iceberg disease

iceberg disease
 n.— «Experts commonly refer to it as an “iceberg” disease. Visible at the tip are individuals whose symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss and, in children, delayed growth. The rest of the iceberg consists of those with more subtle symptoms, such as bloating or excess gas. Although these may go unrecognized as signs of celiac disease, the damage continues.» —“Celiac disease: an elusive ‘iceberg’” by Leslie Beck Globe and Mail (Toronto, Canada) July 9, 2008. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)

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Further reading

Just the Tips of the Hippo’s Ears

In English, the tip of the iceberg refers metaphorically to a small visible part of something immense. In Afrikaans, there’s a phrase suggesting the same thing that translates as “the tips of the hippo’s ears.” This is part of a complete episode...

Diamond Dust (episode #1585)

Diamond dust, tapioca snow, and sugar icebergs — a 1955 glossary of arctic and subarctic terms describes the environment in ways that sound poetic. And a mom says her son is dating someone who’s non-binary. She supports their relationship, but...

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