Respiratory Diseases & Disorders
Inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes, often caused by allergies or infection.
What is rhinitis?
A pulmonary function test that measures the amount and speed of air inhaled and exhaled.
What is spirometry?
A device that converts liquid medication into an aerosol for inhalation.
What is a nebulizer?
The suffix meaning breathing.
What is -pnea?
The structure located between the pharynx and trachea that houses the vocal cords.
What is the larynx?
Inflammation of the bronchial tubes that commonly produces coughing and mucus.
What is bronchitis?
An endoscopic procedure used to visually examine the bronchi.
What is bronchoscopy?
A handheld device used to encourage deep breathing and prevent postoperative atelectasis.
What is an incentive spirometer?
The combining form meaning bronchial tube.
What is bronch/o?
The microscopic air sacs in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange occurs.
What are the alveoli?
A condition in which air enters the pleural cavity, causing partial or complete lung collapse.
What is pneumothorax?
A procedure performed to remove fluid from the pleural space using a needle.
What is thoracentesis?
An instrument used to visualize the larynx and vocal cords during examination or intubation.
What is a laryngoscope?
The medical term meaning rapid breathing.
What is tachypnea?
The process by which oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between the alveoli and the bloodstream.
What is external respiration?
A chronic obstructive pulmonary disease marked by destruction of alveolar walls and reduced surface area for gas exchange.
What is emphysema?
The surgical removal of an entire lobe of the lung.
What is a lobectomy?
A noninvasive device that measures the percentage of oxygen saturation in the blood.
What is a pulse oximeter?
The act of coughing up blood from the respiratory tract.
What is hemoptysis?
The substance produced in the lungs that reduces surface tension and prevents alveolar collapse.
What is surfactant?
A life-threatening condition characterized by widespread inflammation, pulmonary edema, and severe hypoxemia not caused by heart failure.
What is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?
A comprehensive group of tests used to evaluate lung volumes, capacities, diffusion, and airflow.
What are pulmonary function tests (PFTs)?
The use of a machine to mechanically assist or replace spontaneous breathing.
What is mechanical ventilation?
A sudden, involuntary spasm of the laryngeal muscles that can obstruct airflow.
What is laryngospasm?
A condition in which decreased alveolar ventilation leads to elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
What is hypoventilation?