Chapter 37-Bronchodilators and Other Respiratory Drugs Flashcards
Allergen
Any substance that evokes an allergic response
Allergic asthma
Bronchial asthma caused by hypersensitivity to an allergen or allergens
Alveoli
Microscopic sacs in the lungs where oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide; aka air sacs
Antibodies
Immunoglobulins produced by lymphocytes in response to bacteria, viruses, or other antigenic substances
Antigen
A substance (usually a protein) that, upon entering the body, causes the formation of an antibody and reacts specifically with that antibody.
Asthma
Recurrent and reversible SOB that occurs when the airways of the lung (bronchi and bronchioles) become narrow as a result of bronchospasm, inflammation, and deem of the bronchial mucosa.
Asthma attack
The onset of wheezing together with difficulty breathing.
Bronchial asthma
General term for recurrent and reversible SOB resulting from narrowing of the bronchi and bronchioles; aka asthma
Bronchodilators
Medications that improve airflow by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle cells
Chronic bronchitis
Chronic inflammation of the bronchi
Emphysema
A condition of the lungs characterized by enlargement of the air spaces distal to the bronchioles.
Immunoglobulins
Proteins belonging to any of five structurally and antigenically distinct classes of antibodies present in the serum and external secretions of the body.
Lower respiratory tract (LRT)
The division of the respiratory system composed of organs located almost entirely within the chest.
Status asthmaticus
A prolonged asthma attack
Upper respiratory tract (URT)
The division of the respiratory system composed of organs located outside the chest cavity (thorax)
