The term "contracted kidney" refers to a medical condition where the kidneys become smaller and firmer as a result of various medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or kidney disease. This term is spelled phonetically as kənˈtræktɪd ˈkɪdni. The "k" sound is followed by the schwa sound "ə" and then the "n" sound, followed by the "t" sound. The stress is on the second syllable, giving it the rhythm ku̇n-TRACT-ed KID-nee. The IPA phonetic transcription system helps break down and explain spelling in a clear and concise manner.
Contracted kidney, also referred to as renal atrophy or kidney shrinkage, is a medical condition characterized by a decrease in the size and volume of the kidneys. It is a result of progressive and irreversible damage to the kidney tissues, leading to the loss of normal functioning units known as nephrons.
The condition typically occurs due to various underlying health conditions, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), hypertension, glomerulonephritis, or polycystic kidney disease. These conditions result in the destruction of nephrons, which are responsible for filtering the blood and removing waste products. As nephrons are lost, the remaining ones become overworked and attempt to compensate for the loss, resulting in the contraction and shrinking of the kidneys.
The main symptoms associated with contracted kidney include decreased urine output, persistent fatigue, elevated blood pressure, swelling in the legs, ankles, or face, and changes in urine color and consistency. Additionally, individuals may experience symptoms related to the underlying cause of the kidney contraction.
Treatment for contracted kidney generally focuses on managing the underlying condition causing the kidney shrinkage, as the damage to the kidneys is often irreversible. Medications to control blood pressure and manage symptoms may be prescribed, as well as lifestyle changes to prevent further damage, such as adopting a balanced diet, decreasing salt intake, stopping smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight. In severe cases of kidney failure, dialysis or kidney transplantation may be required to replace the lost kidney function.
Granular k., small white k.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "contracted kidney" refers to a medical condition known as "chronic nephritis" or "chronic glomerulonephritis". The etymology of this term can be broken down as follows:
1. Contracted: In medical terminology, the word "contracted" means reduced in size, diminished, or shrunken. It is derived from the Latin word "contractus" (past participle of "contrahere") which means to draw together or to bring close.
2. Kidney: The word "kidney" originates from the Old English word "cȳne" which means the inner organs, specifically the kidneys, liver, and uterus. This word is further derived from the Old English "cū" meaning cow, as it was believed that the kidneys of cows were similar to human kidneys.