Cylindrical bronchiectasia is a medical term used to describe a condition where the bronchial tubes in the lungs become abnormally widened and thickened. The spelling of this term can be a challenge for those unfamiliar with medical terminology. The phonetic transcription of this term in IPA is sɪˈlɪndrɪkəl brɒŋkiːɛkˈteɪziə. The word cylindrical refers to the shape of the bronchial tubes, while bronchiectasia refers to the medical condition. This condition can cause breathing difficulties and may require treatment such as antibiotics or surgery.
Cylindrical bronchiectasia is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal widening and distortion of the bronchi, which are the airways leading to the lungs. This condition is typically a result of chronic inflammation and infection, leading to the destruction and dilation of the bronchi walls.
The term "cylindrical" in cylindrical bronchiectasia refers to the predominant shape of the affected bronchi, which become tubular or cylindrical rather than maintaining their normal cylindrical and tapering shape. This cylindrical shape is a characteristic feature of this specific type of bronchiectasis, distinguishing it from other forms, such as varicose or saccular bronchiectasia.
Cylindrical bronchiectasia is often associated with chronic respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, or recurring infections like tuberculosis or pneumonia. It can also arise as a result of a genetic predisposition. The abnormal widening of the bronchi in cylindrical bronchiectasia leads to impaired airway clearance, leading to the accumulation of mucus and debris. This can lead to persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, frequent respiratory infections, and lung damage over time.
The diagnosis of cylindrical bronchiectasia is typically confirmed through various imaging techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) scans, which reveal the characteristic cylindrical shape of the bronchi. Treatment aims to manage symptoms and prevent further lung damage, typically involving the use of bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, mucus clearance techniques, antibiotics to manage infections, and occasionally surgery in severe cases.
A general symmetrical dilatation of a bronchus or bronchial tube.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "cylindrical bronchiectasis" is derived from a combination of Greek and Latin roots.
1. "Cylindrical" comes from the Greek word "kylindein", meaning "to roll". It refers to the shape of a cylinder, which is a three-dimensional geometric figure with parallel circular bases and straight sides.
2. "Bronchiectasis" is a medical term that originated from two components:
- "Bronchus" comes from the Greek word "bronchos", meaning "windpipe" or "trachea". It refers to the large air passages in the lungs that connect the trachea to the smaller bronchioles.
- "-ectasis" is derived from the Greek word "ektasis", meaning "expansion" or "dilation". It is a suffix used in medical terminology to describe the abnormal widening or dilation of a tubular structure.