PHTHISIS NODOSA Meaning and
Definition
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Phthisis nodosa is a medical term referring to a specific form of tuberculosis that affects the lungs. The condition is characterized by the presence of nodules or small rounded growths on the lung tissue. These nodules, also known as tuberculomas, are typically composed of the tubercle bacillus, the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis.
Phthisis nodosa is considered a chronic and progressive form of tuberculosis, which means it often develops slowly over time and gradually worsens without proper treatment. The disease primarily affects the lungs, but it can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, bones, and kidneys.
Symptoms of phthisis nodosa include persistent cough, difficulty breathing, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, and fevers. The diagnosis is usually confirmed through various tests, including chest X-rays, sputum cultures, and tuberculin skin tests.
The recommended treatment for phthisis nodosa involves a combination of antibiotics for a prolonged period, typically several months to a year. Antitubercular medications such as isoniazid, rifampin, and ethambutol are commonly prescribed to combat the infection. In some cases, surgical intervention may be required to remove the tuberculomas that are causing significant lung damage.
Overall, phthisis nodosa is a serious and potentially life-threatening form of tuberculosis that requires prompt medical attention and adherence to a comprehensive treatment plan to prevent its progression and complications.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PHTHISIS NODOSA
- ohthisis nodosa
- lhthisis nodosa
- -hthisis nodosa
- 0hthisis nodosa
- pgthisis nodosa
- pbthisis nodosa
- pnthisis nodosa
- pjthisis nodosa
- puthisis nodosa
- pythisis nodosa
- phrhisis nodosa
- phfhisis nodosa
- phghisis nodosa
- phyhisis nodosa
- ph6hisis nodosa
- ph5hisis nodosa
- phtgisis nodosa
- phtbisis nodosa
- phtnisis nodosa
- phtjisis nodosa
Etymology of PHTHISIS NODOSA
The word "phthisis nodosa" is derived from Greek and Latin roots.
The term "phthisis" originates from the Greek word "phthísis" (φθίσις), which means "wasting away" or "consumption". In ancient Greek medicine, it referred specifically to a progressive and debilitating disease that led to the wasting of the body, commonly associated with tuberculosis.
The word "nodosa" comes from the Latin term "nodus", meaning "knot" or "node". In this context, it refers to the characteristic nodules or nodes that form in the affected tissues or organs during the disease.
When combined, "phthisis nodosa" refers to a form of tuberculosis characterized by the presence of nodules in the affected areas, typically the lungs.
