How Do You Spell GONORRHEAL OPHTHALMIA?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈɒnəɹˌi͡əl ɒfθˈalmi͡ə] (IPA)

Gonorrheal ophthalmia is a medical condition that commonly affects newborns' eyes due to their mother's untreated gonorrhea. The word "gonorrheal" is pronounced /ɡəˈnɔriəl/, with the stress on the second syllable. "Ophthalmia" is pronounced /ˌɒfθælˈmaɪə/, with the stress on the third syllable. This term can be challenging to spell as it contains silent letters and requires knowledge of medical terminology. Proper treatment of gonorrheal ophthalmia requires prompt identification and intervention to prevent permanent damage to affected newborns' vision.

GONORRHEAL OPHTHALMIA Meaning and Definition

1. Gonorrheal ophthalmia, also known as gonococcal conjunctivitis, is a medical condition characterized by an infection of the conjunctiva, the clear thin tissue lining the front part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids, caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This type of infection primarily occurs as a result of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) from the mother during childbirth or through direct contact with infected genital secretions.

   Gonorrheal ophthalmia is commonly seen in newborns but can also affect adults who engage in unprotected sexual activity with an infected individual. Symptoms of this condition include redness or pink eye, thick discharge from the eyes, excessive tearing, swelling of the eyelids, sensitivity to light, and crust formation around the eyes.

   If left untreated, gonorrheal ophthalmia can lead to serious complications such as corneal ulceration, which may cause vision impairment or blindness. Prompt medical intervention is essential to prevent further damage. In newborns, immediate treatment with antibiotics is crucial to prevent long-term consequences.

   Diagnosis of gonorrheal ophthalmia is usually made based on clinical presentation and confirmed through laboratory testing, involving the collection and culture of eye discharge. Treatment typically involves the administration of antibiotics either orally or through injection to eradicate the infection. Topical antibiotics may also be prescribed to reduce bacterial growth and prevent further spread. The infected individuals are advised to practice good hygiene, avoid touching or rubbing their eyes, and refrain from sexual activities until healing is complete.

2. Acute purulent conjunctivitis excited by the presence of the gonococcus.

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

Common Misspellings for GONORRHEAL OPHTHALMIA

• go norrheal ophthalmia
• gon orrheal ophthalmia
• gono rrheal ophthalmia
• gonor rheal ophthalmia
• gonorr heal ophthalmia
• gonorrh eal ophthalmia
• gonorrhe al ophthalmia
• gonorrhea l ophthalmia
• gonorrheal oph thalmia
• gonorrheal opht halmia
• gonorrheal ophth almia
• gonorrheal ophtha lmia
• gonorrheal ophthal mia
• gonorrheal ophthalm ia
• gonorrheal ophthalmi a

Etymology of GONORRHEAL OPHTHALMIA

The word "gonorrheal ophthalmia" is derived from two components: "gonorrheal" and "ophthalmia".

1. Gonorrheal: The term "gonorrheal" refers to gonorrhea, which is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The word "gonorrhea" itself traces back to the Greek words "gonos" meaning "genitals" and "rhein" meaning "to flow". The condition was historically associated with excessive genital discharge. Over time, the term "gonorrhea" extended to describe infections in other parts of the body associated with the same bacterium, including ophthalmia.

2.ia: The second part of the term, "ophthalmia", comes from the Ancient Greek word "ophthalmos", meaning "eye". It refers to inflammation or infection of the eye.