How Do You Spell OTITIS DIPHTHERITICA?

Pronunciation: [ɒtˈa͡ɪtɪs dˌɪfθəɹˈɪtɪkə] (IPA)

The spelling of "otitis diphtheritica" is quite complex and can be difficult to remember. This medical condition is pronounced as /oʊˈtaɪtɪs dɪfθərˈɪtɪkə/ and is a bacterial infection that affects the ear. The first part of the word, "otitis," refers to inflammation of the ear, while "diphtheritica" specifies the type of bacteria that causes the infection. The use of the Greek letter "theta" in "diphtheritica" is a common characteristic of medical terminology, highlighting the importance of understanding pronunciation and spelling in healthcare.

OTITIS DIPHTHERITICA Meaning and Definition

1. Otitis diphtheritica, also known as bullous myringitis, is a medical condition characterized by inflammation and infection of the middle ear. It is a rare form of otitis media, which is the general term for any ear infection involving the middle ear, including the ear canal and the eardrum.

   This condition is caused by bacterial infection, primarily by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It typically affects children and young adults, particularly those who have not been vaccinated against diphtheria. Otitis diphtheritica is highly contagious and can be transmitted through respiratory droplets or direct contact with the infected person.

   Symptoms of otitis diphtheritica may include severe ear pain, decreased hearing, fever, fluid drainage from the ear, and a feeling of fullness or blockage in the affected ear. In some cases, the infection can lead to the formation of small blisters or bullae on the eardrum, hence the alternative name bullous myringitis.

   Diagnosis of otitis diphtheritica is typically based on a physical examination of the ear, noting the characteristic symptoms, and confirming the presence of the bacteria through laboratory tests. Treatment usually involves the administration of antibiotics, specifically targeting the bacteria causing the infection. Pain relievers and warm compresses may also be recommended to alleviate symptoms.

   If left untreated, otitis diphtheritica can lead to complications such as hearing loss, eardrum perforation, or the spread of infection to nearby structures. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly if experiencing symptoms of this condition.

2. O. crouposa, diphtheritic inflammation of the external auditory meatus.

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

Common Misspellings for OTITIS DIPHTHERITICA

• otitis diphtheritice
• otitis diphtheriticc
• o titis diphtheritica
• ot itis diphtheritica
• oti tis diphtheritica
• otit is diphtheritica
• otiti s diphtheritica
• otitis d iphtheritica
• otitis diph theritica
• otitis dipht heritica
• otitis diphth eritica
• otitis diphthe ritica
• otitis diphther itica
• otitis diphtheri tica
• otitis diphtherit ica
• otitis diphtheriti ca
• otitis diphtheritic a

Etymology of OTITIS DIPHTHERITICA

The word "otitis diphtheritica" is composed of two parts: "otitis" and "diphtheritica".

1. "Otitis": The term "otitis" derives from the Greek word "ous" (ὤτος), meaning "ear". It is combined with the suffix "-itis", which is derived from the Greek word "itis" (ῖτις), meaning "inflammation". Therefore, "otitis" refers to the inflammation of the ear.

2. "Diphtheritica": The term "diphtheritica" is related to the disease called diphtheria. Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae.