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CD-ROM Today (UK) (Spanish) 15
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00204.txt
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1994-01-17
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$Unique_ID{BRK00204}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What's an Orchitis?}
$Subject{testicle infection orchitis Genitourinary System Infections Orchitic
testes mumps virus syphilis tuberculosis high fever pain testicular nauseous
vomiting vomited vomit scrotal red abnormal amount fluid testis swollen
analgesic scrotum testicles Antibiotics bacteria infection testicular pressure
cortisone drug drugs surgery surgeries operation operations}
$Volume{J-22, A-22}
$Log{}
Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
What's an Orchitis?
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QUESTION: I'm not sure the word is correct, but I have a personal interest in
the condition. What's an orchitis?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: It is a relatively uncommon infection of one or both testes. Orchitis
is usually seen in adults and frequently it is one of the more painful aspects
of a mumps infection. Twenty to thirty percent of mumps patients get orchitis
of one testes about a week after they have contracted the mumps virus.
However, syphilis and even tuberculosis can bring on this condition. A person
who suffers from orchitis initially has a sudden high fever followed by
extreme pain in the testicular area, and soon is nauseous and vomiting. The
scrotal area becomes bright red and filled with an abnormal amount of fluid.
The infected testis is hard to the touch, swollen and terribly tender.
(Patients with this condition are notoriously "testy." Do you think this is
where the adjective comes from?) Bed rest is recommended along with some cold
packs and perhaps painkillers. It is best to support the scrotum by elevating
it to relieve pressure upon the testicles. Antibiotics can be used if
bacteria are identified as the cause of the infection. In severe cases, a
cortisone drug is prescribed to relieve pain, or surgery is performed to
reduce testicular pressure. Half of all orchitis victims, whose condition
stems from mumps, lose the function of the infected testicle. Sterility,
however, is rare in spite of this loss. It is obvious that this is a serious
condition, and a personal interest demands a personal consultation with your
own family physician, to determine the implications for you personally.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.