INTRAMASTOIDITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Intramastoiditis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation or infection of the mastoid bone, which is located behind the ear and plays a crucial role in the structure of the skull. The term "intra" refers to the location of the inflammation within the mastoid bone.
Inflammation of the mastoid bone typically occurs as a result of an untreated or inadequately treated middle ear infection, such as otitis media. Bacterial or viral pathogens that cause the primary ear infection can spread to the mastoid bone, leading to intramastoiditis.
Common symptoms of intramastoiditis include severe ear pain, tenderness, and swelling behind the ear. Patients may also experience fever, headache, and hearing loss. In some cases, a reddish discoloration of the skin behind the ear, accompanied by the presence of pus, can be observed.
If left untreated, intramastoiditis can lead to severe complications, such as the formation of an abscess or the erosion of the mastoid bone. These complications can further spread the infection to the surrounding structures, including the brain.
Treatment for intramastoiditis typically involves the administration of antibiotics to address the underlying infection. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain any built-up fluid or remove infected tissue from the mastoid bone. Timely diagnosis and appropriate medical intervention are crucial to prevent the progression of intramastoiditis and avoid potential complications.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for INTRAMASTOIDITIS
- intramastoiditir
- intramastwoiditis
- i ntramastoiditis
- in tramastoiditis
- int ramastoiditis
- intr amastoiditis
- intra mastoiditis
- intram astoiditis
- intrama stoiditis
- intramas toiditis
- intramast oiditis
- intramasto iditis
- intramastoi ditis
- intramastoid itis
- intramastoidi tis
- intramastoidit is
- intramastoiditi s
Etymology of INTRAMASTOIDITIS
The word "intramastoiditis" is a medical term used to describe inflammation or infection within the mastoid bone, which is located behind the ear. The etymology of this word can be broken down into its constituent parts:
1. Intra-: A prefix derived from Latin, meaning "within" or "inside". It is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate a location or position inside a structure.
2. Mastoid: The term "mastoid" comes from the Greek word "mastoeides", meaning "breast-shaped". This refers to the shape of the mastoid bone, which resembles a breast when felt behind the ear.
3. -itis: A suffix derived from Greek, denoting inflammation or infection. It is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate an inflammatory condition.
Therefore, the word "intramastoiditis" essentially means inflammation or infection occurring within the mastoid bone.
