Lung Disease Dictionary

adrenaline: Also known as epinephrine, the hormone that responds to danger or excitement and that causes an elevated heart rate and, in many cases, increased strength.

adrenoreceptor: Classified as both alpha-adrenergic and beta-adrenergic, these nerve endings are called to action through the release of epinephrine or external medications.

aerosol: A suspension of liquid or solid particles in a gas. In medicine, also a pressurized container that delivers medication suspended in a gas.

airway: A passage transporting air to and from the lungs.

airway obstruction: Any condition or substance that partially or completely blocks the passage of air into the lungs from the upper respiratory tract. Obstruction may be due to allergic reactions, foreign items, injury or infection.

Albuterol: A popular prescription medication that is used to treat various types of airway issues due to things like asthma, emphysema and COPD.

allergen: Any substance that triggers an allergic reaction.

allergic rhinitis: The medical term for hay fever. (see hay fever)

alpha1-antitrypsin: A substance carried by the blood to the lungs that inhibits the activity of trypsin, a substance that digests proteins. A lack of alpha1-antitrypsin is associated with emphysema. Also known as alpha-1-protease inhibitor.

alpha-1-protease inhibitor: See alpha1-antitrypsin.

alveoli: Small sacs in the lungs where oxygen is transferred into the blood.

anticholinergic: A drug that blocks the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the brain. Anticholinergic drugs are often effective in reducing the tremors of Parkinson's disease.

anticoagulant: Any compound that prevents blood from clotting and typically applied orally or intravenously to prevent such conditions as a stroke or pulmonary embolism.

antihistamine: Medication that reduces allergy symptoms by inhibiting the action of histamine.

apnea: Abnormal temporary cessation of breath while sleeping.

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG): A test used by doctors to determine the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in a person's blood.

artery: A blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

asbestos: A fiber that exhibits high heat resistance that is included in a number of products. When inhaled, asbestos can lead to cancer or other serious lung disorders.

asthma: A lung disorder characterized by labored breathing, wheezing, coughing and bronchial tube spasms. Many cases of asthma are triggered by allergies.

atelectasis: The collapse of a lung as it expands.

atopy: The genetic inheritance of an allergic disease such as asthma, allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis.

bacterium: A microorganism, sometimes capable of causing disease. Bacterial diseases are treated with antibiotics.

barbiturates: Powerful drugs that affect the central nervous system. Used to treat extreme cases of insomnia and seizures.

biopsy: The removal or sampling of fluid or tissue from any part of the body for further study.

BIPAP (bi-level positive airway pressure): A machine that uses two different air pressures to assist breathing.

breathing: The process of drawing air into and out of the lungs.

bronchi: The plural form of bronchus (see bronchus).

bronchial: Referring to arteries that are connected to the lungs.

bronchial tubes: The airways connected to the alveoli that allow air to enter and exit the lungs, which lose their elasticity when a person has emphysema.

bronchiolitis: Inflammation of the bronchioles, small air tubes that branch off from the bronchi.

bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes.

broncho-constriction: The constriction of the bronchial passages.

bronchodilator: Any agent that helps clear or dilate the lungs' air passages, or bronchi.

bronchopulmonary: Of or relating to the lungs and bronchial passageways.

bronchoscope: A rigid or flexible tube used to explore and clear airways as well as assess certain lung conditions.

bronchospasm: A sudden contraction of the bronchial passages, caused by asthma, allergies or other conditions.

bronchus: One of the two divergent passages in the trachea leading to the left and right lungs.

cannula: A small tube inserted into the nose to provide oxygen to the lungs.

capillaries: The smallest variety of blood vessels. The majority of oxygen transfer occurs in the capillaries.

carcinoma: A malignant cancer that may be located in any part of the body, including tumors of the lung.

CAT: Referencing a Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) or CT scan, which creates a 3-D image of areas inside the body.

Centrilobular or Centriacinar Emphysema: One of the two most common types of emphysema, in which the alveoli are destroyed, which causes the airway walls to become enlarged.

chemotherapy: The use of medicines to treat cancer.

chest: The area of the body surrounded by the ribs and sternum.

chronic: Meaning a condition that is persistent in its course with little or no relief.

chronic bronchitis: The presence of a daily cough with sputum production for at least two years in a row.

chronic disease: Any disease that is habitual, or over a continuing period of time.

cilia: Hair-like cells that move matter out of the lungs by waving together.

common cold: A viral disease of the upper respiratory tract characterized by sneezing, coughing and runny nose.

controlled coughing: A method of loosening and expelling mucus from the airways.

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease): A degenerative lung disease that causes gradually worsening airway obstruction. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema both cause COPD.

cor pulmanale: Heart disease caused by difficulties transporting blood through the lungs. Can lead to right heart failure.

corticosteroid: A drug commonly used to treat allergic reactions, including asthma. Acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

cough suppressant: Medication that lowers the severity and frequency of coughing symptoms.

CPAP (continuous positive airway): A machine that uses a continuous stream of air to keep airways open.

cyanosis: A condition in which the skin turns blue due to lack of oxygen in the blood supply.

cystic fibrosis: A hereditary condition for which there is no cure. Affects the lungs, small intestine and pancreas, often leading to early death.

dander: The skin cells that animals and humans shed. A leading cause of allergic reactions.

degenerative: A gradual deterioration.

diaphragmatic breathing: Using the diaphragm to breathe easier and with less effort.

diffusion: The transporting of oxygen from the alveoli to the blood, or carbon dioxide from the blood to the alveoli.

diffusion capacity: A measurement of the amount of oxygen transferred from the lungs to the bloodstream.

dilate: To expand or enlarge.

diuretic: Any medication or substance that encourages urine production.

DPI (dry powder inhaler): A medical device for inhaling powdered medication.

dysplasia: Abnormal growth, usually of an organ.

dyspnea: Difficulty breathing.

edema: The occurrence of excessively swollen bodily tissue that typically manifests in the feet and legs but that can affect any part, including the lungs.

elastase inhibitors: Substances that prevent the digestion of elastin (see elastin).

elastic degrading enzymes: Substances that breakdown elastin (see elastin).

elastins: The tiny fibers that make up the lungs, which give it the elastic capability to expand and retract with each breath a person takes.

electrocardiogram: Also ECG or EKG, a study of the heart's electrical activity based on the wave caused by each beat.

emphysema: A chronic lung condition in which the lungs gradually lose elasticity, resulting in difficulty breathing and possible heart failure.

expectorant: A medication designed to clear the lungs of mucus by stimulating coughing.