HYPOCHROMIA Meaning and
Definition
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Hypochromia is a medical term that refers to a condition characterized by a decrease in the color or intensity of certain cells or tissues, particularly with regard to the presence of hemoglobin. More specifically, hypochromia is commonly used to describe a reduction in the color intensity of red blood cells or an overall deficiency in hemoglobin content per unit volume of blood.
In the context of red blood cells, hypochromia can occur due to various factors, including iron deficiency anemia, chronic disease, genetic disorders, or certain medications. These conditions and factors lead to a diminished ability of the red blood cells to carry oxygen efficiently, resulting in a pale or less intense coloration compared to healthy red blood cells.
Clinically, the presence of hypochromia can be identified through laboratory tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) or microscopic examination of blood smears. The results may show a decrease in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) or a shift in the distribution of red blood cell color.
Treatment for hypochromia typically involves addressing the underlying cause. For instance, iron supplementation may be prescribed for individuals with iron deficiency anemia. In more severe cases, blood transfusions or other specific interventions may be necessary.
Overall, hypochromia refers to a medical condition characterized by a reduced color intensity of certain cells or tissues, particularly red blood cells, and is often associated with accompanying symptoms and underlying causes that require appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYPOCHROMIA
- hyperchromia
- gypochromia
- bypochromia
- nypochromia
- jypochromia
- uypochromia
- yypochromia
- htpochromia
- hgpochromia
- hhpochromia
- hupochromia
- h7pochromia
- h6pochromia
- hyoochromia
- hylochromia
- hy-ochromia
- hy0ochromia
- hypichromia
- hypkchromia
- hyplchromia
Etymology of HYPOCHROMIA
The word "hypochromia" is derived from the Greek roots "hypo-" meaning "below" or "under", and "chroma" meaning "color". In the medical context, "hypochromia" refers to a condition where red blood cells have a decreased concentration of hemoglobin, resulting in a lighter or paler color.
