How Do You Spell PULSATING EMPYEMA?

1. Pulsating empyema is a medical term used to describe a specific condition primarily affecting the pleural cavity of the lungs. It refers to the presence of an accumulation of pus, known as empyema, within the pleural space that exhibits a pulsating or rhythmic movement.

   The pleural cavity is the area between the inner lining of the chest and the outer lining of the lungs. Empyema occurs when an infection in the lungs, such as pneumonia, spreads to the pleural space, resulting in the accumulation of infected fluid. This fluid, made up of pus, bacteria, and dead cells, causes inflammation and swelling within the pleural cavity.

   In cases of pulsating empyema, the buildup of pus produces a noticeable pulsating or throbbing movement. This pulsation is usually observed during physical examination or chest X-rays, where the fluid-filled cavity appears to be expanding and contracting in rhythm with the heartbeat.

   Pulsating empyema typically presents with symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, fever, cough, and general fatigue. Prompt medical intervention is necessary to both treat the underlying infection causing the empyema and to drain the accumulated fluid from the pleural space. Treatment may involve the use of antibiotics to combat the infection, as well as the insertion of a tube or catheter to remove the pus and restore normal lung function.

   If left untreated, pulsating empyema can lead to severe complications, including lung abscess, respiratory failure, and even septic shock. Therefore, early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for a successful recovery.

2. A large, tense collection of pus in the pleural cavity through which the heart movements are transmitted to the chest wall.

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

Common Misspellings for PULSATING EMPYEMA

The word "pulsating empyema" is a medical term composed of two parts: "pulsating" and "empyema".

1. Pulsating: The term "pulsating" is derived from the Latin word "pulsatus", which is the past participle of the verb "pulsare", meaning "to beat, to throb". It is further related to the Latin noun "pulsus", meaning "a beating, a pulse". In medical terminology, "pulsating" is used to describe a rhythmic expansion and contraction, typically relating to a strong, regular pulsation perceived through touch or seen visually.

2. Empyema: The term "empyema" comes from the Greek word "empuein", comprising "en" (in) and "puein" (to suppurate).