ALLERGEN

A sustance that causes an allergic reaction.

ASTHMA

 

A disease of the lungs in which muscle spasm in the small air passageways and the production of large amounts of mucus result in airway obstruction.

CARBON DIOXIDE RETENTION

 

A Condition characterized by a chronically high level of Carbon Dioxide in which the respiratory center no longer responds to high blood levels of carbon dioxide.

CHRONIC BRONCHITIS

 

Irritation of the major lung passageways, from either infectious disease or irritants such as smoke.

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)

 

A slow process of dilation and disruption of the airways and alveoli, caused by chronic bronchial obstruction.

COMMON COLD

A viral infection usually associated with swollen nasal mucous membranes and the production of fluid from the sinuses and nose.

CROUP

An infectious disease of the upper repiratory system that may cause partial airway obstruction and is characterized by a barking cough; usually seen in children.

DIPHTHERIA

An infectious disease in which a membrane lining the pharynx is formed that can severely obstruct passage of air into the larynx.

DYSPNEA

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

EMBOLUS

 

A blood clot or substance in the circulatory system that travels to a blood vessel where it causes blockage.

EMPHYSEMA

A disease of the lungs in which there is extreme dilation and eventual destruction of pulmonary alveoli with poor exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide; it is one form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

EPIGLOTTITIS

An infectious disease in which the epiglottis becomes inflamed and enlarged and may cause upper airway obstruction.

HYPERVENTILATION

 

Rapid or deep breathing that lowers blood carbon dioxide levels below normal.

HYPOXIA

 

A condition in which the body's cells and tissues do not have enough oxygen.

HYPOXIC DRIVE

 

Backup system to control repirations when oxygen levels fall.

PLEURAL EFFUSION

A collection of fluid between the lung and chest wall that may compress the lung.

PLEURITIC CHEST PAIN

 

Sharp, stabbing pain in the chest that is worsened by a deep breath or other chest wall movement; often caused by inflammation or irritation of the pleura.

PNEUMONIA

An infectious disease of the lung that damages lung tissue.

PNEUMOTHORAX

A partial or complete accumulation of air in the pleural space.

PULMONARY EDEMA

 

A buildup of fluid in the lungs, usually as a result of congestsive heart failure.

PULMONARY EMBOLISM

A blood clot that breaks off from a large vein and travels to the blood vessels of the lung, causing obstruction of blood flow.

RALES

 

Crackling, rattling breath sounds signaling fluid in the air spaces of the lungs.

RHONCHI

 

Coarse breath sounds heard in patients with chronic mucus in the airways.

STRIDOR

 

A harsh, high-pitched, barking inspiratory sound often heard in acute laryngeal (upper airway) obstruction.

WHEEZE

A high-pitched, whistling breath sound, characteristically heard on expiration in patients with asthma or COPD.