How Do You Spell PHARYNGOSPASM?

Pronunciation: [fˈɑːɹɪŋɡˌɒspazəm] (IPA)

Pharyngospasm is a medical term that refers to the involuntary contraction of the muscles in the throat, leading to difficulty in swallowing or breathing. The word consists of three parts, "pharyngo-" meaning throat, "-spasm" meaning involuntary contraction, and "-o" a connecting vowel. Based on the IPA phonetic transcription /fəˈrɪŋɡəʊspæzm/, the spelling of the word can be explained: "ph" represents the "f" sound, "a" represents the "ə" sound, and "y" represents the "ɪ" sound.

PHARYNGOSPASM Meaning and Definition

1. Pharyngospasm is a medical condition characterized by the involuntary contraction or spasm of the muscles in the pharynx, which is the part of the throat that connects the nasal and oral cavities to the esophagus. This condition causes a sudden, severe, and often painful tightening or narrowing of the pharynx, leading to difficulty in swallowing and breathing.

   The spasms associated with pharyngospasm are usually brief but can be intense and disruptive. They can occur spontaneously or be triggered by various factors such as stress, anxiety, certain foods or liquids, exposure to cold air, or even the thought of swallowing. It is believed that the underlying cause of pharyngospasm is a disturbance in the normal function of the nerves that control the muscles in the pharynx.

   Symptoms of pharyngospasm may include a feeling of a lump or obstruction in the throat, choking or gagging sensation, coughing, excessive saliva production, and a tight or constricted sensation in the neck. In severe cases, pharyngospasm can result in difficulty in breathing, chest pain, and even loss of consciousness.

   Treatment for pharyngospasm involves addressing the underlying cause and managing the symptoms. This may include stress reduction techniques, avoiding triggers, and therapy to improve swallowing coordination. Medications such as muscle relaxants or anti-anxiety drugs may be prescribed to help alleviate the spasms. In severe cases that do not respond to conservative measures, surgical intervention may be considered.

   Overall, pharyngospasm is a condition characterized by involuntary muscle contractions in the pharynx, leading to difficulty in swallowing and breathing. Prompt medical attention is important to manage and treat this condition effectively.

2. Pharyngismus.

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

Common Misspellings for PHARYNGOSPASM

• oharyngospasm
• lharyngospasm
• 0haryngospasm
• pgaryngospasm
• pbaryngospasm
• pnaryngospasm
• pjaryngospasm
• puaryngospasm
• pyaryngospasm
• phzryngospasm
• phsryngospasm
• phwryngospasm
• phqryngospasm
• phaeyngospasm
• phadyngospasm
• phafyngospasm
• phatyngospasm
• pha5yngospasm
• pha4yngospasm
• phartngospasm

Etymology of PHARYNGOSPASM

The word "pharyngospasm" is derived from two root words: "pharyngo" and "spasm".

1. Pharyngo: The prefix "pharyngo-" is derived from the Greek word "pharynx", which means "throat". The pharynx is a part of the throat that connects the nasal and oral cavities with the esophagus and larynx.

2. Spasm: The term "spasm" originated from the Greek word "spasmos", which means "convulsion" or "twitching". In medical terminology, it refers to an involuntary and sudden muscular contraction.

When combined, "pharyngo" and "spasm" create the term "pharyngospasm", which indicates a sudden involuntary contraction or spasm of the muscles in the throat or pharynx. This condition can result in difficulty swallowing, breathing, or speaking.