How Do You Spell EMPYEMA?

Pronunciation: [ɛmpɪˈɛmə] (IPA)

Empyema is a medical term that refers to a collection of pus in a bodily cavity or the space between the lungs and chest wall. This difficult spelling can be explained using phonetic transcription. The first syllable "em" is pronounced as /ɛm/ while the second syllable "pyema" is pronounced as /paɪˈimə/. The "y" in "pyema" is pronounced like "eye", and the emphasis is on the second syllable. Remembering the spelling of "empyema" can help medical professionals better communicate with their colleagues and patients.

EMPYEMA Meaning and Definition

1. Empyema is a medical condition that refers to the accumulation of pus in a specific body cavity, most commonly the pleural space that surrounds the lungs. It occurs as a result of an infection, typically caused by a bacterial infection spread from an adjacent region, such as pneumonia or lung abscess. The condition can also arise from various other causes, including tuberculosis, chest trauma, or as a complication of a surgical procedure.

   The accumulation of pus in the pleural space can lead to the compression of the lungs, causing difficulties in breathing. Common symptoms of empyema include chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, coughing, and generalized weakness. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through a combination of physical examination, imaging tests (such as X-ray or CT scan), and laboratory analysis of the collected fluid.

   Treatment for empyema typically involves draining the accumulated pus from the affected area, either through a needle or a tube inserted into the chest cavity. Antibiotics are also prescribed to control the underlying infection. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the infected tissue or create a drainage pathway for ongoing management. The prognosis for empyema depends on the severity of the infection, promptness of diagnosis, and effectiveness of treatment. With appropriate medical intervention, most patients can recover fully and without complications. However, delayed or inadequate treatment can lead to severe complications, including sepsis or the infection spreading to other body parts. Therefore, prompt medical attention is crucial for individuals suspected of having empyema.

2. The presence of pus in any cavity; noting, when employed without qualification, an accumulation of pus in the pleural cavity, pyothorax.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. A collection of purulent matter in the cavity of the chest.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for EMPYEMA

• wmpyema
• smpyema
• dmpyema
• rmpyema
• 4mpyema
• 3mpyema
• enpyema
• ekpyema
• ejpyema
• emoyema
• emlyema
• em-yema
• em0yema
• emptema
• empgema
• emphema
• empuema
• emp7ema
• emp6ema

Etymology of EMPYEMA

The word empyema comes from the Greek words em meaning in or within, and pyon meaning pus. Thus, empyema literally translates to pus within or pus in a cavity.

Plural form of EMPYEMA is EMPYEMAS OR EMPYEMATA