Paradoxical pulmonitis is a medical term that describes a condition where a patient with a pleural effusion experiences pulmonary symptoms, despite the removal of the fluid. The word is pronounced /ˌpærəˈdɒksɪkəl ˌpʊlməˈnʌɪtɪs/ and can be broken down into its individual sounds using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable is pronounced with a short "a" sound, followed by an "uh" schwa sound. The second and third syllables use a long "o" sound and a short "i" sound, respectively. The final syllable is pronounced with a stressed "uh" sound.
Paradoxical pulmonitis, also known as paradoxical worsening or reactive pulmonary infiltrates, is a medical condition characterized by an unexpected and contradictory inflammatory response in the lungs.
The word "paradoxical" refers to the abnormal or counterintuitive nature of the condition, as it is contrary to what is typically expected. "Pulmonitis" indicates inflammation of the lungs, which is the primary manifestation of this condition.
Paradoxical pulmonitis usually occurs as a side effect of certain medical interventions, primarily the administration of immunosuppressive drugs such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors or biologic agents used in the treatment of various autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or Crohn's disease. However, it can also be associated with infections or malignancies.
Symptoms of paradoxical pulmonitis may include shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, fever, fatigue, and a rapid respiratory rate. These signs may closely resemble other lung disorders, making the diagnosis challenging.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. It often involves discontinuation or adjustment of the triggering medication, and occasionally the addition of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Close monitoring and follow-up with a healthcare professional are crucial.
In summary, paradoxical pulmonitis is an unusual lung condition characterized by unexpected and abnormal inflammation in the lungs. It typically occurs as a result of immune-modulating therapies, but can also be associated with infections or malignancies. Prompt recognition and appropriate management are essential for successful treatment.
Kussmaul's p., pulsus paradoxus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "paradoxical" comes from the Late Latin word "paradoxus", which is derived from the Greek word "paradoxos", meaning "contrary to expectations" or "inconsistent". It is a combination of the Greek prefix "para-" meaning "contrary to" or "beyond" and the word "doxa" meaning "opinion" or "belief".
The term "pulmonitis" refers to inflammation of the lungs. The word "pulmonitis" is derived from the Latin word "pulmo", meaning "lung", and the Greek suffix "-itis", denoting inflammation.
Therefore, "paradoxical pulmonitis" suggests a condition of lung inflammation that is contrary to expectations or inconsistent with usual patterns of lung inflammation.