HYPOPARATHYROIDISM Meaning and
Definition
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Hypoparathyroidism is a medical condition characterized by the inadequate production or insufficient secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by the parathyroid glands. The parathyroid glands are small endocrine glands located in the neck, responsible for regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the body.
In hypoparathyroidism, the diminished or absent production of PTH leads to an imbalance in the levels of calcium and phosphorus, causing disruptions in various bodily functions. Common causes of this condition include damage or removal of the parathyroid glands during surgery, autoimmune disorders, genetic mutations, and certain medications.
The symptoms of hypoparathyroidism can vary from mild to severe and may include muscle cramps, tingling sensation in the extremities (paresthesia), memory problems, fatigue, dry skin, hair loss, brittle nails, and muscle spasms, particularly in the face and hands. Additionally, individuals with this condition may experience low levels of calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia) and elevated levels of phosphorus.
Treatment for hypoparathyroidism primarily involves restoring and maintaining the balance of calcium and phosphorus levels through the administration of calcium and vitamin D supplements. Regular monitoring of blood levels is essential to ensuring appropriate dosage adjustments. In severe cases or cases resistant to treatment, synthetic PTH may be prescribed to help regulate calcium and phosphorus levels. Additionally, individuals with hypoparathyroidism may benefit from dietary modifications and lifestyle changes to minimize symptoms and reduce the risk of complications such as kidney stones and bone disorders.
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A condition due to diminution or absence of the secretion of the parathyroids, hypoparathyreosis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYPOPARATHYROIDISM
- gypoparathyroidism
- bypoparathyroidism
- nypoparathyroidism
- jypoparathyroidism
- uypoparathyroidism
- yypoparathyroidism
- htpoparathyroidism
- hgpoparathyroidism
- hhpoparathyroidism
- hupoparathyroidism
- h7poparathyroidism
- h6poparathyroidism
- hyooparathyroidism
- hyloparathyroidism
- hy-oparathyroidism
- hy0oparathyroidism
- hypiparathyroidism
- hypkparathyroidism
- hyplparathyroidism
Etymology of HYPOPARATHYROIDISM
The word "hypoparathyroidism" has its roots in Greek and Latin.
The prefix "hypo-" in Greek means "under" or "deficiency". "Parathyroid" refers to the parathyroid glands, which are four small glands located behind the thyroid gland in the neck. The term "parathyroid" itself comes from the Greek words "para" meaning "beside" and "thyreoeidēs" meaning "thyroid-like".
The suffix "-ism" in this word means "a condition or state of".
Therefore, "hypoparathyroidism" can be broken down as follows: "hypo" (under) + "parathyroid" (beside thyroid) + "ism" (a condition or state of), suggesting a deficiency or underactivity of the parathyroid glands.
