Respiratory Disorders Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes about respiratory disorders.

Respiratory System

System responsible for gas exchange, including structures like the nasal cavity, pharynx, trachea, and lungs.

Frontal Sinus

One of the paranasal sinuses located in the frontal bone.

Sphenoid Sinus

One of the paranasal sinuses located in the sphenoid bone.

Nasal Cavity

The interior space of the nose responsible for warming, humidifying, and filtering air.

Pharynx

The throat; a passageway for air and food.

Epiglottis

A flap of cartilage that covers the trachea during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airway.

Trachea

The windpipe; a tube that carries air to the lungs.

Lobar Bronchus

Secondary branches of the main bronchi that supply air to each lobe of the lung.

Pulmonary Vein

Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart.

Pulmonary Artery

Blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Diaphragm

A large, flat muscle at the base of the chest cavity that helps with breathing.

Asthma

Chronic respiratory disease characterized by acute narrowing of air passages and sudden episodes of dyspnea.

Influenza

A viral infection of the respiratory tract, commonly known as the flu.

Pneumonia

Infection of the lung tissue due to bacteria, virus, or aspiration, causing alveoli to fill with fluid.

Tuberculosis

Infection and/or disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, usually affecting the lungs.

COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; chronic lung disorder that obstructs airways, making breathing difficult.

Common Cold

Viral infection of the upper respiratory tract.

Rhinosinusitis

Inflammation of the nasal sinuses.

Atelectasis

Incomplete expansion in a portion of the lung related to many pulmonary conditions.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing.

Chronic Bronchitis

Obstruction of airways caused by excessive secretion of mucus.

Emphysema

Alveoli are damaged and lose elasticity; lack of lung recoil during expiration.

Barrel Chest

A rounded, bulging chest that resembles the shape of a barrel, often seen in COPD.

Cyanosis

Bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to insufficient oxygen in the blood.

Inhalers

Devices used to deliver medication directly to the lungs, such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids.

Bronchodilators

Medications that relax the muscles in the airways, widening them and making breathing easier.

Corticosteroids

Anti-inflammatory medications that reduce swelling and mucus production in the airways.

Diaphoresis

Excessive sweating.

Desensitization Therapy

A treatment to reduce sensitivity to allergens by gradually exposing a person to small amounts of the allergen.

Cystic Fibrosis

An autosomal recessive genetic disease involving fluid secretions in the exocrine glands.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that secrete substances through ducts, such as mucus, sweat, and digestive enzymes.

Airborne Transmission

The spread of infectious agents via droplets or particles in the air.

Purulent Sputum

Sputum containing pus, often indicative of infection.

Sanguineous Sputum

Sputum containing blood.

Anorexia

Loss of appetite.

Meningitis

Inflammation of the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Antipyretic

Medication used to reduce fever.

Analgesic

Medication used to relieve pain.

Decongestant

Medication used to relieve nasal congestion.

Orthopneic Positioning

Positioning that allows a person to breathe more easily while sitting or standing.

Pursed-Lip Breathing

Breathing technique involving inhaling through the nose and exhaling slowly through pursed lips.

Diaphragmatic Breathing

Breathing technique that emphasizes the use of the diaphragm muscle.

Mucus

A slippery secretion produced by mucous membranes that protects and lubricates various body surfaces.

Wheezing

A high-pitched whistling sound during breathing, often caused by narrowed airways.

SOB

Shortness of Breath.

Upper Airway Infection

Infection of the nose, sinuses, pharynx, or larynx.

Chest Physiotherapy

Techniques to help loosen and remove secretions from the lungs.

Fowler's Positioning

A semi-sitting position (45-60 degrees) that promotes lung expansion.

Mucosal Lining

The mucous membrane that lines various body cavities and tubular organs.

Chronic Respiratory Disease

Long-term conditions affecting the lungs and airways, such as asthma, COPD, and cystic fibrosis.

Acute Respiratory Infections

Infections such as influenza, pneumonia, and the common cold that can suddenly impair respiratory function.

Obstructive Lung Disorders

Conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema that obstruct airflow and make breathing difficult.

Restrictive Lung Disorders

Conditions that reduce lung volume and limit the ability to inhale fully, such as atelectasis.

Genetic Respiratory Conditions

Inherited disorders like cystic fibrosis that affect respiratory function due to genetic mutations.

Infectious Respiratory Diseases

Diseases such as tuberculosis and pneumonia caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs)

Infections of the nose, sinuses, pharynx, or larynx, including the common cold and rhinosinusitis.

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTIs)

Infections of the trachea, bronchi, and lungs, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

Allergic Respiratory Conditions

Respiratory issues triggered by allergens, leading to inflammation and difficulty breathing; may require desensitization therapy.

Pulmonary Fibrosis

A condition in which lung tissue becomes scarred and thickened, leading to shortness of breath and reduced lung function.