PLEURAL EMPYEMA Meaning and
Definition
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Pleural empyema, commonly referred to as empyema, is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of pus within the pleural cavity, which is the space between the two layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest wall. This condition typically occurs as a complication of pneumonia or other lung infections, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.
The occurrence of pleural empyema is attributed to the spread of infection from the lungs into the pleural space. Bacteria or other infectious agents enter the pleural cavity through the bloodstream or by direct extension from an adjacent infection site. As a response to the infection, the body produces an excessive amount of fluid and inflammatory cells, resulting in the formation of pus.
The symptoms of pleural empyema often start with a persistent cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other signs may include fever, chills, fatigue, and general malaise. Diagnosis is typically made using imaging techniques such as chest X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans, which can reveal the presence of fluid accumulation in the pleural space.
Treatment of pleural empyema usually involves a combination of medical therapy and drainage procedures. Antibiotics are prescribed to eliminate the causative microorganisms, while drainage of the pus is essential to relieve symptoms and aid in the recovery process. In some cases, a chest tube may be inserted to facilitate the removal of pus, and surgery might be necessary to remove any necrotic tissue or to repair any underlying lung conditions.
Without timely treatment, pleural empyema can lead to serious complications, such as lung abscess, sepsis, or respiratory failure. Prompt medical intervention is crucial to prevent these complications and ensure a favorable outcome for the affected individuals.
Common Misspellings for PLEURAL EMPYEMA
- oleural empyema
- lleural empyema
- -leural empyema
- 0leural empyema
- pkeural empyema
- ppeural empyema
- poeural empyema
- plwural empyema
- plsural empyema
- pldural empyema
- plrural empyema
- pl4ural empyema
- pl3ural empyema
- pleyral empyema
- plehral empyema
- plejral empyema
- pleiral empyema
- ple8ral empyema
- ple7ral empyema
- pleueal empyema
Etymology of PLEURAL EMPYEMA
The word "pleural" comes from the Late Latin term "pleuralis", which means "of or relating to the ribs or side". It is derived from the Latin word "pleura", meaning "ribs" or "side".
The term "empyema" originates from the Greek word "empū́ēma", combining "en" (meaning "in") and "pýon" (meaning "pus"). Thus, "empyema" refers to the presence of pus within a body cavity, in this case, the pleural cavity.
When combined, "pleural empyema" is a medical term used to describe a condition where the pleural cavity, the space between the lungs and the chest wall, becomes infected and filled with pus.
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