-tiepizootic measures, as well as continuous therapeutic, prophylactic, and educational work.

Prophylactic measures carried out in veterinary medicine may be general or specific. The former include periodic examinations and dispensary programs designed to isolate and treat diseased animals and eliminate any disease that has appeared. Other general measures include regular cleaning and disinfection of animal quarters and the implements and land of livestock farms, the quarantining of animals newly arrived in the USSR or at a livestock farm, the destruction and utilization of carcasses, the disinfection of manure, deratization, and disin-festation. Specific measures include diagnostic laboratory examinations, inoculations, worming, seroprophylaxis, the use of drugs and antibiotics, and proclamation of quarantines. Of great importance, owing to the intensification of livestock raising and the establishment of large industrial-type farms, are methods of developing breeds and lines of disease-resistant animals, methods of increasing resistance and immunobiological reactivity, and the development of plans and methods for disease prevention. The extensive use of pesticides in the economy has resulted in cases of poisoning among farm animals, fishes, and bees. This problem is solved by not feeding farm animals fodder treated with toxic substances.

REFERENCE

Veterinarnoe zakonodatel’stvo, vols. 1–2. Edited by A. D. Tret’iakov. Moscow, 1972.P. I. PRITULIN

prophylaxis

[‚prō·fə′lak·səs] (medicine) The prevention of disease.

prophylaxis

Prophylaxis

Definition

A prophylaxis is a measure taken to maintain health and prevent the spread of disease. Antibiotic prophylaxis is the focus of this article and refers to the use of antibiotics to prevent infections.

Purpose

Antibiotics are well known for their ability to treat infections. But some antibiotics also are prescribed to prevent infections. This usually is done only in certain situations or for people with particular medical problems. For example, people with abnormal heart valves have a high risk of developing heart valve infections after even minor surgery. This happens because bacteria from other parts of the body get into the bloodstream during surgery and travel to the heart valves. To prevent these infections, people with heart valve problems often take antibiotics before having any kind of surgery, including dental surgery.Antibiotics also may be prescribed to prevent infections in people with weakened immune systems, such as people with AIDS or people who are having chemotherapy treatments for cancer. But even healthy people with strong immune systems may occasionally be given preventive antibiotics-if they are having certain kinds of surgery that carry a high risk of infection, or if they are traveling to parts of the world where they are likely to get an infection that causes diarrhea, for example.In all of these situations, a physician should be the one to decide whether antibiotics are necessary. Unless a physician says to do so, it is not a good idea to take antibiotics to prevent ordinary infections.Because the overuse of antibiotics can lead to resistance, drugs taken to prevent infection should be used only for a short time.

Description

Among the drugs used for antibiotic prophylaxis are amoxicillin (a type of penicillin) and fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and trovafloxacin (Trovan). These drugs are available only with a physician's prescription and come in tablet, capsule, liquid, and injectable forms.

Recommended dosage

The recommended dosage depends on the type of antibiotic prescribed and the reason it is being used. For the correct dosage, check with the physician or dentist who prescribed the medicine or the pharmacist who filled the prescription. Be sure to take the medicine exactly as prescribed. Do not take more or less than directed, and take the medicine only for as long as the physician or dentist says to take it.

Precautions

If the medicine causes nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, check with the physician or dentist who prescribed it as soon as possible. Patients who are taking antibiotics before surgery should not wait until the day of the surgery to report problems with the medicine. The physician or dentist needs to know right away if problems occur.For other specific precautions, see the entry on the type of drug prescribed such as penicillins or fluoroquinolones.

Side effects

Antibiotics may cause a number of side effects. For details, see entries on specific types of antibiotics. Anyone who has unusual or disturbing symptoms after taking antibiotics should get in touch with his or her physician.

Interactions

Whether used to treat or to prevent infection, antibiotics may interact with other medicines. When this happens, the effects of one or both of the drugs may change or the risk of side effects may be greater. Anyone who takes antibiotics for any reason should inform the physician about all the other medicines he or she is taking and should ask whether any possible interactions may interfere with drugs' effects. For details of drug interactions, see entries on specific types of antibiotics.

