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Visceral hyperalgesia
Visceral comes from the Latin word "viscus" meaning "internal organs." Hyperalgesia comes from the Greek word "hyper" meaning "above," and "algos" meaning "pain." Put the three two together and you get "above pain (in the) internal organs," meaning too much pain in internal organs.
Refers to viscera which are the organs inside of the body, and typically refers to the organs inside of the belly. Hyperalgesia refers to extreme sensitivity to something painful. Thus, visceral hyperalgesia is extreme sensitivity to something painful in the internal organs, usually those of the belly. Visceral hyperalgesia can also mean an increased awareness of the normal movements of internal organs, such as the intestines. It is a common symptom of people with irritable bowel syndrome, a disorder of the intestines with various signs and symptoms, and no clear biological cause.
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