acapnia
Lack of carbon dioxide.
adenoids
Another term for pharyngeal tonsils. The tonsils are a collection of lymphatic tissue found in the nasopharynx to combat microorganisms entering the body through the nose.
adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Acute respiratory failure in adults characterized by tachypnea, dyspnea, cyanosis, tachycardia, and hypoxemia.
aerosol therapy
Medication suspended in a mist that is intended to be inhaled. Delivered by a nebulizer, which delivers the mist for a period of time while the patient breathes or a metered dose inhaler (MDI), which delivers a single puff of mist.
alveoli
The tiny air sacs at the end of each bronchiole. The alveoli are surrounded by a capillary network. Gas exchange takes place as oxygen and carbon dioxide diffuse across the alveolar and capillary walls.
anosmia
Loss of the sense of smell.
anoxia
Lack of oxygen.
anthracosis
A type of pneumoconiosis that develops from the collection of coal dust in the lung. Also called black lung or miner's lung.
antibiotic
Destroys or prohibits the growth of microorganisms. Used to treat bacterial infections. Have not been found to be effective in treating viral infections. To be effective, it must be taken regularly for a specified period.
antihistamine
Acts to control allergic symptoms by counteracting histamine, which exists naturally in the body, and which is released in allergic reactions.
antitussive
Controls or relieves coughing. Codeine is an ingredient in many prescription cough medicines that acts upon the brain to control coughing.
apex
Directional term meaning tip or summit.
aphonia
No voice.
apnea
The condition of not breathing.
arterial blood gases (ABG)
Lab test that measures the amount of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen in the blood, and the pH.
asbestosis
A type of pneumoconiosis that develops from collection of asbestos fibers in the lungs; may lead to the development of lung cancer.
asphyxia
Lack of oxygen that can lead to unconsciousness and death if not corrected immediately. Some of the common causes are drowning, foreign body in the respiratory tract, poisoning, and electric shock.
aspiration
For respiratory system, refers to inhaling food, liquid, or a foreign object into the airways; term also refers to withdrawing fluid from a body cavity using suction.
asthma
Disease caused by various conditions, such as allergens, and resulting in constriction of the bronchial airways and labored respirations. Can cause violent spasms of the bronchi (bronchospasms) but is generally not a life-threatening condition. Medication
atelectasis
Condition in which lung tissue collapses, which prevents the respiratory exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Can be caused by a variety of conditions, including pressure upon the lung from a tumor or other object.
auditory tube
Another name for the eustachian tube connecting the middle ear and pharynx.
base
Directional term meaning bottom or lower part.
bradypnea
Slow breathing.
bronchial
Pertaining to the bronchi.
bronchial tubes
An organ of the respiratory system that carries air into each lung.
bronchiectasis
Results from a dilation of a bronchus or the bronchi that can be the result of infection. This abnormal stretching can be irreversible and result in destruction of the bronchial walls. The major symptom is a large amount of purulent (pus-filled) sputum. R
bronchioles
The narrowest air tubes in the lungs. Each bronchiole terminates in tiny air sacs called alveoli.
bronchitis
An acute or chronic inflammation of the lower respiratory tract that often occurs after other childhood infections such as measles.
bronchodilator
Dilates or opens the bronchi (airways in the lungs) to improve breathing.
bronchogenic
Originating in the bronchi.
bronchogenic carcinoma
Malignant lung tumor that originates in the bronchi. Usually associated with a history of cigarette smoking.
bronchogram
An X-ray record of the lungs and bronchial tubes.
bronchography
Process of taking an X-ray of the lung after a radiopaque substance has been placed into the trachea or bronchial tree.
bronchoplasty
Surgical repair of a bronchial defect.
bronchoscope
An instrument to view inside a bronchus.
bronchoscopy (Broncho)
Using the bronchoscope to visualize the bronchi. The instrument can also be used to obtain tissue for biopsy and to remove foreign objects.
bronchospasm
An involuntary muscle spasm in the bronchi.
bronchus
The distal end of the trachea splits into a left and right main bronchi as it enters each lung. Each main bronchus is subdivided into smaller branches. The smallest bronchi are the bronchioles. Each bronchiole ends in tiny air sacs called alveoli.
carbon dioxide
A waste product of cellular energy production. It is removed from the cells by the blood and eliminated from the body by the lungs.