Key terms

AIDS — Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. A disease caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In people with this disease, the immune system breaks down, opening the door to other infections and some types of cancer.Antibiotic — A medicine used to treat infections.Chemotherapy — Treatment of an illness with chemical agents. The term is usually used to describe the treatment of cancer with drugs.Immune system — The body's natural defenses against disease and infection.

prophylaxis

[pro″fĭ-lak´sis] disease prevention" >prevention; called also preventive treatment.dental prophylaxis oral prophylaxis.oral prophylaxis cleaning of the teeth by a dentist or dental hygienist, including removal of plaque, materia alba, calculus, and extrinsic stains; done as a preventive measure for control of gingivitis. Called also dental prophylaxis.

pro·phy·lax·is

, pl.

pro·phy·lax·es

(prō'fi-lak'sis, -sēz), Prevention of disease or of a process that can lead to disease. [Mod. L. fr. G. pro-phylassō, to guard before, take precaution]

prophylaxis

(prō′fə-lăk′sĭs, prŏf′ə-)n. pl. prophy·laxes (-lăk′sēz′) Prevention of or protective treatment for disease.

prophylaxis

Medtalk A medical maneuver intended to prevent disease. See Chemoprophylaxis, HIV prophylaxis, Malaria prophylaxis.

pro·phy·lax·is

, pl. prophylaxes (prō'fi-lak'sis, -sēz) 1. Prevention of disease or of a process that can lead to disease. 2. In dentistry, extrinsic stain removal and sealing procedures done to maintain or improve oral health. [Mod. L. fr. G. pro-phylassō, to guard before, take precaution]

pro·phy·lax·is

, pl. prophylaxes (prō'fi-lak'sis, -sēz) Removal of dental plaque, extrinsic stains, and coronal polish. [Mod. L. fr. G. pro-phylassō, to guard before, take precaution]

Patient discussion about prophylaxis

Q. Is there something I could do in order to prevent headaches? I have headaches often and somebody told me that there're steps to be taken in order to prevent headaches so often... Please help...A. I just read your question on headaches. I have them occasionally as well. I don't like to take over the counter medication for headaches, so I rely on herbal supplemnts. You are ayoung man so I'm assuming you are very healthy. This herbal supplement shouldn't hurt you. It's very safe. I take at least 2 Valerian root capsules before going to bed. It relaxes your body abd it helps to eliminate headeaches.It also lowers the blood pressure which can sometimes cause headaches. Be sure you rule out any oraganic problems which can also cause headaches. You can find Valerian root at any health food/ organic markets.Also look at your diet MSG in food gives me headaches as well. I can always tell if it's present in foods right after I eat something processed. I stick with whole foods and I do yoga which helps as well. Let me know how if this works.
Mysticwoman.

Q. How to prevent diverticulitis? I am a 43 year old man. I just had colonoscopy and my Doctor said I have diverticulosis and am at risk in developing diverticulitis. How can I prevent developing diverticulitis?A. You have Diverticulosis, which means you have diverticulas (small pouches) on your digestive system. These diverticula are permanent and will not go away. No treatment has been found to prevent complications of diverticular disease. Diet high in fiber increases stool bulk and prevents constipation, and theoretically may help prevent further diverticular formation or worsening of the diverticular condition. Some doctors recommend avoiding nuts, corn, and seeds which can plug diverticular openings and cause diverticulitis. Whether avoidance of such foods is beneficial is unclear. If you develop unexplained fever, chills or abdominal pain, you should notify your doctor immediately since it could be a complication of diverticulitis.

Q. How to prevent Hemorrhoids? My brother is suffering from Hemorrhoids. I am very worried about getting them to and want to know how can I prevent them?A. it's time to change to a healthier diet..one with fibers and vegetables.avoid causes like: Increased straining during bowel movements,portal hypertension, Obesity and Excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine.

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REFERENCES

REFERENCE

prophylaxis

prophylaxis

Prophylaxis

Definition

Purpose

Description

Recommended dosage

Precautions

Side effects

Interactions

Key terms

prophylaxis

pro·phy·lax·is

pro·phy·lax·es

prophylaxis

prophylaxis

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pro·phy·lax·is

Patient discussion about prophylaxis

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noun the prevention of disease

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