Plastic bronchitis is a rare respiratory condition characterized by the formation of rubbery, branching casts that obstruct the airways. The word "plastic" in this term does not refer to the material, but rather to the moldable or pliable nature of the casts. The correct IPA phonetic transcription for "plastic bronchitis" is /ˈplæstɪk brɒŋˈkaɪtɪs/. The stress is on the second syllable of "bronchitis" and the final sound of "bronchitis" is a hard "t" rather than a "s."
Plastic bronchitis is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of thick, rubbery plugs or casts in the bronchial airways of the lungs. These casts are made up of a mixture of fibrin, inflammatory cells, and mucus. The term "plastic" refers to the solid, moldable nature of these obstructions, which resemble the texture and appearance of plastic.
Plastic bronchitis can occur in both children and adults, and it is typically associated with underlying respiratory disorders such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, or congenital heart disease. However, it can also manifest as an idiopathic condition, meaning it arises without a known cause.
The formation of these casts can obstruct the airways, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and recurrent respiratory tract infections. In severe cases, the obstruction can cause respiratory distress and even respiratory failure.
Diagnosis of plastic bronchitis usually involves imaging studies such as chest X-rays or CT scans, which can detect the presence of these casts or identify any underlying abnormalities. Treatment may vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition but typically involves a combination of airway clearance techniques, bronchodilators, anti-inflammatory medications, and occasionally surgical intervention.
Overall, plastic bronchitis is a rare and complex respiratory condition characterized by the formation of solid bronchial casts. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial in order to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life for individuals affected by this condition.
Fibrinous b.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "plastic bronchitis" has a fairly straightforward etymology:
- "Plastic" comes from the Greek word "plastikos", meaning "capable of being shaped or molded". In medicine, the term "plastic" is used to describe substances or conditions that are solid and can maintain their shape.
- "Bronchitis" is derived from the Greek word "bronkhos", which means "windpipe" or "large airway", and the suffix "-itis" refers to inflammation. Therefore, bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes.
When combined, "plastic bronchitis" refers to a medical condition characterized by the formation of solid, moldable plugs within the bronchial tubes, which obstruct airflow and cause respiratory symptoms. This term emphasizes the solid, plastic-like nature of the obstructions.