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Emergency treatment provided by persons trained in CPR and given to patients when their respirations and heart stop. CPR provides oxygen to the brain, heart, and other vital organs until medical treatment can restore a normal heart and pulmonary function.
chest x-ray (CXR)
Taking a radiograhic picture of the lungs and heart from the back and sides.
Cheyne-Stokes respiration
Abnormal breathing pattern in which there are long periods (10 to 60 seconds) of apnea followed by deeper, more rapid breathing.
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Progressive, chronic, and usually irreversible condition in which the lungs have a diminished capacity for inspiration (inhalation) and expiration (exhalation). The person may have difficulty breathing on exertion (dyspnea) and a cough. Also called chroni
cilia
A term for eyelashes that protect the eye from foreign particles or for nasal hairs that help filter dust and bacteria out of inhaled air.
clubbing
The abnormal widening and thickening of the ends of the fingers and toes associated with chronic oxygen deficiency. Seen in patients with chronic respiratory conditions or circulatory problems.
corticosteroids
General term for the group of hormones secreted by the adrenal contex. They include mineralocorticoid hormones, glucocorticoid hormones, and steroid sex hormones.
croup
Acute viral respiratory infection common in infants and young children and characterized by a hoarse cough.
cyanosis
Slightly bluish color of the skin due to a deficiency of oxygen and an excess of carbon dioxide in the blood. It is caused by a variety of disorder, ranging from chronic lung disease to congenital and chronic heart problems.
cystic fibrosis
Hereditary condition causing the exocrine glands to malfunction. The patient produces very thick mucous that causes severe congestion within the lungs and digestive system. Through more advanced treatment, many children are now living into adulthood with
decongestant
Reduces nasal congestion and swelling.
diaphragm
The major muscle of inspiration. It separates the thoracic from the abdominal cavity.
diphtheria
A bacterial infection of the respiratory system characterized by severe inflammation that can form a membrane coating in the upper respiratory tract that can cause marked difficulty breathing.
dysphonia
Abnormal voice.
dyspnea
Difficult, labored breathing.
emphysema
Pulmonary condition that can occur as a result of long-term heavy smoking. Air pollution also worsens this disease. The patient may not be able to breathe except in a sitting or standing position.
empyema
Pus within the pleural space, usually the result of infection.
endotracheal
Pertaining to inside the trachea.
endotracheal intubation
Placing a tube through the mouth to create an airway.
epiglottis
A flap of cartilage that covers the larynx when a person swallows. This prevents food and drink from entering the larynx and trachea.
epistaxis
Nosebleed.
eupnea
Normal breathing.
eustachian tube
Tube or canal that connects the middle ear with the nasopharynx and allows for a balance of pressure between the outer and middle ear. Infection can travel via the mucous membranes of the eustachian tube, resulting in middle ear infections.
exhalation
To breathe air out of the lungs. Also called expiration.
expectorant
Assists in the removal of secretions from the bronchopulmonary membranes.
expiratory reserve volume (ERV)
The amount of air that can be forcibly exhaled after a normal quiet respiration. This is also called supplemental air.
external respiration
The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide that takes place in the lungs.
functional residual capacity (FRC)
The air that remains in the lungs after a normal exhalation has taken place.
glottis
The opening between the vocal cords. Air passes through the glottis as it moves through the larynx. Changing the tension of the vocal cords changes the size of the opening.
Heimlich maneuver
Technique for removing a foreign body or food from the trachea or pharynx when it is choking a person. The maneuver consists of applying pressure just under the diaphragm to pop the obstruction out.
hemoptysis
Coughing up blood or blood-stained sputum.
hemothorax
Condition of having blood in the chest cavity.
hilum
Center of the concave side of the kidney which is an important landmark on the kidney. It is the site where the renal artery enters, the renal vein leaves, the ureter leaves, and nerves enter and leave the kidney.
histoplasmosis
Pulmonary disease caused by a fungus found in dust in the droppings of pigeons and chickens.
hypercapnia
Excessive carbon dioxide.
hyperpnea
Excessive deep breathing.
hyperventilation
To breathe both fast (tachypnea) and deep (hyperpnea).
hypopnea
Insufficient or shallow breathing.
hypoventilation
To breathe both slow (bradypnea) and shallow (hypopnea).
hypoxemia
Deficiency of oxygen in the blood.
hypoxia
Absence of oxygen in the tissues.
infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS)
A lung condition most commonly found in premature infants that is characterized by tachypnea and respiratory grunting. Also called hyaline membrane disease (HMD) and respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn.
