PLEURALGIA Meaning and
Definition
-
Pleuralgia is a medical term used to describe the sharp or dull pain that occurs in the pleura, which is the delicate, membranous lining surrounding the lungs and chest cavity. Derived from the Latin word "pleura" (meaning rib), and the Greek suffix "-algia" (meaning pain), pleuralgia refers specifically to discomfort experienced in the pleural space.
The pleura consists of two layers: the visceral pleura, which covers the surface of the lungs, and the parietal pleura, which lines the inside of the chest wall. These layers are normally smooth and slide against each other during breathing. However, various conditions or diseases can cause inflammation or irritation of the pleura, leading to pleuralgia.
Common causes of pleuralgia include respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis, lung diseases like bronchitis or asthma, as well as injuries to the chest wall or trauma to the lung. Symptoms of pleuralgia range from mild to severe pain that may worsen during deep breathing, coughing, or movement. The pain is typically localized to one side of the chest and may radiate towards the back or shoulder.
Treatment for pleuralgia depends on its underlying cause. It may involve addressing the primary condition, such as administering antibiotics for an infection, prescribing analgesic medication for pain relief, or employing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In certain cases, interventions like thoracentesis (fluid drainage from the pleural space) may be necessary. Seek medical attention if you experience persistent chest pain or have difficulty breathing, as it may be indicative of a serious condition requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.
-
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PLEURALGIA
- oleuralgia
- lleuralgia
- 0leuralgia
- pkeuralgia
- ppeuralgia
- poeuralgia
- plwuralgia
- plsuralgia
- plduralgia
- plruralgia
- pl4uralgia
- pl3uralgia
- pleyralgia
- plehralgia
- plejralgia
- pleiralgia
- pleuealgia
- pleu5algia
- pleu4algia
- pleu2algia
Etymology of PLEURALGIA
The word "pleuralgia" is derived from two combined roots: "pleura" and "algia".
1. "Pleura" comes from the Ancient Greek word πλευρά (pleurá), meaning "side" or "rib". The pleura refers to the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the chest cavity. This term is also used to describe the inflammation of the pleural linings, which can cause conditions like pleurisy.
2. "-Algia" is a suffix that comes from the Ancient Greek word ἄλγος (álgos), meaning "pain" or "ache". It is commonly used in medical terminology to denote various types of pain.
Combining these two elements, "pleuralgia" refers to pain or discomfort originating from the pleura or the tissues surrounding the lungs.
Similar spelling words for PLEURALGIA
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
