Phlegmonous enteritis is a medical term that refers to inflammation of the intestine. The spelling of this word can be challenging as it contains consonant clusters and silent letters. The correct pronunciation is /flɛɡˈmoʊnəs ˌɛntəˈraɪtɪs/. The "ph" at the beginning is pronounced as an "f" sound, while the "g" and "m" in "phlegmonous" are silent. The "e" in "enteritis" is pronounced as a long "e" sound, and the "t" and "s" at the end are silent. Understanding the phonetic transcription can help in correctly spelling and pronouncing this word.
Phlegmonous enteritis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the small intestine, specifically the mucous lining and the deeper layers of the intestinal wall. It is a type of enteritis, which refers to inflammation of the intestines. The term "phlegmonous" indicates the presence of a localized spreading inflammation accompanied by the formation of thick, pus-filled areas within the affected tissue.
This condition typically manifests with symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes blood in the stool. Phlegmonous enteritis is primarily caused by a bacterial infection, although it can also be associated with other factors such as certain medications or underlying medical conditions that weaken the immune system.
Untreated or severe cases of phlegmonous enteritis can lead to complications like perforation of the intestine, abscess formation, sepsis, and potentially life-threatening conditions. Prompt diagnosis is crucial, typically requiring imaging studies such as computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the extent of inflammation and exclude other possible causes.
The treatment approach for phlegmonous enteritis generally entails a combination of antibiotics to combat the underlying bacterial infection, along with supportive measures such as intravenous fluids, pain management, and nutritional support. In severe cases, surgical intervention might be necessary to drain abscesses or remove any damaged or necrotic tissue.
Overall, phlegmonous enteritis is a serious condition that requires medical attention to prevent complications and promote healing of the inflamed intestinal tissue.
Severe acute inflammation of the intestine, with walls edematous and infiltrated with pus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "phlegmonous enteritis" is derived from Greek and Latin.
1. "Phlegmonous" comes from the Greek word "phlegmōn" (φλεγμών), which means "inflammation" or "fiery heat". It is derived from the verb "phlegein" (φλέγειν), which means "burn" or "inflame".
2. "Enteritis" is derived from the Greek word "enteron" (ἔντερον), meaning "intestine" or "gut". The suffix "-itis" is of Greek origin and commonly means "inflammation", thus indicating inflammation of the intestine.
By combining these terms, "phlegmonous enteritis" denotes an inflammation of the intestine characterized by heat and swelling.