MYXEDEMA Meaning and
Definition
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Myxedema is a medical condition characterized by a swelling and thickening of the skin, typically occurring as a result of severe hypothyroidism. It is a non-pitting edema, meaning that when pressure is applied to the affected area, it does not leave a temporary indentation on the skin. The condition is named after the accumulation of a substance called mucin, which causes the skin to become thick, swollen, and waxy in appearance.
Myxedema usually develops gradually and is most commonly seen in individuals with long-standing and severe hypothyroidism, which is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms of myxedema may include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, hoarseness, hair loss, depression, and constipation.
This condition is more commonly seen in middle-aged and elderly women, although it can affect people of any age or gender. Myxedema can result in significant changes in the appearance of the affected individual, including bulging eyes, a puffy and swollen face, and thickened hands and feet.
Treatment for myxedema involves addressing the underlying cause of hypothyroidism, typically through the use of thyroid hormone replacement therapy. This helps to restore normal thyroid hormone levels in the body, relieving symptoms and reducing the swelling and thickening of the skin associated with myxedema.
Common Misspellings for MYXEDEMA
- nyxedema
- kyxedema
- jyxedema
- mtxedema
- mgxedema
- mhxedema
- muxedema
- m7xedema
- m6xedema
- myzedema
- mycedema
- mydedema
- mysedema
- myxwdema
- myxsdema
- myxddema
- myxrdema
- myx4dema
- myx3dema
Etymology of MYXEDEMA
The word "myxedema" is primarily used to refer to a form of severe hypothyroidism characterized by thickening and swelling of the skin. The term "myxedema" comes from two Greek words: "myxo" meaning "mucus" and "oidema" meaning "swelling" or "a gathering of fluid".
"Myxo" is derived from the Greek word "myxa", which means "mucus" or "slime". It is used to describe the viscous substance secreted by the cells of connective tissue. "Oidema" comes from the Greek word "oidēma", which means "swelling" or "a tumor".
To summarize, the etymology of "myxedema" can be broken down as "myxo" (mucus) + "oidema" (swelling).
Similar spelling word for MYXEDEMA
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