THYMIC STRIDOR Meaning and
Definition
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Thymic stridor refers to a medical condition characterized by a high-pitched, harsh sound produced during breathing. It is caused by the partial obstruction or narrowing of the upper airways, specifically the region near the thymus gland. The thymus gland is a small organ located in the upper part of the chest, near the base of the neck, and plays a crucial role in the maturation of certain immune system cells.
Thymic stridor commonly affects infants and young children, particularly those between the ages of three months and three years. The condition arises due to the enlargement of the thymus gland, which in turn can result from various underlying issues such as infection, inflammation, or tumors in the thymus. As the thymus gland enlarges, it can compress the surrounding structures, including the upper airways, leading to breathing difficulties and the production of a characteristic stridor sound.
Symptoms of thymic stridor typically include noisy breathing, especially during inspiration, which may worsen when the child is agitated or crying. Other signs can include a rapid or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and chest retractions. Prompt medical evaluation is important to determine the underlying cause and severity of the thymic stridor.
Treatment options for thymic stridor aim to alleviate the obstruction and improve breathing. This may involve medication to reduce thymus gland inflammation or surgical intervention to remove the gland or address any associated masses. Specific treatment plans depend on the individual case and are determined by healthcare professionals based on careful assessment and diagnosis.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for THYMIC STRIDOR
Etymology of THYMIC STRIDOR
The word "thymic" is derived from the Greek word "thumos", which refers to the thymus gland. The thymus gland is an important organ of the immune system located in the chest.
The term "stridor" comes from the Latin word "stridere", meaning "to make a harsh, grating noise". Stridor refers to a high-pitched, wheezing or crowing sound that occurs during breathing.
Therefore, "thymic stridor" is a medical term used to describe a specific type of breathing difficulty characterized by the presence of stridor and associated with the thymus gland.
