GALACTOSURIA Meaning and
Definition
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Galactosuria is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by the presence of excessive amounts of galactose, a type of sugar, in the urine. Galactose is a monosaccharide that is derived from the digestion of lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products.
Galactosuria can occur as a result of a genetic disorder called galactosemia, where the body is unable to properly metabolize galactose. This condition is caused by a deficiency or absence of an enzyme called galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase (GALT), which is responsible for breaking down galactose into glucose. In individuals with galactosemia, galactose builds up in the body and is excreted in high levels in the urine.
The presence of galactose in the urine is typically detected through a urine test, which can confirm the diagnosis of galactosuria. Symptoms may include feeding difficulties, poor weight gain, vomiting, diarrhea, and liver problems. If left untreated, galactosemia can lead to serious complications such as liver damage, kidney problems, and intellectual disabilities.
Treatment for galactosuria involves strict avoidance of galactose and lactose-containing foods and beverages, including milk and dairy products. Infants with galactosemia are usually placed on a lactose-free formula, and individuals with the condition are advised to follow a galactose-restricted diet throughout their lives. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial in managing the symptoms and preventing complications associated with galactosuria.
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The passage of urine containing galactose.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GALACTOSURIA
- falactosuria
- valactosuria
- balactosuria
- halactosuria
- yalactosuria
- talactosuria
- gzlactosuria
- gslactosuria
- gwlactosuria
- gqlactosuria
- gakactosuria
- gapactosuria
- gaoactosuria
- galzctosuria
- galsctosuria
- galwctosuria
- galqctosuria
- galaxtosuria
- galavtosuria
- galaftosuria
Etymology of GALACTOSURIA
The word "galactosuria" is derived from a combination of two root words: "galacto-" and "-uria".
The root word "galacto-" comes from the Greek word "galaktos", meaning "milk". This root is used in various words related to milk or lactose.
The suffix "-uria" is also derived from Greek and refers to a condition or presence of a substance in the urine. It is commonly used in medical terminology to denote a specific condition or disorder related to the substance mentioned in the root word.
Therefore, when combined, "galactosuria" refers to a medical condition where lactose or galactose (sugar present in milk) is abnormally excreted in the urine.
