Allergen
|
A substance
that causes inflammation in the lungs. Allergens include pollen,
animal dander, dust mites and mold. Not everyone is bothered by
allergens. You should try to avoid any that cause you problems.
Your doctor will help you learn which ones these are. |
Alveoli
|
Clusters of
balloon-like air sacs at the ends of the airways in the lungs. |
Asthma
|
A condition in
which the lungs are very sensitive. The lungs can become
inflamed and the airways get very small. This makes breathing
harder. |
Asthma flare-up
|
Also called an
"asthma attack." Airways become so narrowed that you have
trouble breathing. Rescue medications should be taken when this
happens. |
Bronchial tubes
|
Branching
airways in the lungs. The smallest of these are called
bronchioles. |
Bronchiectasis
|
A condition in
which the small airways become enlarged and cilia are destroyed.
Mucus builds up and the lungs are more likely to become
infected. |
Bronchospasm
|
When the muscle
surrounding the airways goes into spasm. This occurs when you
have asthma. |
Capillaries
|
Blood vessels
surrounding the air sacs. Oxygen and carbon dioxide gases pass
through capillaries on the way into and out of the lungs. |
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
|
A waste gas
that must be exhaled out of the body. When you can't exhale
well, carbon dioxide may build up in the body and cause damage. |
Chronic broncitis
|
A long-term
condition in which the airways produce more mucus than they
should. This keeps air from flowing normally. |
Cilia
|
Tiny hairs that
line the airways. These sweep mucus up and out of the lungs.
Cigarette smoke can damage and paralyze cilia. |
COPD (Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
|
A category of
diseases in which obstructions (blockages) in the lungs make
breathing harder. COPD includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema,
bronchiectasis, and chronic asthma. |
Cystic fibrosis
|
An inherited
condition in which thick mucus clogs the lungs. |
Dyspnea
|
The medical
word for shortness of breath, or feeling breathless. |
Emphysema
|
A condition in
which the air sacs (alveoli) are damaged and become loose and
baggy. Some are destroyed. Air can't travel into and out of the
lungs as easily. |
Exacerbation
|
A period of
worsened symptoms, usually due to a respiratory infection. |
Gas exchange
|
When oxygen
passes from the air sacs into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide
passes from the bloodstream into the air sacs. |
Inhaler
|
A device that
delivers medication through the mouth and into the lungs. Common
types of inhalers include metered dose inhalers (MDIs) and
dry-powder inhalers (DPIs). |
Irritants
|
Substances
containing particles that irritate the airways, such as smoke,
smog, aerosols sprays, and perfume. The lungs respond to
irritants by swelling and making more mucus. People with chronic
lung disease should avoid irritants when possible. |
Mucus
|
A secretion in
the lining of the airways. It traps dust, smoke and other
particles that are inhaled. Mucus, along with the harmful
particles, is coughed up or swallowed. This helps keep the lungs
clean. |
Nebulizer
|
A machine that
changes medication into a fine mist that can be inhaled. |
Oxygen (O2)
|
A gas your body
needs in order to function. |
Oxygen saturation
|
A measure of
the amount of oxygen in the blood. |
Pulmonary
|
Having to do
with the lungs. |
Pulse oximetry
|
A test that
shows the amount of oxygen in the blood. |
Respiratory
|
Having to do
with breathing (respiration). |
Restrictive lung
disease
|
A condition in
which air sacs in the lungs are scarred and become stiff. Air
can't get into the scarred air sacs as easily, making it harder
to take a deep breath. Also referred to as "interstitial lung
disease." |
Spacer
|
A plastic tube
often used with metered dose inhalers (MDIs), which helps to
ensure that most of the medication is inhaled. |
Trapped air
|
Air that gets
trapped in the air sacs and can't get out of the lungs. Trapped
air flattens the diaphragm and makes breathing more difficult. |
