PNEUMOMALACIA Meaning and
Definition
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Pneumomalacia is a medical term that refers to a condition characterized by the softening or weakening of the lung tissue. Derived from the Greek words "pneumo" meaning air or lung, and "malakia" meaning softness or weakness, pneumomalacia typically involves the loss of elasticity and structural integrity in the lung parenchyma.
This condition can affect both adults and children, but it is more commonly seen in infants. Pneumomalacia can be classified into various types, including primary pneumomalacia, which occurs due to the congenital weakness of lung tissues, and acquired pneumomalacia, which arises as a result of conditions such as chronic lung infections, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or damage to the airways.
The softening and weakened state of the lung tissue in pneumomalacia can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, persistent cough, or recurrent respiratory infections. Diagnosis of pneumomalacia often involves imaging techniques like chest X-rays or CT scans, which can show the structural abnormalities in the lung tissue.
Treatment options for pneumomalacia depend on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. In some cases, conservative management, including respiratory support, bronchodilators, and antibiotics, may be sufficient. However, severe cases may require surgical intervention, such as tracheostomy or placement of stents to provide structural support to the weakened airway.
Overall, pneumomalacia is a condition characterized by the softening and weakening of lung tissue, causing respiratory symptoms. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial in order to improve lung function and alleviate associated symptoms.
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Softening of the lung tissue.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PNEUMOMALACIA
- pneumomalacya
- pneumomalacaa
- pneumomalacma
- pneumomalacha
- pneumomalacii
- pneumomalacie
- pneumomalacic
- pn eumomalacia
- pne umomalacia
- pneu momalacia
- pneum omalacia
- pneumo malacia
- pneumom alacia
- pneumoma lacia
- pneumomal acia
- pneumomala cia
- pneumomalac ia
- pneumomalaci a
Etymology of PNEUMOMALACIA
The word "pneumomalacia" is derived from Greek roots. It consists of two parts: "pneumo" and "malacia".
- "Pneumo" is derived from the Greek word "pneuma" (πνεῦμα), meaning "air" or "breath". It is commonly used as a prefix in medical terminology to indicate a relation to the lungs or air, such as in words like "pneumonia" or "pneumothorax".
- "Malacia" is derived from the Greek word "malakia" (μαλακία), meaning "softness" or "weakness". In medical terminology, "malacia" is used to describe a condition characterized by softening or degeneration of a specific tissue or organ.
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