Choluria is a medical term used to describe the presence of bile in urine which can indicate liver and gallbladder diseases. The correct spelling of choluria is pronounced as /kəʊl(j)ʊərɪə/ with the stress on the second syllable. The letter 'ch' in choluria is pronounced as /k/, unlike in 'chorus' where it is pronounced as /kɔːrʌs/. The letter 'o' is pronounced as /oʊ/ and 'u' as /jʊ/ while 'r' is pronounced with a hint of a vowel sound /rɪə/ being a secondary stress.
Choluria is a medical term that refers to the presence of bile in the urine, giving it a characteristic dark yellow to brown color. This condition is often associated with liver or biliary tract disorders, which impair the normal excretion of bile pigments into the digestive system. Bile is a greenish-yellow fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder until it is released into the small intestine to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats. Bile pigments, such as bilirubin, give the urine its distinctive color when they are not properly reabsorbed and eliminated by the body.
Choluria can be a symptom of various conditions, including liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver tumors. It may also occur in cases of biliary tract obstruction, such as gallstones or tumors. In addition, certain medications or substances can cause choluria as a side effect. Other accompanying symptoms may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, pale stools, and general malaise.
To diagnose choluria, doctors may perform urine tests to detect the presence of bilirubin, along with blood tests to assess liver function and identify potential underlying causes. Treatment depends on addressing the underlying condition causing the choluria. This may involve medications to treat liver or biliary tract diseases, surgical interventions to remove obstructions, or other targeted therapies. Regular monitoring and follow-up with healthcare professionals are necessary to manage the condition effectively.
The presence of bile salts in the urine.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "choluria" is derived from two Latin roots: "chol-" and "-uria".
The first part, "chol-", comes from the Greek word "kholē", which means "bile". In ancient medical texts, bile was understood to be one of the four bodily humors, along with blood, phlegm, and black bile. It was believed to be produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, playing an important role in digestion.
The second part, "-uria", is a suffix commonly used in medical terminology to indicate the presence of a substance or component in the urine. It comes from the Greek word "ouron", meaning "urine".
Therefore, "choluria" is a compound word that combines the Greek and Latin roots, referring to the presence of bile in the urine.