PACHYPLEURITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Pachypleuritis is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by the thickening and inflammation of the pleura, the thin membrane that lines the lungs and the inner chest wall. The term is derived from two components - "pachy," meaning thick, and "pleuritis," referring to the inflammation of the pleura.
Pachypleuritis is often caused by a variety of factors, including infections such as pneumonia or tuberculosis, autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, pulmonary embolism, chest trauma, or exposure to toxic substances such as asbestos. The thickening of the pleura restricts the movement of the lungs during breathing, leading to symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough.
Diagnosis of pachypleuritis is typically done through a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, and imaging tests such as chest X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans. Treatment for pachypleuritis mainly focuses on addressing the underlying cause and managing symptoms. This may involve the use of antibiotics or other medications to treat infections or autoimmune conditions, pain management, and respiratory therapy to alleviate breathing difficulties.
In severe cases, where the thickened pleura significantly impairs lung function, surgical interventions like pleurodesis or pleurectomy may be required to remove the affected pleura and improve lung function. Regular monitoring and follow-up with a healthcare professional are crucial to manage the condition effectively and minimize complications.
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Productive pleurisy, inflammation of the pleura with thickening of the membrane.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PACHYPLEURITIS
- oachypleuritis
- lachypleuritis
- -achypleuritis
- 0achypleuritis
- pzchypleuritis
- pschypleuritis
- pwchypleuritis
- pqchypleuritis
- paxhypleuritis
- pavhypleuritis
- pafhypleuritis
- padhypleuritis
- pacgypleuritis
- pacbypleuritis
- pacnypleuritis
- pacjypleuritis
- pacuypleuritis
- pacyypleuritis
- pachtpleuritis
- pachgpleuritis
Etymology of PACHYPLEURITIS
The word "pachypleuritis" is derived from two Greek roots: "pachys" meaning thick or dense, and "pleura" meaning rib or side. In medical terms, "pachypleuritis" refers to the thickening of the pleura, which is the membrane that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs.
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