influenza
Viral infection of the respiratory system characterized by chills, fever, body aches, and fatigue. Commonly called the flu.
inhalation
To breathe air into the lungs. Also called inspiration.
inspiratory capacity (IC)
The volume of air inhaled after a normal exhale.
inspiratory reserve volume (IRV)
The air that can be forcibly inhaled after a normal respiration has taken place. Also called complemental air.
intercostal muscles
Muscles between the ribs. When they contract they raise the ribs, which helps to enlarge the thoracic cavity.
intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB)
Method for assisting patients to breathe using a mask connected to a machine that produces an increased pressure.
internal medicine
Branch of medicine involving the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions of internal organs such as the respiratory system. The physician is an internist.
internal respiration
The process of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange at the cellular level when oxygen leaves the bloodstream and is delivered to the tissues.
internist
A physician specialized in treating diseases and conditions of internal organs such as the respiratory system.
laryngeal
Pertaining to the larynx.
laryngectomy
Surgical removal of the larynx. This procedure is most frequently performed for excision of cancer.
laryngitis
Inflammation of the larynx causing difficulty in speaking.
laryngopharynx
The inferior section of the pharynx. It lies at the same level in the neck as the larynx. Air has already entered the larynx, therefore the laryngopharynx carries food and drink to the esophagus.
laryngoplasty
Surgical repair of the larynx.
laryngoplegia
Paralysis of the voice box.
laryngoscopy
Examination of the interior of the larynx with a lighted instrument.
larynx
Also called the voice box. Respiratory system organ responsible for producing speech. It is located just below the pharynx.
Legionnaire's disease
Severe, often fatal disease characterized by pneumonia and gastrointestinal symptoms. Caused by a gram-negative bacillus and named after people who came down with it at an American Legion convention in 1976.
lingual tonsil
Tonsil located on the very posterior section of the tongue as it joins with the pharynx.
lobectomy
Surgical removal of a lobe of the lung. Often the treatment of choice for lung cancer.
lobes
Subdivisions of an organ such as the lungs or brain.
lungs
The major organs of respiration. The lungs consist of air passageways, the bronchi and bronchioles, and the air sacs, alveoli. Gas exchange takes place within the alveoli.
mediastinum
The central region of the chest cavity. It contains the organs between the lungs, including the heart, aorta, esophagus, and trachea.
mucolytic
Liquefies mucus so it is easier to cough and clear it from the respiratory tract.
mucous membrane
These membranes line body passages that open directly to the exterior of the body, such as the mouth and reproductive tract, and secrete a thick substance, or mucus.
mucus
Sticky fluid secreted by mucous membrane lining of the respiratory tract. Assists in cleansing air by trapping dust and bacteria.
mycoplasma pneumonia
A less severe but longer lasting form of pneumonia caused by the Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria. Also called walking pneumonia.
nares
External openings of the nose that open into the nasal cavity.
nasal canula
Two-pronged plastic device for delivering oxygen into the nose; one prong is inserted into each nares.
nasal cavity
Large cavity just behind the external nose that receives the outside air. It is covered with mucous membrane to cleanse the air. The nasal septum divides the nasal cavity into left and right halves.
nasal septum
A flexible cartilage wall that divides the nasal cavity into left and right halves. It is covered by mucous membrane.
nasopharynx
The superior section of the pharynx that receives air from the nose.
oropharynx
The middle section of the pharynx that receives food and drink from the mouth.
orthopnea
Term to describe a patient who needs to sit up straight in order to breathe comfortably.
otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
Branch of medicine that treats diseases of the ears, nose, and throat. Also referred to as ENT.
oximeter
Instrument to measure oxygen.
oximetry
Process of measuring oxygen.
oxygen
Gaseous element absorbed by the blood from the air sacs in the lungs. It is necessary for cells to make energy.
palate
The roof of the mouth. The anterior portion is hard or bony, and the posterior portion is soft or flexible.
palatine tonsils
Tonsils located in the lateral wall of the pharynx close to the mouth.
pansinusitis
Inflammation of all the sinuses.
paranasal sinuses
Air-filled cavities within the facial bones that open into the nasal cavity; act as an echo chamber during sound production.
parietal pleura
The outer layer of the serous membrane sac lining the thoracic cavity.
patent
Open or unblocked, such as a patent airway.
