MEMBRANOUS PHARYNGITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Membranous pharyngitis, also known as membranous tonsillitis or pharyngotonsillitis, is a medical condition characterized by inflammation and the formation of thin, membranous patches or plaques on the pharynx, particularly on the tonsils. The pharynx is the part of the throat situated behind the mouth and nasal cavity, serving as a pathway for both air and food.
When an individual develops membranous pharyngitis, the pharyngeal tissues become irritated and inflamed, leading to symptoms such as sore throat, difficulty swallowing, redness, and swelling. The distinguishing feature of this condition is the presence of grayish-white or yellowish-gray membranes or films on the affected area. These membranes can often be easily peeled off, revealing a raw, red, and inflamed tissue underneath.
Membranous pharyngitis is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection, particularly by the bacterium group A Streptococcus, which is also responsible for strep throat. However, it can also be a result of viral infections, such as those caused by the Epstein-Barr virus or the herpes simplex virus.
Treatment for membranous pharyngitis typically involves antibiotics if the cause is bacterial, while viral cases may require symptomatic relief and supportive care. Adequate rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and gargling with warm saltwater can help alleviate discomfort and promote healing. It is essential to seek medical attention to receive a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment for membranous pharyngitis, as the condition can be contagious and may require careful management to prevent complications or the spread of infection to others.
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Inflammation accompanied by a fibrinous exudate, forming a non-diphtheritic false membrane.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MEMBRANOUS PHARYNGITIS
- m embranous pharyngitis
- me mbranous pharyngitis
- mem branous pharyngitis
- memb ranous pharyngitis
- membr anous pharyngitis
- membra nous pharyngitis
- membran ous pharyngitis
- membrano us pharyngitis
- membranou s pharyngitis
- membranous ph aryngitis
- membranous pha ryngitis
- membranous phar yngitis
- membranous phary ngitis
- membranous pharyn gitis
- membranous pharyng itis
- membranous pharyngi tis
- membranous pharyngit is
- membranous pharyngiti s
Etymology of MEMBRANOUS PHARYNGITIS
The word "membranous pharyngitis" can be broken down into two parts: "membranous" and "pharyngitis".
1. "Membranous": The term "membranous" is derived from the Latin word "membrana", which means "membrane" or "thin layer". It refers to a condition or characteristic of having or resembling a membrane. In medical terminology, "membranous" is often used to describe the presence of abnormal or inflamed membranes in specific body parts.
2. "Pharyngitis": The term "pharyngitis" comes from the Greek word "pharynx", which means "throat". It refers to the inflammation of the pharynx, which is a tube-shaped cavity at the back of the throat.
