Chapter 7 medical terms Flashcards
Anoxia
the absence of oxygen from the body’s tissues and organs even though there is an adequate flow of blood
Antitussive
commonly known as cough medicine, is administered to prevent or relieve coughing
Aphonia
the loss of the ability of the larynx to produce normal speech sounds (patients with aphonia are only able to whisper)
Asbestosis
Caused by asbestos particles in the lungs and usually occur after working with asbestos
Asphyxia
the loss of consciousness that occurs when the body cannot get the oxygen it needs to function ( can be caused by choking, suffocation, drowning, or inhaling gases
Asthma
chronic inflammatory disease of the bronchial tubes, often triggered by an allergic reaction
Atelectasis
collapsed lung, is the incomplete expansion of part or all of a lung due to a blockage of the air passages or pneumothorax
Bradypnea
abnormally slow rate of respiration, usually of less than 10 breaths per minute
Bronchiectasis
permanent thickening of the walls of the bronchi, caused by chronic infection and inflammation
Bronchodilator
inhaled medication that relaxes and expands the bronchial passages into the lungs
Bronchorrhea
an excessive discharge of watery mucus from the bronchi
Bronchoscopy
visual examination of the bronchi using a bronchoscope
Bronchospasm
a contraction of the smooth muscle in the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles, tightening and squeezing the airway shut
Cheyne - Stokes respiration
an irregular pattern of breathing characterized by alternating rapid or shallow respirations followed by slower respiration or apnea
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) is a group of lung diseases in which the bronchial airflow is obstructed, making it difficult to breathe out
Croup
an acute respiratory infection in children and infants characterized by obstruction of the larynx, hoarseness, and swelling around the vocal cords resulting in a barking cough and stridor
Cyanosis
bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by a lack of adequate oxygen in the blood
Cystic Fibrosis
(CF) is a life-threatening genetic disorder in which the lungs and pancreas are clogged with large quantities of abnormally thick mucus
Dysphonia
difficulty in speaking, which may include any impairment in vocal quality, including hoarseness, weakness, or the cracking of a boy’s voice during puberty
Dyspnea
shortness of breath, is difficult or labored breathing
Emphysema
progressive, long-term loss of lung function, usually due to smoking
Empyema
refers to a collection of pus in any body cavity
Endotracheal intubation
the passage of a tube through the mouth into the trachea to establish or maintain an open airway, especially when a patient must be placed on a ventilator
Epistaxis
also known as nosebleed, is bleeding from the nose that may be caused by dry air, injury, medication to prevent blood clotting, or high blood pressure
Hemoptysis
the expectoration of blood or blood-strained sputum derived from the lungs or bronchial tubes as the result of a pulmonary or bronchial hemorrhage
Hemothorax
a collection of blood in the pleural cavity condition results from chest trauma, such as a stab wound, or it can be caused by disease or surgery
Hypercapnia
also known as CO2 retention, is the abnormal buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood
Hyperpnea
commonly associated with exertion, is breathing that is deeper and more rapid than is normal at rest
Hypopnea
shallow or slow respiration
Hypoxemia
the condition of having low oxygen levels in the blood, usually due to respiratory disorders or heart conditions
Hypoxia
condition of having deficient oxygen levels in the body’s tissues and organs, however, it is less severe than anoxia
Laryngitis
is an inflammation of the larynx
Laryngoscopy
the visual examination of the larynx and vocal cords using a flexible or rigid laryngoscope inserted through the mouth
Laryngospasm
the sudden spasmodic closure of the larynx
Mediastinum
the middle section of the chest cavity and is located between the lungs
Nebulizer
an electronic device that pumps air or oxygen through a liquid medicine to turn it into a mist, which is then inhaled by the patient via a face mask or mouthpiece
Otolaryngologist
also known as an ENT (ear, nose, throat) is a physician with specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the head and neck
Pertussis
Aka whooping cough, is a contagious bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract that is characterized by recurrent bouts of a paroxysmal cough, followed by breathlessness and a noisy inspiration
Pharyngitis
also known as a sore throat, is an inflammation of the pharynx
Pleural effusion
the excess accumulation of fluid in the pleural space. This produces a feeling of breathlessness because it prevents the lung from fully expanding
Pleurisy
Aka Pleuritis, is an inflammation of the pleura, the membranes that cover the lungs and line the pleural cavity
Pleurodynia
a sharp chest pain that occurs when the inflamed pleural membranes rub against each other with each inhalation
Pneumoconiosis
any fibrosis of the lung tissues caused by mineral dust in the lungs after prolonged environmental or occupational contact
Pneumonectomy
the surgical removal of all or part of a lung
Pneumonia
(PNA) is a serious inflammation of the lungs in which the alveoli and air passages fill with pus and other fluids
Pneumothorax
the accumulation of air in the pleural space resulting in a pressure imbalance that causes the lung to fully or partially collapse
Polysomnography
Aka sleep study, measures physiological activity during sleep and is often performed to detect nocturnal defects in breathing associated with sleep apnea
Pulmonary edema
An accumulation of fluid in lung tissues, especially the alveoli. Often a symptom of heart failure
Pulmonologist
is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the respiratory system
Pulse oximeter
An external monitor placed on the patient’s fingertip or earlobe to measure oxygen saturation level in the blood
Pyothorax
Aka Pleural empyema , the presence of pus in the pleural cavity between the layers of the pleural membrane resulting from a bacterial infection
Sinusitis
an inflammation of the sinuses
Sleep Apnea
a potentially serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep for periods long enough to cause a measurable decrease in blood oxygen levels
Spirometer
a recording device that measures the amount of air inhaled or exhaled (volume) and the length of time required for each breath
Tachypnea
an abnormally rapid rate of respiration, usually of more than20 breaths per minute
Thoracentesis
is the surgical puncture of the chest wall with a needle to obtain fluid from the pleural cavity
Thoracotomy
is a surgical incision into the chest wall to open the pleural cavity for biopsy or treatment
Tracheostomy
surgical creation of a stoma into the trachea below the vocal cords to insert a temporary or permanent tube to facilitate breathing
Tracheotomy
is a procedure in which an incision is made into the trachea to gain access to the airway below a blockage
Tuberculosis
which is an infectious disease caused by Myobacterium tuberculosis, usually attacks the lungs; however, it can also affect other parts of the body
