How Do You Spell WET PLEURISY?

1. Wet pleurisy, also known as pleural effusion, is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of excessive fluid within the pleural cavity, the space between the two layers of the pleura surrounding the lungs. The pleural cavity normally contains a small amount of fluid that acts as a lubricant, allowing smooth movement of the lungs during respiration. However, in cases of wet pleurisy, there is an abnormal increase in the quantity of fluid, which can hinder proper lung expansion and cause breathing difficulties.

   This condition can arise from various underlying causes, including infections, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis, congestive heart failure, cancer, kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, or trauma to the chest. The excessive accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, and a decrease in the ability to perform physical activities.

   Diagnosis of wet pleurisy often involves physical examinations, imaging tests like chest X-rays or ultrasound, and the analysis of pleural fluid obtained through thoracentesis, a procedure in which fluid is drained from the pleural space using a needle.

   The treatment of wet pleurisy primarily focuses on managing the underlying cause while alleviating symptoms. Depending on the severity of the condition and the cause, treatment may involve antibiotics, antiviral medications, diuretics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or in cases of severe effusion, the drainage of fluid through a chest tube or surgical intervention.

   As wet pleurisy can potentially lead to complications and impact lung function, prompt medical attention and appropriate management are crucial to prevent further health deterioration.

2. P. with effusion.

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

Common Misspellings for WET PLEURISY

The term "wet pleurisy" is not commonly used in modern medical terminology. However, the word "pleurisy" itself has an interesting etymology.

The word "pleurisy" originated from the ancient Greek word "pleuritis", which means "inflammation of the side" or "pain in the side". It was derived from the Greek word "pleura", which refers to the membrane that covers the lungs and lines the chest cavity.

The term "wet" in this context could be referring to the presence of fluid in the pleural cavity, which is abnormal and typically indicates a disease process. In cases of pleurisy, fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity is often absent (known as dry pleurisy) or minimal. A large accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity is more commonly known as pleural effusion.