The correct spelling of the term that refers to the intravenous feeding of patients who cannot consume food through their mouths is "hyperalimentation." The word is pronounced [ˌhaɪpərəlɪmɛnˈteɪʃən], with stress on the second syllable. The "hyper-" prefix indicates excess or above, while "alimentation" comes from the Latin root "alimentum," meaning food. The word requires careful spelling, as the pronunciation and stress can be misleading due to the similarity with the more common "hyperventilation."
Hyperalimentation, also known as Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), is a medical technique that provides necessary nutrients to individuals who cannot consume or absorb food through the gastrointestinal tract. It is an artificial way of delivering essential substances required for normal body function, such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals directly into the bloodstream.
Hyperalimentation is typically used in cases where a person's gastrointestinal tract is either partially or completely non-functional or when the person's body needs an extra supply of nutrients to heal and recover. It may be employed in patients with severe burns, intestinal obstruction, certain types of cancer, prolonged illnesses, or those experiencing extreme malnutrition.
The administration of hyperalimentation involves the use of a central venous catheter, which is inserted into a large vein, usually in the chest or arm. This catheter allows for the delivery of the nutrient-rich solution directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. The composition and quantity of the solution are carefully determined by healthcare professionals, based on the individual's specific needs, in order to maintain the proper balance of nutrients and prevent complications.
While hyperalimentation can greatly benefit patients who are unable to eat or absorb nutrients normally, it carries potential risks and complications, such as infections, blood clots, metabolic disturbances, liver dysfunction, and fluid imbalances. Therefore, it should only be administered under close medical supervision and regular monitoring to ensure its effectiveness and safety.
Superalimentation.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "hyperalimentation" originates from two Latin roots: "hyper", meaning excessive or beyond, and "alimentation", meaning the process of nourishment or supplying of food. The term was first coined in the field of medicine, specifically in the context of intravenous feeding or parenteral nutrition, where a patient receives nutrients directly into their bloodstream to compensate for their inability to consume food orally.