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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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-
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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?
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-
- 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.
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-