Chapter 16: Respiratory Emergencies

A collection of key terms and definitions related to respiratory emergencies, aimed at aiding understanding and retention of critical vocabulary for an upcoming exam.

Dyspnea

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, often a symptom of various conditions.

Pulmonary Edema

A buildup of fluid in the lungs, often associated with heart failure.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

A group of lung diseases characterized by obstructed airflow and breathing difficulty.

Asthma

An acute spasm of the bronchioles, characterized by excessive mucus production and airway swelling.

Hyperventilation Syndrome

Rapid breathing that can decrease carbon dioxide levels in the blood, often related to anxiety.

Pneumothorax

An accumulation of air in the pleural space, leading to lung collapse.

Pleural Effusion

A collection of fluid outside the lungs that can compress lung tissue and cause dyspnea.

Epinephrine

A medication used to treat severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis by causing vasoconstriction and bronchodilation.

Epiglottitis

Inflammation of the epiglottis that can lead to severe airway obstruction, particularly in children.

Tension Pneumothorax

A life-threatening condition where air trapped in the pleural space increases pressure, collapsing the lung.

Bronchiolitis

Inflammation of the bronchioles; often seen in young children and can be caused by viral infections.

Cystic Fibrosis

A genetic disorder causing thick, sticky mucus that predisposes to lung infections and breathing difficulties.