How Do You Spell PLEURALGIC?

Pronunciation: [plɜːɹˈald͡ʒɪk] (IPA)

The word "pleuralgic" (/\ˌplʊərˈældʒɪk/) is derived from the medical term "pleurisy," which describes inflammation of the pleura, a membrane that lines the lungs. The suffix "-algic" means "relating to pain," so pleuralgic means "painful pleurisy." The spelling of "pleuralgic" follows the common English spelling conventions, with the use of the letter "u" after the "p" to represent the "oo" sound, and "a" after "l" to represent the "al" sound. Knowing the IPA phonetic transcription can help in correctly pronouncing and spelling unfamiliar medical terms.

PLEURALGIC Meaning and Definition

1. The term "pleuralgic" refers to a medical condition or symptom that is associated with or characterized by pain in the pleura, which is the thin membrane that lines the inside of the chest cavity and covers the lungs. Pleuralgia primarily manifests as a sharp, stabbing, or dull ache in the chest, particularly upon breathing or coughing. It is commonly caused by inflammation or irritation of the pleura due to various underlying conditions, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, pleurisy, lung cancer, or pulmonary embolism.

   Individuals experiencing pleuralgic pain may also present additional symptoms including shortness of breath, coughing, fever, fatigue, and in severe cases, may exhibit signs of respiratory distress. Diagnosis of pleuralgia typically involves a comprehensive medical history assessment, physical examination, and further investigations such as chest X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and laboratory tests.

   Treating pleuralgia often depends on the underlying cause. The primary goal is to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Treatments may consist of pain management with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), analgesics, or narcotics. In cases where pleural effusion or fluid accumulation occurs, therapeutic measures such as thoracentesis (draining of the fluid with a needle) or pleurodesis (sealing the pleural space) may be employed. Antibiotics, antiviral, or antifungal medications are administered when infectious agents are implicated in pleuralgic pain. In certain instances, surgery may be necessary to address the underlying condition.

   It is essential to promptly consult a healthcare professional when pleuralgic symptoms arise, as early diagnosis and intervention may contribute to an improved prognosis and enhanced quality of life.

2. Relating to pleuralgia.

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

Common Misspellings for PLEURALGIC

• pleualgic
• pleu2algic

Etymology of PLEURALGIC

The word "pleuralgic" is derived from the combination of two terms: "pleura" and "algia".

1. Pleura: The term "pleura" originates from the Ancient Greek word "pleura" (πλευρά), meaning "side" or "rib". In medical terminology, the pleura refers to the serous membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the inside of the chest cavity.

2. Algia: The suffix "-algia" is derived from the Greek word "algos" (ἄλγος), meaning "pain". It is commonly used in the medical field to denote pain or a painful condition associated with a specific organ or body part.