Chylorrhea is a medical term that refers to the leakage of lymphatic fluid into the abdominal cavity. It is spelled "kai-lo-REE-uh" (IPA: /kaɪlə riə/), with the "ch" being pronounced as a hard "k" sound. The "y" is pronounced as an "i" sound, and the double "rr" is pronounced as a rolled "r" sound. The final "ea" is pronounced as a short "e" sound followed by a schwa sound. This condition can be caused by various medical conditions and requires prompt medical attention.
Chylorrhea is a medical term referring to the abnormal presence and leakage of chyle in the body. Chyle is a milky-white lymphatic fluid that is formed in the small intestine during the digestion of fats. It consists of lymphocytes, fat globules (triglycerides), proteins, and other substances absorbed from the intestines.
Chylorrhea typically occurs as a result of damage or disruption to the lymphatic system, which is responsible for the transport of lymph and chyle throughout the body. This damage can be caused by various factors, including trauma, surgery, infection, malignancies, or abnormalities of the lymph vessels. When the normal flow of chyle is obstructed or interrupted, it may accumulate and leak into surrounding tissues or body cavities.
The presence of chyle outside of the lymphatic system can lead to a range of symptoms, including a milky appearance of bodily fluids (such as urine or vomit), swelling (edema) in the affected area, loss of essential nutrients, and compromised immune function. If left untreated, chylorrhea can result in malnutrition, dehydration, or further complications.
Diagnosis of chylorrhea typically involves a combination of medical history assessment, physical examination, imaging tests (such as ultrasound or lymphangiography), and laboratory analysis of fluid samples. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause and severity of the condition but may include dietary modifications, medications, surgical interventions, or other interventions to repair or bypass the damaged lymphatic system.
In summary, chylorrhea refers to the abnormal leakage of chyle due to lymphatic system dysfunction and can lead to various complications if left untreated.
The word "chylorrhea" is derived from Greek roots. It consists of two parts: "chyle" and "rhea".
1. "Chyle" comes from the Greek word "khulos" (χυλός), which means "juice" or "humor". In medical terminology, "chyle" refers to a milky fluid that is formed in the small intestine during the digestion of fats.
2. "Rhea" comes from the Greek word "rhēsis" (ῥῆσις), which means "flow" or "discharge". It is commonly used as a suffix in medical terms to denote a discharge or abnormal flow.
Therefore, "chylorrhea" combines "chyle" and "rhea" to describe the abnormal flow or discharge of chyle.