MedTerm.Ch.8--RespiratorySystem

anoxia

the absence of oxygen from the body's tissues and organs even though there is an adequate flow of blood

antitussive

one of a class of medications that helps decrease the frequency of coughs

aphonia

the loss of the ability of the larynx to produce normal speech sounds

asbestosis

caused by asbestos particles in the lungs and usually occurs after working with asbestos

asphyxia

the loss of consciousness that occurs when the body cannot get the oxygen it needs to function

asthma

a chronic inflammatory disease of the bronchial tubes, often triggered by an allergic reaction

atelectasis

or *collapsed lung*, is the incomplete expansion of part or all of a lung due to a blockage of air passages or pneumothorax

bradypnea

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

bronchiectasis

permanent thickening of the walls of the bronchi, caused by chronic infection and inflammation

bronchodilator

an inhaled medication that relaxes and expands the bronchial passages into the lungs

bronchorrhea

an excessive discharge of watery mucus from the bronchi

bronchoscopy

the visual examination of the bronchi using a bronchoscope

bronchospasm

a contraction of the smooth muscle in the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles, tightening and squeezing the airway shut

Cheyne-Stokes Respiration

an irregular pattern of breathing characterized by alternating rapid or shallow respiration followed by slower respiration or apnea

COPD

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, resulting in a barking cough and stridor

cyanosis

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

cystic fibrosis

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

dysphonia

difficulty in speaking, which may include any impairment in vocal quality, including hoarseness, weakness, or the cracking of a boy’s voice during puberty

dyspnea

also known as *shortness of breath* (SOB), is difficult or labored breathing

emphysema

the progressive, long-term loss of lung function, usually due to smoking

empyema

refers to a collection of pus in any body cavity

endotracheal intubation

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

epistaxis

*nosebleed*, may be caused by dry air, injury, medication to prevent blood clotting, or high blood pressure.

hemoptysis

the expectoration of blood or blood-stained sputum derived from the lungs or bronchial tubes as the result of a pulmonary or bronchial hemorrhage

hemothorax

a collection of blood in the pleural cavity

hypercapnia

also known as *CO2 retention,* is the abnormal buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood

hyperpnea

commonly associated with exertion, is breathing that is deeper and more rapid than is normal at rest

hypoxemia

the condition of having low oxygen levels in the blood, usually due to respiratory disorders or heart conditions

hypoxia

the condition of having deficient oxygen levels in the body tissues and organs; it is less severe than anoxia

laryngitis

an inflammation of the larynx

laryngoscopy

the visual examination of the larynx and vocal cords using a flexible or rigid laryngoscope inserted through the mouth

laryngospasm

the sudden spasmodic closure of the larynx

mediastinum

the middle section of the chest cavity and is located between the lungs

nebulizer

an electronic device that pumps air or oxygen through a liquid medicine to turn it into a mist

otolaryngologist

(ENT) is a physician with specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the head and neck

pertussis

*whooping cough*, is a contagious bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract that is characterized by recurrent bouts of a paroxysmal cough, followed by breathlessness and a noisy inspiration

pharyngitis

also known as a *sore throat*, is an inflammation of the pharynx

pleural effusion

the excess accumulation of fluid in the pleural space

pleurisy

also known as *pleuritis*, is an inflammation of the pleura

pleurodynia

a sharp chest pain that occurs when inflamed pleural membranes rub against each other with each inhalation

pneumoconiosis

any fibrosis of the lung tissues caused by mineral dust in the lungs after prolonged environmental or occupational contact

pneumonectomy

the surgical removal of all or part of a lung.

pneumonectomy

the surgical removal of all or part of a lung

pneumonia

a serious inflammation of the lungs in which the alveoli and air passages fill with pus and other fluids

pneumothorax

the accumulation of air in the pleural space resulting in a pressure imbalance that causes the lung to fully or partially collapse

polysomnography

*sleep study*, measures physiological activity during sleep and is often performed to detect nocturnal defects in breathing associated with sleep apnea

pulmonary edema

an accumulation of fluid in lung tissues, especially the alveoli

pulmonologist

a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the respiratory system

pulse oximeter

an external monitor placed on the patient's fingertip or earlobe to measure the oxygen saturation level in the blood

pyothorax

*pleural empyema*, is the presence of pus in the pleural cavity between the layers of the pleural membrane resulting from a bacterial infection

sinusitis

an inflammation of the sinuses

sleep apnea

breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep for periods long enough to cause a measurable decrease in blood oxygen levels

spirometer

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

tachypnea

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

thoracentesis

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

thoracotomy

a surgical incision into the chest wall to open the pleural cavity for biopsy or treatment

tracheostomy

the surgical creation of a stoma into the trachea below the vocal cords to insert a temporary or permanent tube to facilitate breathing

tracheotomy

a procedure in which an incision is made into the trachea to gain access to the airway below a blockage

tuberculosis

infectious disease caused by *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*, usually attacks the lungs; however, it can also affect other parts of the body