Bronchiolitis is a medical condition that affects the small airways in the lungs. The word "bronchiolitis" is spelled with the "ch" sound, even though it comes after the letter "o". This is because "ch" represents a single sound in the word. The IPA phonetic transcription of "bronchiolitis" is /brɑnkɪəˈlaɪtɪs/, indicating the stress on the second syllable and the pronunciation of "ch" as the voiceless palato-alveolar affricate sound, similar to the "j" sound. Proper spelling is important in medical language to avoid miscommunication and errors.
Bronchiolitis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation and swelling of the bronchioles. The bronchioles are tiny airways in the lungs that branch out from the bronchi. This condition is commonly seen in infants and young children, particularly those under the age of two.
Bronchiolitis is typically caused by a viral infection, most commonly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Other viruses, such as rhinovirus, adenovirus, and influenza virus, can also lead to bronchiolitis. The infection spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets, often when an infected individual coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms of bronchiolitis may include rapid and shallow breathing, wheezing, coughing, nasal congestion, fever, and difficulty feeding. In severe cases, the oxygen levels in the blood may become dangerously low, leading to cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the lips and skin).
Treatment for bronchiolitis focuses on relieving the symptoms and supporting the individual's breathing. Recommended treatments may include nasal suctioning, humidified air, fluids to prevent dehydration, and in some cases, medical interventions such as oxygen therapy or inhaled bronchodilators. Prevention of bronchiolitis can be achieved by practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and immunization against viruses that commonly cause the condition.
It is important to seek medical attention if an infant or young child is experiencing symptoms of bronchiolitis, as prompt diagnosis and treatment can help reduce complications and ensure a swift recovery.
Inflammation of the smallest bronchial tubes; capillary bronchitis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "bronchiolitis" is derived from two Greek words.
The first part, "bronchio", refers to the bronchial tubes, which are the large air passages in the lungs. It comes from the Greek word "bronchos", meaning "windpipe" or "air tube".
The second part, "itis", is a suffix used in medical terminology to indicate inflammation or infection. It comes from the Greek word "itis", meaning "inflammation".
Therefore, "bronchiolitis" literally means inflammation of the bronchioles, which are the smaller airways in the lungs.