Medical Terms

anoxia

the absence of oxygen from the body's gases, blood, or tissues

antitussive

commonly known as cough medicine; administered to prevent or relieve coughing

apnea

the absence of spontaneous respiration

aspiration pneumonia

can develop when a foreign substance, such as vomit, is inhaled into the lungs

bradypnea

an abnormally slow rate of respiration usually of less than 10 breaths per minute

Cheyne-Stokes respiration

a pattern of alternating periods of slow breathing and the absence of breathing that are followed by rapid breathing

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

a group of lung diseases in which the bronchial airflow is obstructed, making it difficult to breathe out

croup

an acute respiratory infection in children and infants characterized by obstruction of the larynx, hoarseness, and swelling around the vocal cords that results in a barking cough and stridor

cyanosis

a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by a lack of adequate oxygen in the blood

cystic fibrosis

a genetic disorder in which the lungs and pancreas are clogged with large quantities of abnormally thick mucus

dysphonia

any change in vocal quality, including hoarseness, weakness, or the cracking of a boy's voice in puberty

dyspnea

difficult or labored breathing, also known as shortness of breath

emphysema

the progressive loss of lung function that is commonly attributed to long-term smoking

endotracheal intubation

the passage of a tube through the nose or mouth into the trachea to establish or maintain an open airway

pertussis

a contagious bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract, also known as whooping cough

pneumoconiosis

an abnormal condition caused by dust in the lungs that usually develops after years of environmental or occupational contact

polysomnography

also known as a sleep apnea study; measures physiological activity during sleep and often performed to detect nocturnal defects in breathing associated with sleep apnea

tachypnea

an abnormally rapid rate of respiration, usually more than 20 breaths per minute

thoracentesis

the surgical puncture of the chest wall with a needle to remove fluid from the pleural cavity

thoracostomy

the surgical creation of an opening into the chest cavity that is performed to establish drainage of pus from the chest cavity

tracheostomy

the creation of an opening into the trachea and insertion of a tube to facilitate the passage of air or the removal of secretions

tracheotomy

an emergency procedure performed to gain access to the airway below a blockage

tuberculosis

an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that usually attacks the lungs

spirometer

a recording device that measures the amount of air inhaled or exhaled and the length of time required for each breath

acute

A disease or symptom that begins suddenly or worsens quickly

Aspiration

The accidental breathing in of food or fluid into the lungs

Chronic

A disease or symptom persisting for a long time

Edema

An abnormal accumulation of fluid in certain tissues within the body

Effusion

Escape of fluid from blood or lymph vessels into the tissues or body cavity

Exacerbation

An increase in the severity of a disease; worsening

Exhalation

The act of breathing out

Fibrosis

Normal tissue is replaced by hardened tissue

Inhalation

The act of drawing air into the lungs

Interstitial

The spaces around a tissue or an organ

Intubation

Insertion of a plastic tube into the trachea to maintain an open airway

Latent

Describes a condition that is present but not active or causing symptoms

Mucous membrane

Sheetlike tissues that act as a lining with cells that secrete mucus

Nosocomial

Acquired in a hospital, especially in reference to an infection

Phlegm

A type of mucus made in the lower respiratory tract

Respiration

The exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide; breathing

Serous membrane

Sheetlike tissues that act as a lining with cells that secrete fluid

Sputum

Phlegm that is coughed up and ejected through the mouth

Stoma

The surgically created opening on a body surface following a colostomy or tracheostomy

Visceral

Relating to the soft internal organs of the body, including the lungs, the heart, and the organs of the digestive, urinary, reproductive, and circulatory systems

Septum

Wall that separates two sides, such as between the nostrils or the chambers of the heart

pleura

A double-layered serous membrane that divides each lung into sections

bronchi, or bronchioles

a network of intricate passages that supply the lungs with air

Alveoli

very small, grapelike clusters at each bronchiole's end that exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air in the lungs and the blood in the capillaries

diaphragm

a muscular sheet between the base of the lungs and the abdominal cavity; The contraction and relaxation of this muscle makes breathing possible

Paranasal sinuses

air-filled cavities that surround the nasal cavity. They reduce the skull's weight, produce mucus, and influence voice quality by acting as resonating chambers

Pharynx

commonly known as the throat, the pharynx is a passageway that serves both the respiratory and digestive systems; receives air after it passes through the nose or mouth.

Larynx

Commonly known as the voice box, this lies between the pharynx and the trachea. Air exhaled from the lungs passes through and vibrates the vocal folds to create sound

trachea

Commonly known as the windpipe, the is the main airway to the lungs; divides into two large branches (primary bronchi), which channel air to the right or left lung

Pulmonologist

a physician specializing in treating disorders of the respiratory system