CATARRHAL PNEUMONIA Meaning and
Definition
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Catarrhal pneumonia is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation and infection of the lung's air sacs or alveoli, primarily caused by a virus or bacteria. This type of pneumonia is classified as "catarrhal" due to the excessive production of mucus and inflammation in the respiratory system.
Catarrhal pneumonia typically occurs as a result of an upper respiratory tract infection, such as a cold or flu, where the infection spreads to the lower respiratory tract. The virus or bacteria enters the lungs and triggers an immune response, causing the lining of the lungs to become irritated and inflamed.
Symptoms of catarrhal pneumonia may include a persistent cough, production of thick, yellowish or greenish sputum, chest pain, difficulty breathing, fever, chills, fatigue, and general malaise. It is often accompanied by symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, such as a sore throat, runny nose, and congestion.
Diagnosis of catarrhal pneumonia is typically made through a combination of clinical evaluation, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, such as a chest X-ray, blood tests, and analysis of sputum samples. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause, such as providing antiviral or antibiotic medication, relieving symptoms with cough suppressants or expectorants, and ensuring adequate rest and hydration.
If left untreated, catarrhal pneumonia can lead to more severe complications, such as lung abscesses, respiratory failure, or even death. Therefore, seeking prompt medical attention and following the prescribed treatment plan is crucial for a full recovery.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CATARRHAL PNEUMONIA
- xatarrhal pneumonia
- vatarrhal pneumonia
- fatarrhal pneumonia
- datarrhal pneumonia
- cztarrhal pneumonia
- cstarrhal pneumonia
- cwtarrhal pneumonia
- cqtarrhal pneumonia
- cararrhal pneumonia
- cafarrhal pneumonia
- cagarrhal pneumonia
- cayarrhal pneumonia
- ca6arrhal pneumonia
- ca5arrhal pneumonia
- catzrrhal pneumonia
- catsrrhal pneumonia
- catwrrhal pneumonia
- catqrrhal pneumonia
- cataerhal pneumonia
- catadrhal pneumonia
Etymology of CATARRHAL PNEUMONIA
The word "catarrhal" originated from the Greek word "katarrhein", which means "to flow down". In medical terminology, "catarrhal" is used to describe a condition characterized by excessive discharge or inflammation of the mucus membranes, such as in the respiratory tract.
The term "pneumonia" also has Greek roots, with "pneumon" meaning "lung". "Pneumonia" refers to an infection or inflammation of the air sacs in one or both lungs, typically caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other microorganisms.
Therefore, "catarrhal pneumonia" is a descriptive term combining "catarrhal" (referring to excessive discharge or inflammation of mucus membranes) with "pneumonia" (referring to infection or inflammation of the lungs), indicating a condition where there is both an excessive discharge and inflammation in the lungs.
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