HYPOCHLORURIA Meaning and
Definition
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Hypochloruria is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of chloride ions in the urine. Chloride is an essential electrolyte and plays a crucial role in maintaining various bodily functions, including fluid balance, nerve transmission, and the production and release of stomach acid. In cases of hypochloruria, the body excretes reduced amounts of chloride through urine, resulting in a chloride deficiency.
Hypochloruria can be classified as either primary or secondary. Primary hypochloruria is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the SLC26A7 gene, which is responsible for regulating the chloride reabsorption in the kidney. Secondary hypochloruria, on the other hand, is usually a consequence of another underlying medical condition or medication use. Some potential causes of secondary hypochloruria include certain kidney diseases, certain medications (such as diuretics), and metabolic alkalosis.
Symptoms of hypochloruria are often nonspecific and may include muscle weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat. Additionally, individuals with this condition may experience electrolyte imbalances, particularly low levels of sodium and potassium. Diagnosis of hypochloruria is typically made through urine and blood tests to measure chloride levels.
Treatment for hypochloruria primarily focuses on addressing the underlying cause and restoring normal chloride levels. This may involve medication adjustments, dietary modifications, or treating any associated kidney or metabolic conditions. Regular monitoring of electrolyte levels may also be necessary to prevent complications and maintain optimal health.
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A deficient excretion of chlorides in the urine.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYPOCHLORURIA
- gypochloruria
- bypochloruria
- nypochloruria
- jypochloruria
- uypochloruria
- yypochloruria
- htpochloruria
- hgpochloruria
- hhpochloruria
- hupochloruria
- h7pochloruria
- h6pochloruria
- hyoochloruria
- hylochloruria
- hy-ochloruria
- hy0ochloruria
- hypichloruria
- hypkchloruria
- hyplchloruria
- hyppchloruria
Etymology of HYPOCHLORURIA
The word "hypochloruria" is derived from two components: "hypo-", meaning low or deficient, and "chloruria", which refers to the presence of chloride in urine.
The prefix "hypo-" comes from the Greek word "hypo" (ὑπο), meaning under or below. It is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate a deficiency or low level of a certain substance.
The term "chloruria" combines two Greek roots: "chlo-" (χλωρός) which means greenish-yellow, and "-uria" (-ουρία), which refers to urine. The color greenish-yellow characterizes the presence of chloride salts in urine.
Thus, "hypochloruria" suggests a condition or state in which there is a reduced level of chloride in the urine.
