alveolus

al-VEE-oh-lus

A hollow sphere of cells that expands and contracts with each breath

mediastinum

ME-dee-ass-TIE-num

Smaller cavity within the thoracic cavity. It contains the trachea (and other structures such as the heart).

status asthmaticus

STAT-us az-MAT-ih-kus

A prolonged, extremely severe, life-threatening asthma attack

bronchiectasis

BRONG-kee-EK-tah-sis

Chronic, permanent enlargement and loss of elasticity of the bronchioles

atelectasis

AT-eh-LEK-tah-sis

Incomplete expansion or collapse of part or all of a lung due to mucus, tumor, trauma, or a foreign body that blocks the bronchus

purulent

PYOOR-yoo-lent

Pus

hemoptysis

hee-MAWP-tih-sis

Coughing up blood-tinged sputum

bradypnea

BRAD-ip-NEE-ah

Abnormally slow rate of breathing (less than 10 breaths per minute)

orthopnea

or-THAWP-nee-ah

The need to be propped in an upright or semi-upright position in order to breathe and sleep comfortably

tachypnea

TAK-ip-NEE-ah

Abnormally rapid rate of breathing (greater than 20 breaths per minute in adults)

hypoxemia

HY-pawk-SEE-mee-ah

Very low level of oxygen in the arterial blood

Mantoux

man-TOO

The Mantoux test is a diagnostic test that uses an intradermal injection of PPD (purified protein derivative)

bronchoscopy

brong-KAWS-koh-pee

Procedure that uses a lighted bronchoscope inserted through the mount and larynx to examine the trachea and bronchi

thoracentesis

THOR-ah-sen-TEE-sis

Procedure that uses a needle and a vacuum container to remove pleural fluid from the pleural space

tracheostomy

TRAY-kee-AWS-toh-mee

This procedure begins with an incision into the trachea (tracheotomy) to create an opening