percussion
Use of the fingertips to tap the body lightly and sharply. Aids in determining the size, position, and consistency of the underlying body part.
pertussis
A contagious bacterial infection of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi characterized by coughing attacks that end with a whooping sound. Also called whopping cough.
pharyngeal
Pertaining to the pharynx.
pharyngeal tonsils
Another term for adenoids. The tonsils are a collection of lymphatic tissue found in the nasopharynx to combat microorganisms entering the body through the nose.
pharyngitis
Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Commonly called a sore throat.
pharynx
Medical term for the throat. The passageway that conducts air from the nasal cavity to the trachea, and also carries food and drink from the mouth to the esophagus. The pharynx is divided into three sections: the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharyn
phlegm
Thick mucus secreted by the membranes that line the respiratory tract. When phlegm is coughed through the mouth, it is called sputum. Phlegm is examined for color, odor, and consistency.
pleura
A protective double layer of serous membrane around the lungs. The parietal membrane is the outer layer and the visceral layer is the inner membrane. It secretes a thin, watery fluid to reduce friction associated with lung movement.
pleural cavity
Cavity formed by the serous membrane sac surrounding the lungs.
pleural effusion
Abnormal presence of fluid or gas in the pleural cavity. Physicians can detect the presence of fluid by tapping the chest (percussion) or listening with a stethoscope (auscultation).
pleural rub
Grating sound made when two surfaces, such as the pleura surfaces, rub together during respiration. It is caused when one of the surfaces becomes thicker as a result of inflammation or other disease conditions. This rub can be felt through the fingertips
pleural rub
Grating sound made when two surfaces, such as the pleura surfaces, rub together during respiration. It is caused when one of the surfaces becomes thicker as a result of inflammation or other disease conditions. This rub can be felt through the fingertips
pleurectomy
Excision of the pleura.
pleurisy
Inflammation of the pleura.
pleurocentesis
A puncture of the pleura to withdraw fluid from the thoracic cavity in order to diagnose disease.
pleurodynia
Pleural pain.
pneumoconiosis
Condition resulting from inhaling environmental particles that become toxic, such as coal dust (anthracosis), or asbestos (asbestosis).
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP)
Pneumonia with a nonproductive cough, very little fever, and dyspnea. Seen in persons with weakened immune systems, such as patients with AIDS.
pneumonia
Inflammatory condition of the lung, which can be caused by bacterial and viral infections, diseases, and chemicals.
pneumothorax
Collection of air or gas in the pleural cavity, which can result in the collapse of a lung.
polysomnography
Monitoring a patient while sleeping to identify sleep apnea. Also called sleep apnea study.
postural drainage
Draining secretions from the bronchi by placing the patient in a position that uses gravity to promote drainage. Used for the treatment of cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis, and before lobectomy surgery.
pulmonary
Pertaining to the lung.
pulmonary angiography
Injecting dye into a blood vessel for the purpose of taking an X-ray of the arteries and veins of the lungs.
pulmonary capillaries
Network of capillaries in the lungs that tightly encase each alveolus; sight of gas exchange.
pulmonary edema
Condition in which lung tissue retain an excessive amount of fluid. Results in labored breathing.
pulmonary embolism
Blood clot or air bubble in the pulmonary artery or one of its branches.
pulmonary function test (PFT)
Breathing equipment used to determine respiratory function and measure lung volumes and gas exchange.
pulmonologist
A physician specialized in treating diseases and disorders of the respiratory system.
pulmonology
Branch of medicine specializing in conditions of the respiratory system.
pyothorax
Condition of having pus in the chest cavity.
rales
Abnormal crackling sound made during inspiration. Usually indicates the presence of moisture and can indicate a pneumonia condition.
residual volume (RV)
The air remaining in the lungs after a forced exhalation.
respiratory membrane
Formed by the tight association of the walls of alveoli and capillaries; gas exchange between lungs and blood occurs across this membrane.
respiratory therapist
Allied health professional whose duties include conducting pulmonary function tests, monitoring oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, and administering breathing treatments.
rhinitis
Inflammation of the nose.
rhinomycosis
Condition of having a fungal infection in the nose.
rhinoplasty
Plastic surgery of the nose.
rhinorrhagia
Rapid and excessive flow of blood from the nose.
rhinorrhea
Watery discharge from the nose, especially with allergies or a cold, runny nose.
rhonchi
Somewhat musical sound during expiration, often found in asthma or infection, and caused by spasms of the bronchial tubes. Also called wheezing.
