Category 1: Upper Airway, Larynx & Pharynx
The common medical term for inflammation of the voice box, which often causes hoarseness.
What is Laryngitis?
The medical term for the smaller, finer branches that split off from the main bronchi.
What are Bronchioles?
The medical term for difficult, painful, or labored breathing.
What is Dyspnea?
A non-invasive clip placed on a finger to measure arterial blood oxygen levels.
What is Pulse Oximetry (or Oximetry)?
This suffix means "inflammation" (e.g., Tracheitis, Pleuritis).
What is -itis?
This middle division of the pharynx sits directly behind the mouth and oral cavity.
What is the Oropharynx?
The surgical creation of an opening into the windpipe to insert a breathing tube.
What is a Tracheostomy?
An accumulation of air in the chest cavity causing the lung to collapse.
What is a Pneumothorax?
A breathing test used to measure the volume and speed of air moving in and out of the lungs.
What is Spirometry?
This suffix means "abnormal narrowing" or "stricture" (e.g., Laryngostenosis).
What is -stenosis?
A sudden, involuntary contraction or twitching of the muscles in the voice box.
What is a Laryngospasm?
An asthma attack often causes this involuntary spasm of the smooth muscle in the bronchial walls.
What is a Bronchospasm?
The inability to breathe comfortably unless sitting or standing upright.
What is Orthopnea?
A surgical puncture using a needle to withdraw fluid from the pleural space.
What is a Thoracentesis?
This suffix means "surgical puncture to remove fluid" (e.g., Pleurocentesis).
What is -centesis?
The medical term for paralysis of the throat muscles.
What is Pharyngoplegia?
Chronic, abnormal dilation or enlargement of the bronchial tubes.
What is Bronchiectasis?
Sharp chest pain caused by inflammation of the membrane surrounding the lungs.
What is Pleurodynia (or Pleuritis / Pleurisy)?
Surgical removal or excision of an entire lung.
What is a Pneumonectomy?
This suffix means "paralysis" (e.g., Laryngoplegia).
What is -plegia?
A fungal infection involving the tissue of the throat (such as thrush).
What is Pharyngomycosis?
Surgical suturing or stitching of a tear in the windpipe.
What is Trachelorrhaphy or Tracheorrhaphy?
Abnormally low or deficient oxygen levels in arterial blood.
What is Hypoxemia?
The occupational lung condition known as "black lung disease," caused by chronic inhalation of coal dust.
What is Anthracosis?
This combining form suffix means "abnormal condition caused by dust" (e.g., Pneumoconiosis).
What is -coniosis?