Corditis (kɔrˈdaɪtɪs) is a medical term that refers to inflammation of the vocal cords. The spelling of the word is based on its Latin origin, where "cor" means "heart" and "itis" means "inflammation". However, in English, the pronunciation has evolved to be more phonetic, resulting in the emphasis on the second syllable. This is reflected by the IPA transcription placing the primary stress on the "dai" syllable. Corditis can be caused by various factors, such as viral or bacterial infections, overuse of the voice, acid reflux, or exposure to irritants like pollution or cigarette smoke.
Corditis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the vocal cords. It is typically caused by bacterial or viral infections, excessive voice use, or irritation from environmental factors such as smoking or exposure to chemical irritants. The inflammation of the vocal cords can lead to various symptoms, including voice hoarseness, difficulty in producing sound, pain or discomfort in the throat, and coughing.
The condition can be acute, lasting for a shorter duration and resolving on its own with appropriate rest and vocal hygiene practices. However, it can also become chronic if the underlying causes are not addressed or if the condition remains untreated. Chronic corditis may result in persistent vocal cord inflammation, leading to long-term vocal changes and potentially impacting speech quality and vocal range.
Diagnosis of corditis is typically done by a laryngologist or otolaryngologist, who specializes in disorders related to the ear, nose, and throat. They may perform a laryngoscopy, a procedure that involves examining the vocal cords using a small camera, to visualize the inflammation and determine its severity.
Treatment for corditis usually involves vocal rest, which includes limiting speaking or singing, avoiding excessive throat clearing, and staying hydrated. In cases of severe or chronic corditis, additional treatments such as voice therapy, medications to reduce inflammation, or surgery may be recommended. Early intervention and appropriate management are crucial for a full recovery and prevention of potential complications.
Funiculitis, inflammation of the spermatic cord.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "corditis" is derived from two Latin roots: "cordis" and "itis".
The first root, "cordis", refers to the Latin word for "heart". This root is present in several words related to the heart, such as "cardiology" (the study of the heart), "cordial" (an adjective describing something related to the heart, often used to refer to friendliness), and "concord" (meaning "heartfelt agreement").
The second root, "itis", is also from Latin and refers to inflammation. It is commonly used in medical terminology to describe inflammatory conditions in various parts of the body, such as "tonsillitis" (inflammation of the tonsils) or "appendicitis" (inflammation of the appendix).
When combined, "cordis" and "itis" form the word "corditis", which refers to inflammation of the heart.