GLOTTITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Glottitis is a medical term used to describe inflammation or swelling of the glottis, which is the part of the larynx (voice box) that contains the vocal cords. This condition typically results from a bacterial or viral infection, trauma to the throat, or an allergic reaction.
Symptoms of glottitis include severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, a high-pitched wheezing sound during inhalation, and sometimes difficulty breathing. Swelling of the glottis can obstruct the airway, leading to a medical emergency.
The condition is often diagnosed through a physical examination, during which a healthcare professional may observe the inflamed glottis and listen for abnormal sounds. Additional tests, such as blood tests or imaging studies, may be used to identify the underlying cause.
Treatment for glottitis aims to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and address the underlying cause if possible. This typically involves the use of anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics if the cause is bacterial, implementing voice rest, avoiding irritants, and maintaining hydration. Severe cases may require hospitalization and interventions to secure the airway, such as intubation or a tracheotomy.
It is important to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of glottitis are present, as the condition can progress rapidly and potentially lead to breathing difficulties and asphyxiation. Prompt treatment can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GLOTTITIS
- flottitis
- vlottitis
- blottitis
- hlottitis
- ylottitis
- tlottitis
- gkottitis
- gpottitis
- goottitis
- glittitis
- glkttitis
- gllttitis
- glpttitis
- gl0ttitis
- gl9ttitis
- glortitis
- gloftitis
- glogtitis
- gloytitis
- glo6titis
Etymology of GLOTTITIS
The word "glottitis" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "glotta" meaning "tongue" and "-itis" indicating inflammation. Specifically, "glotta" comes from the Greek word "glōssa" (γλῶσσα), which means "tongue". Meanwhile, "-itis" is a suffix used to denote inflammation in medical terminology. Therefore, "glottitis" refers to the inflammation of the glottis, the part of the larynx comprising the vocal cords and the opening between them.
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