Term
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Definition
| incomplete emptying of alveoli during expiration due to loss of lung tissue elasticity (emphysema), bronchospasm (asthma), or airway obstruction |
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Term
| alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency |
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Definition
| genetic disorder resulting from deficiency of alpha1 antitrypsin, a protective agent for the lung; increases patient's risk for developing panacinar emphysema even in the absence of smoking |
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Term
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Definition
| a disease with multiple precipitating mechanisms resulting in a common clinical outcome of reversible airflow obstruction; no longer considered a category of COPD |
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Term
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Definition
| chronic dilation of a bronchus or bronchi; the dilated airways become saccular and are a medium for chronic infection; no longer considered a category of COPD |
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Term
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Definition
| a disease of the airways defined as the presence of cough and sputum production for at least a combined total of 3 months in each of 2 consecutive years; a category of COPH |
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Term
| chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
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Definition
| disease state characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible; sometimes referred to as chronic airway obstruction or chronic obstructive lung disease |
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Term
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Definition
| a disease of the airways characterized by destruction of the walls of over distended alveoli; a category of COPD |
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Term
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Definition
| patient-activated medication canister that proves aerosolized medication that the patient inhales into the lungs |
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Term
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Definition
| increase in the red blood cell concentration in the blood; in COPD, the body attempts to improve oxygen carrying capacity by producing increasing amounts of red blood cells |
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Term
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Definition
| pulmonary function tests that measure specific lung volumes and rates; may be measure before and after bronchodilator administration |
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