Adhesive pleurisy, which is inflammation of the lining around the lungs, is a term often used in medical contexts. It is spelled phonetically as /ədˈhiːsɪv plʊˈraɪsi/. The first syllable, "ad-", indicates that the condition involves sticking or adhering. The second syllable, "-hesive," refers to the ability to stick securely. Finally, the suffix "-pleurisy" indicates inflammation of the pleura. Spelling and pronunciation of medical terms can be challenging, but using phonetic transcription can help to understand the meaning behind the words.
Adhesive pleurisy, also known as pleuritic adhesions or pleural adhesions, is a medical condition characterized by the development of scar tissue or fibrous bands between the membranes surrounding the lungs and the inner chest wall (pleura). The pleura is a thin, double-layered membrane that covers the lungs and lines the chest cavity.
Adhesive pleurisy occurs as a result of inflammation, injury, or infection affecting the pleura. In response to these underlying causes, the normally smooth and lubricated pleural surfaces become rough, leading to the formation of adhesions. These adhesions can be firm or filmy in nature, and they may partially or completely stick the layers of the pleura together.
The presence of adhesive pleurisy often leads to pleural dysfunction, causing symptoms such as chest pain, especially during deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing. The adhesions restrict the normal movement and expansion of the lungs during respiration, resulting in reduced lung capacity and impaired breathing.
Adhesive pleurisy can occur as a complication of various conditions, including respiratory infections, pleural effusion (build-up of fluid in the pleural space), tuberculosis, pneumonia, or thoracic surgery. Depending on the severity of adhesions and the extent of lung impairment, treatment options for adhesive pleurisy may include pain management, physical therapy, and if necessary, surgical intervention to remove the adhesions.
Overall, adhesive pleurisy represents a condition in which the formation of scar tissue or fibrous adhesions between the pleural layers impairs lung function and causes chest pain.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "adhesive pleurisy" is a medical term that combines two separate words: "adhesive" and "pleurisy".
1. Adhesive: The term "adhesive" comes from the Latin word "adhaesivus", derived from "adhaerere", meaning "to stick". Adhesive refers to a substance that is capable of sticking objects together or promoting adhesion.
2. Pleurisy: Pleurisy is derived from the Latin word "pleuritis", which originates from the Greek word "pleura", meaning "side" or "rib". Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura, a double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity.
When combined, "adhesive pleurisy" refers to a condition where the layers of the pleura become inflamed and may stick together, causing pain and difficulty breathing.