Amyluria is a medical term that refers to the absence or reduced presence of amylase in urine. The phonetic transcription of the word is /æmɪˈljʊəriə/. The first syllable, 'amyl', is pronounced with the short 'a' sound as in 'cat', followed by a long 'i' sound as in 'my'. The second syllable, 'uria', is pronounced with a short 'u' sound as in 'put', and a long 'ee-uh' sound. Mastering the pronunciation and spelling of medical terms like amyluria is important for healthcare professionals to effectively communicate with one another.
Amyluria is a medical term referring to the presence of amylum (starch) in the urine. Derived from the Greek words "amylon" meaning starch and "ouron" meaning urine, amyluria describes an abnormal condition where starch granules are detected in the urine. This condition is relatively rare and can occur due to various underlying medical conditions.
In normal circumstances, urine is composed of waste products, electrolytes, and water. However, when amyluria is present, it suggests an abnormality in the renal system. This can arise from impaired kidney function, damage to the nephrons (the microscopic filtering units in the kidneys), or certain metabolic disorders.
Amyluria may be an indication of conditions such as renal amyloidosis, a disorder characterized by the buildup of amyloid protein in the kidneys, or as a result of urinary tract infections. It can also be associated with diseases like diabetes mellitus, where high blood sugar levels can overflow into the urine, resulting in the presence of amylum. If left untreated, amyluria can lead to further complications and may indicate an underlying pathology that warrants investigation and management.
Diagnosis of amyluria involves a thorough examination of the patient's medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. A urine analysis revealing the presence of starch granules can confirm the condition. Treatment options primarily aim to alleviate the underlying cause of amyluria, focusing on managing the specific disorder responsible for the abnormal presence of starch in the urine.
The presence of starch in the urine when voided.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "amyluria" is derived from the Greek root "amylo-", which means starch, and the suffix "-uria", which refers to the presence of a substance in the urine. "Amylo-" is derived from the Greek word "amylon", meaning starch. The combining form "-uria" is derived from the Greek word "ouron", meaning urine. Therefore, "amyluria" is a medical term used to describe the presence of starch in the urine.