Periorbititis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation in the tissues surrounding the orbit (eye socket). The word is spelled with the prefix 'peri-' meaning around or near, the root word 'orbit' referring to the eye socket, and the suffix '-itis', indicating inflammation. In phonetic terms, the word is pronounced /ˌpɛriərˌbaɪtaɪtɪs/, where the stress is on the second syllable, and each sound is represented by its corresponding IPA symbol. A health professional should be consulted if any symptoms of periorbititis arise.
Periorbititis is a medical condition that refers to the inflammation of the tissues surrounding the eye socket or orbit. The orbit consists of bones, muscles, fat, nerves, and blood vessels that protect the eyeball and support its movement. When the tissues in this area become inflamed, it can lead to periorbititis.
The main cause of periorbititis is usually an infection that spreads from adjacent structures, such as the sinuses, teeth, or eyelids. Bacterial infections are the most common culprits, but viral or fungal infections can also cause periorbititis in rare cases. Symptoms of this condition may include redness, swelling, and tenderness around the eye, pain, blurred vision, fever, reduced eye movement, and discharge from the eye.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment of periorbititis are crucial to prevent the infection from spreading and causing further complications. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to manage the infection, while pain medication can help alleviate discomfort. In some severe cases, surgical drainage may be necessary to remove any pus or abscesses that have formed.
It is important to distinguish periorbititis from orbital cellulitis, as the latter refers to a more serious infection that involves deeper tissues within the orbit. Periorbititis is usually managed without complications, but if left untreated, it can lead to vision loss, meningitis, septicemia, or brain abscess. Seeking timely medical attention, completing the prescribed treatment, and ensuring good overall hygiene can help prevent periorbititis and its potential complications.
Orbital periostitis, inflammation of the periorbita.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "periorbititis" is composed of two parts: "peri-" and "orbititis".
The prefix "peri-" is derived from the Greek word "peri" (περί), which means "around" or "surrounding". It is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate the area around a specific structure.
The second part, "orbititis", is a combination of the word "orbit" and the suffix "-itis". "Orbit" refers to the bony cavity in the skull that contains the eye, while "-itis" is a suffix that denotes inflammation or swelling.
So, "periorbititis" refers to the inflammation or swelling that occurs around the orbit of the eye.