VI Glossary
Adenoiditis: Inflammation of the adenoids, a common medical condition in young children that can hinder speaking and breathing. (Chapter 6.2)
Adenoids: Lymphatic tissue between the back of the nasal cavity and the pharynx. (Chapter 6.2)
Alveoli: Small, grape-like sacs responsible for gas exchange. (Chapter 6.2)
Apnea: Absence of breathing. (Chapter 6.2)
Aspiration: Inhalation of food or fluids into the trachea and lower respiratory tract. (Chapter 6.2)
Aspiration pneumonia: Refers to when someone inhales food, drink, vomit, saliva, or medication into the lungs instead of swallowing it. (Chapter 6.7)
Asthma: A condition caused by chronic inflammation in the airways, resulting in narrowed air passages. Individuals also experience bronchoconstriction that tightens the smooth muscle surrounding the airways, further limiting airflow. (Chapter 6.5)
Atelectasis: Collapse of alveoli and/or small passageways of the lungs. (Chapter 6.2)
Audible wheezing: Whistling or squeaky sound when breathing. (Chapter 6.6)
Bradypnea: Slow breathing. (Chapter 6.2)
Bronchi: Main air passageways of the lungs. (Chapter 6.2)
Bronchial responsiveness testing: Measures the responsiveness of the airway after it has been exposed to an allergen or bronchoconstrictive substance. (Chapter 6.3)
Bronchial thermoplasty: Procedure is performed during a bronchoscopy and delivers heat to the muscles surrounding the airways to reduce smooth muscle mass and prevent them from narrowing. (Chapter 6.5)
Bronchioles: Small branches of the bronchi that lead to the alveolar sacs. (Chapter 6.2)
Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchi. (Chapter 6.2)
Bronchoscopy: Procedure in which a tube is inserted by a health care provider to visually examine the bronchi. (Chapter 6.3)
Bronchospasm: Symptom of many respiratory conditions; sudden constriction of the muscles in the walls of the bronchioles. (Chapter 6.2)
Bullectomy: One or more very large bullae are removed from the lungs. (Chapter 6.6)
Capnography: A sensor that measures the concentration of carbon dioxide exhaled, translated into a waveform and numerical value. (Chapter 6.3)
Carina: A raised structure that contains specialized nervous system tissue that induces violent coughing if a foreign body, such as food, is present. (Chapter 6.2)
Chest physiotherapy techniques: Techniques such as postural drainage and percussion, which may be used to assist in clearing mucus and secretions from the airways. (Chapter 6.7)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A chronic, progressive, and incurable respiratory condition that causes breathing difficulties and reduced lung function. (Chapter 6.6)
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP): Refers to pneumonia that began in the community (not in a hospital). (Chapter 6.7)
Cor pulmonale: Right-sided heart failure. (Chapter 6.6)
Coughing and deep breathing: A breathing technique similar to incentive spirometry but no device is required. (Chapter 6.3)
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