Hypocalcemia
Lower-than-normal level of calcium in the blood, which makes the nervous system highly irritable, as evidenced by tetany (spasms of the hands and feet, muscle cramps, abdominal cramps, and overly active reflexes). Chronic hypocalcemia contributes to poor mineralization of bones, soft bones (osteomalacia), and osteoporosis. In children, hypocalcemia leads to rickets and impaired growth. Treatment involves increased dietary intake of calcium or calcium supplementation.
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- Hypocapnia
Less than the normal level of carbon dioxide in the blood. Hypoapnia is the opposite of hypercapnia. The origin of the suffix “-capnia” is curious. It comes from the Greek “kapnos” referring to carbon dioxide which is a principal part of smoke.
- Hypocarbia
Less than the normal level of carbon dioxide in the blood. The opposite of hypercarbia.
- Hypochloremia
Low blood levels of chloride. Chloride is the major anion found in the fluid outside of cells and in blood. An anion is the negatively charged part of certain substances such as table salt (NaCl) when dissolved in liquid. Sea water has almost the same concentration of chloride ion as human fluids. The balance of […]
- Hypochondria
1. Excessive preoccupation or worry about having a serious illness. Also known as a health phobia or anxiety. Patients having this disorder are known as hypochondriacs. Such patients may become alarmed about even minor physical symptoms, which they interpret as representing significant health problems. Synonym for the disorder officially called hypochondriasis. 2. The plural of […]
- Hypochondriac
A person who has hypochondriasis, a disorder characterized by a preoccupation with body functions and the interpretation of normal body sensations (such as sweating) or minor abnormalities (such as minor aches and pains) as portending problems of major medical moment. Reassurance by physicians and others only serves to increase the hypochondriac’s persistent anxiety about their […]