Respiratory Conditions and Terminology

Vocabulary terms and definitions related to respiratory system disorders, symptoms, and emergency procedures.

Asthma

Chronic inflammation causing narrowed airways and wheezing.

Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchi causing cough and mucus.

Common c

Viral upper respiratory infection.

Hay fever

Allergic reaction causing sneezing and itchy/runny nose.

Influenza

Contagious viral respiratory illness (flu).

Emphyse

COPD where alveoli are damaged, reducing gas exchange.

Pneumoni

Infection/inflammation of the lungs filling alveoli with fluid.

Sinusitis

Inflammation of the sinuses.

Pharyngiti

Inflammation of the pharynx (sore throat).

Mononucl

Epstein-Barr virus infection ('mono').

Cystic Fibr

Inherited disease causing thick sticky mucus in lungs.

Phlegm

Mucus produced in the respiratory tract.

Dyspnea

Difficulty or labored breathing.

Tachypnea

Abnormally rapid breathing.

Infectious

Infectious inflammation of the nasal passages.

Epistaxis

Nosebleed.

Chronic ob

Group of progressive lung diseases including emphysema and chronic bronchitis (COPD).

Tripod pos

Leaning forward position used to ease breathing.

Allergic Rh

Allergic inflammation of the nasal passages.

Heimlich

Emergency technique for choking.

Continuou

CPAP: machine providing constant air pressure to keep airways open.

Hemoptysi

Coughing up blood.