How Do You Spell RESPIRATORY SCLEROMA?

1. Respiratory scleroma is a medical condition characterized by chronic inflammation and the formation of abnormal, fibrous tissue in the respiratory tract. Specifically, it commonly affects the nasal cavity and the pharynx, but can also spread to the larynx, trachea, and bronchi.

   The condition is primarily caused by an infection with the bacterium Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis. This bacterium is typically acquired through close contact with infected individuals, such as through respiratory droplets. Once inside the body, the bacterium causes chronic inflammation in the respiratory mucosa, leading to the formation of nodular, granulomatous lesions. Over time, these lesions can progress to fibrosis, which results in the thickening and hardening of the affected tissues.

   Symptoms of respiratory scleroma can vary depending on the severity and location of the lesions, but commonly include nasal obstruction, chronic nasal discharge, nasal crusting, and recurrent sinus infections. In advanced cases, the infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract, leading to symptoms such as cough, difficulty breathing, and hoarseness.

   Diagnosis of respiratory scleroma typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies (such as CT scans), and microbiological tests to identify the presence of Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis. Treatment generally involves a prolonged course of antibiotics, often a combination of multiple drugs, to target the infection. In severe cases where the airway is compromised, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the fibrous tissue or open up the affected airway to alleviate breathing difficulties.

2. Rhinoscleroma in which the lesion involves the mucous membrane of the greater part or all of the upper respiratory tract.

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

Common Misspellings for RESPIRATORY SCLEROMA

The word "respiratory scleroma" comes from a combination of two words: "respiratory" and "scleroma".

The term "respiratory" relates to respiration, which refers to the act of breathing or the process of exchanging gases between an organism and its environment. It is derived from the Latin word "respirare", meaning "to breathe".

"Scleroma" is a medical term that refers to a condition characterized by hardening or thickening of tissues. It comes from the Greek word "sklērōsis", meaning "hardness" or "stiffness".

Therefore, "respiratory scleroma" is a medical term combining these two elements to describe a condition characterized by the hardening or thickening of respiratory tissues.