Embolic pneumonia is a medical condition characterized by lung inflammation caused by infected emboli that have traveled from other parts of the body. The spelling of the word "embolic" is pronounced as ɛm'bɒlɪk, with the emphasis on the second syllable. The "e" at the beginning of the word is pronounced as a short "e" sound, and the "o" in the middle is pronounced as a short "o" sound. The "ic" at the end is pronounced as a hard "k" sound. Proper spelling is essential for clear communication in the medical field.
Embolic pneumonia is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation and infection of lung tissue due to the presence of an embolus or blood clot that travels from another part of the body and lodges in the pulmonary artery or one of its branches.
The term "embolic" refers to the process of an embolus, which is typically a blood clot formed in one part of the body, dislodging and travelling through the bloodstream until it reaches the lung circulation. This can occur as a result of several underlying medical conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, atrial fibrillation, or cardiac valve disease.
Pneumonia, on the other hand, is an infection that leads to inflammation of the lung tissue. When an embolus reaches the pulmonary artery, the clot may block blood flow to part of the lung, causing tissue damage and compromising the lung's ability to function properly. This obstruction can create a suitable environment for bacterial growth, leading to the development of pneumonia.
Symptoms of embolic pneumonia may include coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, and production of sputum. Diagnostic tests such as chest X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and blood tests are often used to confirm the presence of embolic pneumonia and determine its severity. Treatment typically involves administration of antibiotics to combat the underlying infection, as well as medications to manage symptoms and prevent further clot formation. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to remove the embolus.
Congestion and infarction of the lung following the plugging of one or more of the smaller pulmonary arteries with emboli.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "embolic pneumonia" is derived from two main components: "embolic" and "pneumonia".
1. "Embolic" originates from the Greek word "embolos" (ἔμβολος), meaning "a plug" or "something thrown in". It is also related to the Greek verb "emballō" (ἐμβάλλω), which means "to throw in" or "to discharge".
2. "Pneumonia" comes from the ancient Greek words "pneumōn" (πνεῦμον) meaning "lung" and "-ia" (-ία) indicating a condition or a state.
Therefore, "embolic pneumonia" refers to a condition where a plug or a foreign substance is introduced into the lung, leading to inflammation and infection.