Serofibrinous pleurisy is a medical term used to describe the inflammation of the membrane surrounding the lungs. The word is pronounced as /sɛrəʊfaɪˈbrɪnəs ˈplʊrɪsi/. The first part of the word "serofibrinous" includes the prefix "sero-" which refers to serum, while the suffix "-fibrinous" refers to the presence of fibrin in the fluid. The second part of the word "pleurisy" includes the suffix "-isy" which denotes a medical condition. In summary, the word "serofibrinous pleurisy" describes the inflammation caused by the accumulation of fluid containing fibrin in the membrane surrounding the lungs.
Serofibrinous pleurisy is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the pleura, which is the thin membrane that lines the lungs and chest cavity. This condition occurs when the pleura becomes swollen and irritated, leading to the accumulation of fluid and fibrin in the pleural space.
The term "serofibrinous" refers to the nature of the fluid that collects in the pleural space. It is a combination of serum, a clear and watery fluid, and fibrin, a fibrous protein involved in clot formation. The presence of both these components suggests an inflammatory response in the pleura.
Serofibrinous pleurisy can be caused by various factors, including infections such as bacterial or viral pneumonia, tuberculosis, or fungal infections. Other potential causes include trauma to the chest, autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, and certain medications or chemicals.
Symptoms of serofibrinous pleurisy typically include sharp or stabbing chest pain that worsens during breathing or coughing, difficulty breathing, cough, and a feeling of heaviness or tightness in the chest. Diagnosis is usually made through physical examination, medical history review, imaging tests such as chest X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans, and analysis of the fluid obtained through a procedure called thoracentesis.
Treatment for serofibrinous pleurisy usually involves addressing the underlying cause and relieving symptoms. This may include the use of pain medications, antibiotics or antifungal drugs if there is an infection, and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation. In severe cases, drainage of the pleural fluid may be necessary to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
The more common form of p. characterized by a fibrinous exudate on the surface of the pleura and a more or less extensive effusion of serous fluid into the pleural cavity.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "serofibrinous pleurisy" is a medical term used to describe inflammation of the pleura, the membranes surrounding the lungs. The etymology of this term can be broken down as follows:
1. Sero-: The prefix "sero-" comes from the Latin word "serum", which means "serum" or "watery fluid". In medical terminology, it refers to a clear, yellowish fluid that separates from blood after clotting.
2. Fibrinous: The word "fibrinous" is derived from the Latin word "fibra", meaning "fiber". In medicine, it refers to an accumulation of fibrin, a protein involved in blood clotting, which can form as a result of inflammation.
3. Pleurisy: The term "pleurisy" is derived from the Greek word "pleura", which means "side" or "rib".