GANGRENOUS EMPHYSEMA Meaning and
Definition
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Gangrenous emphysema is a medical condition characterized by the progressive damage and death of body tissues, typically resulting from an inadequate supply of blood and oxygen. This condition primarily affects the lungs, causing severe inflammation and destructive changes in the air sacs and surrounding tissues.
In gangrenous emphysema, there is a combination of gangrene, which refers to the death and decay of body tissues, and emphysema, a chronic lung disease characterized by the permanent enlargement of the air sacs. The condition usually arises due to the presence of bacteria, most commonly Clostridium species, in the lung tissues.
The bacteria responsible for gangrenous emphysema release toxins that break down the lung tissue, impairing the supply of blood and oxygen to affected areas. This leads to necrosis (tissue death) and the development of a gangrenous infection. Symptoms often include severe and rapid breathing difficulties, chest pain, fever, coughing up of foul-smelling fluid, and the presence of crepitus (a crackling sound) in the affected area.
Treatment for gangrenous emphysema usually involves a combination of antibiotic therapy to target the underlying infection, surgical removal of dead tissue, and supportive measures such as supplemental oxygen and pain management. In severe cases, a procedure called thoracotomy may be performed to drain the infected area and remove devitalized tissue.
Prompt and appropriate medical intervention is crucial for the management of gangrenous emphysema as delays or inadequate treatment can lead to life-threatening complications such as sepsis or respiratory failure.
Common Misspellings for GANGRENOUS EMPHYSEMA
- fangrenous emphysema
- vangrenous emphysema
- bangrenous emphysema
- hangrenous emphysema
- yangrenous emphysema
- tangrenous emphysema
- gzngrenous emphysema
- gsngrenous emphysema
- gwngrenous emphysema
- gqngrenous emphysema
- gabgrenous emphysema
- gamgrenous emphysema
- gajgrenous emphysema
- gahgrenous emphysema
- ganfrenous emphysema
- ganvrenous emphysema
- ganbrenous emphysema
- ganhrenous emphysema
- ganyrenous emphysema
- gantrenous emphysema
Etymology of GANGRENOUS EMPHYSEMA
The word "gangrenous emphysema" combines two medical terms - "gangrenous" and "emphysema" - to describe a specific medical condition.
1. Gangrenous: The term "gangrenous" comes from Latin "gangraena", which was borrowed from Greek "gángraina". In Greek, "gángraina" referred to a mortification or decay of body tissue, particularly due to lack of blood flow or infection. It has its roots in the verb "gongraino", meaning "to gnaw" or "to eat away". Over time, the term "gangrenous" has become associated with a condition characterized by decay, necrosis, or death of tissue.
2. Emphysema: The term "emphysema" originates from Greek as well.