serous fluid
Watery secretion of serous membranes.
severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
Disease seen in children born with a nonfunctioning immune system; often forced to live in sealed sterile rooms.
shortness of breath (SOB)
Term used to indicate that a patient is having some difficulty breathing. The cause can range from mild SOB after exercise to SOB associated with heart disease.
silicosis
Form of respiratory disease resulting from the inhalation of silica (quartz) dust. Considered an occupational disease.
sleep apnea
Condition in which breathing stops repeatedly during sleep long enough to cause a drop in oxygen levels in the blood.
spirometer
Instrument consisting of a container into which a patient can exhale for the purpose of measuring the air capacity of the lungs.
spirometry
Using a devise to measure the breathing capacity of the lungs.
sputum
Mucus or phlegm that is coughed up from the lining of the respiratory tract. Tested to determine what type of bacteria of virus is present as an aid in selecting the proper antibiotic treatment.
sputum culture and sensitivity (CS)
Testing sputum by placing it on a culture medium and observing any bacterial growth. The specimen is then tested to determine antibiotic effectiveness.
sputum cytology
Testing for malignant cells in sputum.
stridor
Harsh, high-pitched, noisy breathing sound that is made when there is an obstruction of the bronchus or larynx. Found in conditions such as croup in children.
sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
The sudden, unexplained death of an infant in which a postmortem examination fails to determine the cause of death.
supplemental oxygen therapy
Providing a patient with additional concentration of oxygen to improve oxygen levels in the bloodstream. Oxygen may be provided by a mask or nasal canula.
sweat test
Test performed on sweat to determine the level of chloride. There is an increase in skin chloride in the disease cystic fibrosis.
tachypnea
Rapid breathing rate.
thoracalgia
Chest pain.
thoracentesis
Surgical puncture of the chest wall for the removal of fluids.
thoracic
Pertaining to the chest.
thoracic surgeon
A physician specialized in treating conditions and diseases of the respiratory system by surgical teams.
thoracic surgery
Branch of medicine specializing in surgery on the respiratory system and thoracic cavity.
thoracostomy
Insertion of a tube into the chest for the purpose of draining off fluid or air.
thoracotomy
Incision into the chest.
thryroid cartilage
A piece of cartilage associated with the larynx. It is also commonly called the Adam's apple and is larger in males.
tidal volume (TV)
The amount of air that enters the lungs in a single inhalation or leaves the lungs in a single exhalation of quiet breathing.
tonsils
The collections of lymphatic tissue located in the pharynx to combat microorganisms entering the body through the nose or mouth. The tonsils are the pharyngeal tonsils, the palatine tonsils, and the lingual tonsils.
total lung capacity (TLC)
The volume of air in the lungs after a maximal inhalation.
trachea
Also called the windpipe. It conducts air from the larynx down to the main bronchi in the chest.
tracheostenosis
Narrowing and stenosis of the lumen or opening into the trachea.
tracheostomy
Surgical procedure used to make an opening in the trachea to create an airway. A tracheostomy tube can be inserted to keep the opening patent.
tracheotomy
Surgical incision into the trachea to provide an airway.
tuberculin skin tests (TB test)
Applying a chemical agent (Tine or Mantoux tests) under the surface of the skin to determine if the patient has been exposed to tuberculosis.
tuberculosis (TB)
Infectious disease caused by the tubercle bacillus, Myocobacterium tuberculosis. Most commonly affects the respiratory system and causes inflammation and calcification of the system. Tuberculosis is again on the uprise and is seen in many patients who hav
ventilation
The movement of air in and out of the lungs.
ventilation and perfusion scan
A nuclear medicine diagnostic test that is especially useful in identifying pulmonary emboli. Radioactive air is inhaled for the ventilation portion to determine if air is filling the entire lung. Radioactive intravenous injection shows whether or not blo
ventilator
A machine that provides artificial ventilation for a patient unable to breath on his or her own. Also called a respirator.
visceral pleura
The inner layer of the serous membrane sac encasing the thoracic viscera.
vital capacity (VC)
The total volume of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalation. This amount will be equal to the sum of tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, and expiratory reserve volume.
vital signs (VS)
Respiration, pulse, temperature, skin color, blood pressure, and reaction of pupils. These are signs of the condition of body functions.
vocal cords
The structures within the larynx that vibrate to produce sound and speech.