Pulmonology and the Respiratory System

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to pulmonology and the respiratory system.

Pulmonology

The medical specialty that studies the respiratory system.

Upper Respiratory System

Comprises the nose, nasal cavity, and pharynx.

Lower Respiratory System

Includes the trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)

A bacterial or viral infection of the upper respiratory tract; often referred to as a head cold.

Cough

A protective mechanism to forcefully expel things from the lungs.

Hemoptysis

Coughing up sputum that contains blood.

Legionnaires' disease

A severe bacterial infection that starts with flu-like symptoms and may lead to pneumonia.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Communicable disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, resulting in nodules in the lungs.

Pulmonary edema

Build up of fluid in the alveoli caused by heart failure, trauma, or pneumonia.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A progressive lung disease characterized by increasing breathlessness.

Cystic fibrosis (CF)

An inherited condition leading to thick mucus accumulation in the lungs.

Pneumothorax

Air in the pleural space causing the lung to collapse.

Apnea

Absence of spontaneous respiration due to respiratory failure.

Dyspnea

Abnormal, difficult, or labored breathing.

Oximetry

Noninvasive test to measure the oxygen saturation of the blood.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Procedure to help someone who has stopped breathing and whose heart is not beating.

Bronchoscopy

Insertion of a lighted bronchoscope through the mouth to examine the trachea and bronchi.

Expectorants

Drugs that reduce the thickness of sputum, making it easier to cough up.

Antitussives

Medications that suppress cough centers in the brain.

Asthma

A condition characterized by hyperreactivity of the bronchi to allergens, causing inflammation and excess mucus.

Emphysema

A lung condition caused by damage to the alveoli, resulting in shortness of breath.

Pleural effusion

Accumulation of excess fluid in the pleural space due to infection or inflammation.

Sputum culture and sensitivity (C&S)

Lab test to identify bacterium causing lung infection and its antibiotic sensitivity.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

Device used to maintain open airways in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Endotracheal intubation

Insertion of a tube into the trachea to establish an airway.

Corticosteroids

Drugs that block immune response and reduce inflammation in the lungs.