How Do You Spell PYOPNEUMOTHORAX?

1. Pyopneumothorax is a medical condition characterized by the presence of both air (pneumothorax) and pus (pyothorax) within the pleural space, usually due to bacterial infection. The pleural space is the area between the lungs and the chest wall, which normally contains a small amount of fluid to lubricate the movement of the lungs during respiration. However, in the case of pyopneumothorax, the presence of infection leads to an accumulation of both air and pus within this space.

   Pyopneumothorax typically occurs as a complication of a pre-existing condition such as pneumonia, lung abscess, or empyema, where infection has spread from the lungs into the pleural space. The introduction of bacteria into the pleural space results in an inflammatory response, leading to the production of pus. Concurrently, the infection causes damage to the lung tissue, creating small openings or leaks through which air can enter the pleural space.

   Symptoms of pyopneumothorax may include severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing up blood or phlegm, fever, and general malaise. The condition is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, chest X-rays, and other imaging techniques, which can confirm the presence of both air and fluid in the pleural space.

   Treatment for pyopneumothorax usually involves drainage of the pus and air from the pleural space through a tube or needle inserted into the chest cavity, a procedure known as thoracostomy or chest tube insertion. Antibiotics are also prescribed to treat the underlying infection. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the infected lung tissue or repair any anatomical defects contributing to the condition.

2. The presence of gas together with a purulent effusion in the pleural cavity.

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

Common Misspellings for PYOPNEUMOTHORAX

The word "pyopneumothorax" is derived from Greek roots.

"Pyo-" is a prefix that means "pus" in Greek, derived from the word "pyon" (πύον).

"Pneumo-" is a combining form from the Greek word "pneuma" (πνεῦμα), which means "breath" or "air".

"Thorax" is a Latin word derived from the Greek word "thōrakos" (θώραξ), which means "chest".

When combined, "pyopneumothorax" describes a condition characterized by the presence of both air (pneumo-) and pus (pyo-) in the pleural cavity (between the chest wall and the lungs).

Plural form of PYOPNEUMOTHORAX is PYOPNEUMOTHORACES