STOMATITIS INTERTROPICA Meaning and
Definition
-
Stomatitis intertropica, also known as tropical ulcer or Noma, is a severe bacterial infection primarily affecting the oral cavity. It is characterized by the formation of painful, necrotic ulcers, which can rapidly progress and cause significant tissue destruction.
The term "stomatitis" refers to the inflammation of the oral mucosa, while "intertropica" implies its association with tropical regions. Stomatitis intertropica typically occurs in poverty-stricken areas with limited access to healthcare and poor sanitation conditions. The infection is commonly initiated by a combination of malnutrition, poor oral hygiene, immune suppression, and an impaired immune response.
The initial signs of stomatitis intertropica include redness, pain, and swelling of the oral mucosa. Over time, this can progress to the formation of deep, necrotic ulcers that can rapidly spread to the lips, cheeks, and surrounding tissues. The destruction of underlying tissues and bone can result in disfigurement, functional impairment, and even death if left untreated.
The bacterial infection responsible for stomatitis intertropica is usually a combination of anaerobic bacteria, such as Fusobacterium spp. and Prevotella spp., along with other opportunistic pathogens. The infection gains a foothold due to compromised host immunity and the presence of local oral pathogens, which collectively contribute to the destructive nature of the disease.
Treatment of stomatitis intertropica requires a multidisciplinary approach, including nutritional support, antimicrobial therapy, wound management, and surgical intervention in advanced cases. Prevention efforts largely focus on improving nutrition, access to clean water, oral hygiene practices, and overall healthcare infrastructure.
-
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for STOMATITIS INTERTROPICA
- atomatitis intertropica
- ztomatitis intertropica
- xtomatitis intertropica
- dtomatitis intertropica
- etomatitis intertropica
- wtomatitis intertropica
- sromatitis intertropica
- sfomatitis intertropica
- sgomatitis intertropica
- syomatitis intertropica
- s6omatitis intertropica
- s5omatitis intertropica
- stimatitis intertropica
- stkmatitis intertropica
- stlmatitis intertropica
- stpmatitis intertropica
- st0matitis intertropica
- st9matitis intertropica
- stonatitis intertropica
- stokatitis intertropica
Etymology of STOMATITIS INTERTROPICA
The word "stomatitis" has its origins in the Greek language. It is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "stoma" meaning "mouth" and "itis" meaning "inflammation". Therefore, "stomatitis" refers to inflammation of the mouth.
The term "intertropica" is not directly related to the etymology of "stomatitis". Instead, it is a descriptive term added to specify the geographical location where this particular condition is prevalent. "Intertropica" combines the Latin prefix "inter" meaning "between" or "among" and the Latin word "tropica", which is related to the tropics. Consequently, "stomatitis intertropica" refers to inflammation of the mouth occurring specifically in the tropical regions between or among the tropics.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
