GASTRIC TETANY Meaning and
Definition
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Gastric tetany is a medical condition characterized by episodes of involuntary muscle contractions in the stomach, specifically the muscles of the gastric wall. These contractions, also known as spasms or cramps, can cause significant pain, discomfort, and other symptoms.
The condition typically arises due to an imbalance of electrolytes, particularly low blood levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium. Electrolytes are minerals that play a crucial role in regulating muscle activity, including the contraction and relaxation of muscle fibers in the stomach. When these minerals are depleted, it can lead to abnormal muscle contractions, including those experienced in gastric tetany.
Symptoms of gastric tetany may include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and a feeling of fullness or heaviness in the upper abdomen. In severe cases, individuals may also experience muscle spasms in other parts of the body. Gastric tetany can be triggered by various factors, such as poor diet, malabsorption disorders, hormonal imbalances, certain medications, or underlying medical conditions affecting the parathyroid glands or kidneys.
Treatment approaches for gastric tetany typically involve addressing the underlying cause of electrolyte imbalance, such as identifying and correcting nutritional deficiencies or adjusting medication regimens. In some cases, intravenous electrolyte supplementation may be necessary to restore balance quickly. Additionally, dietary changes and supplementation may be recommended to ensure adequate intake of essential minerals. Consulting with a healthcare professional is advised for proper diagnosis and management of gastric tetany.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GASTRIC TETANY
- gastric tetaly
- gastric tetaoy
- gastric tetan9
- gastric tetani
- gastric tetanq
- gastric tetanx
- g astric tetany
- ga stric tetany
- gas tric tetany
- gast ric tetany
- gastr ic tetany
- gastri c tetany
- gastric t etany
- gastric te tany
- gastric tet any
- gastric teta ny
- gastric tetan y
Etymology of GASTRIC TETANY
The term "gastric tetany" is derived from two different roots: "gastric" and "tetany".
1. "Gastric" refers to the stomach, relating to digestion or the presence of the stomach. It comes from the Latin word "gaster", meaning "stomach". The term "gastric" is used to describe anything pertaining to the stomach or its functions.
2. "Tetany" refers to a medical condition characterized by involuntary muscle spasms and contractions. The term is derived from the Greek word "tetanos", which means "tension" or "stiffness". Tetany can be caused by various factors, including electrolyte imbalances or nervous system disorders.
Therefore, "gastric tetany" is a medical condition characterized by muscle spasms and contractions related to the stomach or digestive system.
Similar spelling word for GASTRIC TETANY
