Potomania
Potomania
Potomania (pronunciation: /ˌpɒtəˈmeɪniə/) is a medical condition primarily characterized by electrolyte imbalance, specifically hyponatremia, due to excessive consumption of alcohol, particularly beer, and a poor diet.
Etymology
The term "Potomania" is derived from the Spanish word "poto," meaning "drink," and the Greek word "mania," meaning "madness." It was first used in medical literature in the 1970s to describe a syndrome observed in heavy beer drinkers.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of Potomania is hyponatremia, a condition characterized by low levels of sodium in the blood. Other symptoms may include muscle weakness, fatigue, headache, nausea, and in severe cases, seizures or coma.
Causes
Potomania is caused by excessive consumption of alcohol, particularly beer, which is low in solutes, combined with a poor diet that is deficient in protein. This combination can lead to a decrease in the body's ability to excrete water, resulting in water retention and dilution of sodium in the body.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Potomania is based on the patient's history of alcohol consumption and dietary habits, as well as laboratory tests showing low serum sodium levels and low urine osmolality.
Treatment
Treatment for Potomania involves correcting the electrolyte imbalance through intravenous administration of saline solution and improving dietary habits, particularly increasing protein intake. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Potomania
- Wikipedia's article - Potomania
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski