Uricacid diathesis is a medical term used to describe a condition where an individual has a high level of uric acid in their blood, causing them to be at risk of developing gout. The word is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /jʊərɪk ˈæsɪd daɪˈəθəsɪs/. The "uricacid" portion is spelled in a way that reflects the pronunciation of the word, with emphasis on the first syllable. Diathesis is spelled with the stress on the second syllable, and the final "s" is pronounced as a "z".
Uric acid diathesis refers to a medical condition in which an individual presents with high levels of uric acid in their body due to a metabolic disorder. Uric acid is a natural waste product that is formed when the body breaks down purines, which are substances found in certain foods and cells in the body. Under normal circumstances, the kidneys filter out and eliminate excess uric acid through urine. However, in individuals with uric acid diathesis, the body produces an excessive amount of uric acid or has a reduced ability to excrete it, leading to elevated levels in the bloodstream.
Elevated levels of uric acid can lead to the formation of uric acid crystals. These crystals tend to accumulate in the joints, especially in the big toe, causing a type of arthritis called gout. The symptoms of gout commonly include sudden and severe joint pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area.
Other symptoms associated with uric acid diathesis can include kidney stones, which are hard deposits of uric acid that form in the kidneys and can cause pain and difficulty urinating.
Treatment for uric acid diathesis often includes medication to reduce the production of uric acid or improve its excretion by the kidneys. Lifestyle modifications, such as adopting a low-purine diet and staying hydrated, may also be recommended to help manage the condition and prevent complications.
A supposed tendency to the formation of uric acid in excess, with resulting rheumatic and gouty symptoms.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "uricacid diathesis" has its etymology rooted in the Latin and Greek languages:
1. "Uricacid" comes from "uric acid", which refers to a chemical compound found in the urine and formed during the metabolism of purines. The term "uric" originated from the Latin word "urina", which means "urine".
2. "Diathesis" is derived from the Greek word "diathesis", which denotes a condition or disposition. In this context, it refers to a predisposition or tendency toward the formation or accumulation of uric acid.
Therefore, the term "uricacid diathesis" signifies a tendency or predisposition towards the development of the accumulation of uric acid in the body.