COPD Glossary: NHLBI

Article title: COPD Glossary: NHLBI
Conditions: COPD, Bronchi, Capillaries, Cyanosis, Dyspnea, Hypoxemia, Postural bronchial drainage
Source: NHLBI

Glossary

Aerosol: A solution of a drug that is made into a fine mist for inhalation.
Airway obstruction: A narrowing, clogging, or blocking of the passages that carry air to the lungs.
Alpha-1- antitrypsin: (See alpha-1-protease inhibitor.)
Alpha-1- protease inhibitor: A substance in blood transported to the lungs that inhibits the digestive activity of trypsin and other proteases which digest proteins. Deficiency of this substance is associated with emphysema.
Alveoli: Tiny sac-like air spaces in the lungs where transfer of carbon dioxide from blood into the lungs and oxygen from air into blood takes place.
Bronchi: Larger air passages of the lungs.
Bronchiole: Finer air passages of the lungs.
Broncho-constriction: Tightening of the muscles surrounding bronchi, the tubes that branch from the windpipe.
Bronchodilator: A drug that relaxes the smooth muscles and opens the constricted airway.
Capillaries: The smallest blood vessels in the body through which most of the oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nutrient exchanges take place.
Cor pulmonale: Heart disease due to lung problems.
Corticosteroids: A group of hormones produced by adrenal glands.
Continuous positive airway: A mechanical ventilation technique used to deliver continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) pressure.
Cyanosis: Bluish color of the skin associated with insufficient oxygen.
Dyspnea: Shortness of breath; difficult or labored breathing.
Elastin: An elastic substance in the lungs (and some other body organs) that support their structural framework.
Elastase inhibitors or Antielastases: Substances in the blood transported to the lungs and other organs which prevent the digestive action of elastases.
Elastin degrading enzymes (elastases): Substances in the blood transported to the lungs and other organs which digest or breakdown elastin.
Gas exchange: A primary function of the lungs involving transfer of oxygen from inhaled air into blood and of carbon dioxide from blood into lungs.
Hypoventilation: A state in which there is an insufficient amount of air entering and leaving the lungs to bring oxygen into tissues and eliminate carbon dioxide.
Hypoxemia: Deficient oxygenation of the blood.
Hypoxia: A state in which there is oxygen deficiency.
Intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) machine: A device that assists intermittent positive pressure inhalation of therapeutic aerosols without hand coordination required in the use of hand nebulizers or metered dose inhalers.
Laser: In the context of a therapeutic tool, it is a device that produces a high-intensity light that can generate extreme heat instantaneously when it hits a target.
Lavage: To wash a body organ.
Neonatal: Period up to the first 4 weeks after birth.
Pneumonia: Inflammation of the lungs.
Postural bronchial drainage: Draining of liquids from the lungs by placing the patient in postures (e.g., head below chest) which facilitate liquid flow.
Vaccination: Administration of weakened or killed bacteria or virus to stimulate immunity and protection against further exposure to that agent.
Ventilation: The process of exchange of air between the lungs and the atmosphere leading to exchange of gases in the blood.

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