Chlorosis
Chlorosis
Chlorosis (pronounced: klo-ROH-sis) is a medical condition characterized by a yellowish-green discoloration of the skin, typically caused by iron deficiency anemia or poor nutrition. The term is derived from the Greek word "chloros," meaning "greenish-yellow."
Etymology
The term "chlorosis" comes from the Greek word "chloros," which means "greenish-yellow." It was first used in the 16th century to describe the yellow-green discoloration of the skin observed in some individuals suffering from anemia.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of chlorosis is a pale, yellow-green discoloration of the skin. Other symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and palpitations. These symptoms are generally due to the underlying cause of the chlorosis, such as iron deficiency anemia or poor nutrition.
Causes
Chlorosis is most commonly caused by iron deficiency anemia, a condition in which the body lacks enough iron to produce sufficient red blood cells. It can also be caused by poor nutrition, particularly a diet lacking in iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid.
Treatment
Treatment for chlorosis typically involves addressing the underlying cause. This may include dietary changes or supplementation to increase iron intake, or treatment of any underlying conditions causing the anemia.
Related Terms
- Anemia: A condition in which the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body's tissues.
- Iron Deficiency Anemia: A type of anemia caused by a lack of iron in the body, leading to a decrease in the production of red blood cells.
- Hemoglobin: The protein molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs.
- Folic Acid: A type of B vitamin that is important for the formation of red blood cells.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Chlorosis
- Wikipedia's article - Chlorosis
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