Pulmonary Conditions

gas exchange

the process of obtaining oxygen from the environment and releasing carbon dioxide

interstitium

network of supportive tissue that extends throughout the lungs

hypoxemia

abnormally low levels of oxygen in the blood; typically below 90%

oxygen saturation (SpO2)

The measure of the percentage of oxygen in the blood

percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)

a procedure in which a catheter is placed in a coronary artery, and one of several methods is employed to reduce blockage within the artery

pneumothorax

accumulation of air in the pleural space

pulmonary function tests

assessment of gas exchange typically via a spirometer; volume measurements indicate lung elasticity & respiratory muscle strength

pursed lip breathing

a technique used to slow breathing rate by prolonged exhalation in order to manage shortness of breath

hemoptysis

bloody sputum

stridor

strained, high-pitched sound heard on inspiration caused by obstruction in the pharynx or larynx

cyanosis

bluish discoloration of the skin

Dyspnea

subjective symptom of breathlessness

Tachypnea

rapid breathing

somnolence

drowsiness, sleepiness

bronchodilator

a medication that relaxes and expands the bronchial passages into the lungs

nasal cannula

A device that delivers low concentrations of oxygen through two prongs that rest in the patient's nostrils.