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Chest Medical Terms
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Explanations of words used to discuss or describe chest illness
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Words with capital letters are listed individually to allow further understanding.
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Airways
The whole system that enables us to breathe, from the nose to the Alveoli in the Lungs, through the throat, past the voice box, through the Trachea into the Bronchi and Bronchioles.
Allergy
A disorder in which the body becomes to particular Antigens which can cause cell damage and inflammation.
Antigen
Any substance that the body regards as foreign or potentially dangerous.
AAT—Alpha-1 Antitrypsin
A protein that protects the Lungs. Deficiency is hereditary and rare but can lead to Emphysema.
Alveoli
Tiny air sacs in the Lungs where Oxygen is taken in and Carbon Dioxide is removed.
Anticholinergics
Drugs that decrease the amount of Mucus and Phlegm. Also relaxes the Airway muscles making breathing easier.
Apnoea
Cessation of breathing.
Autogenic Drainage
A form of breathing exercise which uses breathing out as far as possible to loosen Mucus from the small airways.
Asbestosis
Fibrosis of the Lung as a result of the chronic inhalation of asbestos fibres.
Aspergillosis
The most common fungal respiratory disorder in the UK.
Asthma
A common respiratory disease affecting 1 in 10 children and 1 in 20 adults. Airways become narrowed resulting in shortness of breath, wheezing and tightness in the chest.
BCG—Bacille Calmette-Guerin
A vaccine used to increased resistance to Tuberculosis.
Beta-agonists
Drugs that cause the muscles in the Airways to relax, making the airway wider and breathing easier.
Blood Gases
A blood test used to monitor many chest diseases. Blood is taken either from an artery in the wrist or from the earlobe.
Bird Flu (Avian Flu)
A serious strain of Flu that only normally affects birds. Small number of cases in South East Asia where this has transferred to humans.
Bullae
Large cyst-type structures in the Lungs.
BOOP—Bronchiolitis Obliterans Organising Pneumonia
Swelling of the small airways in the lungs which can cause blockages in the outermost part of the Lungs.
Breath Sounds
Sounds heard through a stethoscope as air moves in and out of the Lungs.
Breathing Control
A way of regaining a more normal breathing pattern after activity or during an episode of breathlessness.
Brittle Asthma
A little known form of severe Asthma requiring frequent hospitalization and intensive medication.
Bronchus
The windpipe divides into the right and left bronchus carrying oxygen from the air through each Lung.
Bronchi
The plural form of bronchus
Bronchioles
The smaller airways located within the lungs branching off from the Bronchi.
Bronchial Hyper-Reactivity
A tendency of the smooth muscle of the Trachea and Bronchi to contract more than normal.
Bronchitis
Inflammation of the Airways. Acute Bronchitis caused by viruses or bacteria and chariterised coughing, production of mucopurulent Sputum and narrowing of the bronchi. Chronic Bronchitis is chariacterised by excessive mucus production which is frequently complicated by chest infections.
Bronchiectasis
A chronic Lung condition characterised by the production of large amounts of Phlegm.
Bronchoscopy (Flexible)
A small flexible tube with a small camera at the tip that is passed up the nose and down into the Lungs. Allows viewing of the lungs and access to take biopsies and Sputum specimens.
Bronchodilators
Long or short-acting medicines that open up the Airways. They work by helping the muscle around the Airways to relax allowing air to get into the Lungs.
The Butekyo Method
This is a series of breathing exercises aimed at reducing the symptoms of asthma and other breathing related health problems.
Capillaries
The smallest blood vessels, and the site of Gas Exchange throughout the body.
COPD—Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
An umbrella term which includes Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema and Chronic Asthma.
Compressor
An electrically powered machine that provides pressurised air to a Nebuliser.
Cilia
Tiny hair like projections in the Airways. They waft any particles of dust or debris towards the throat to be expectorated or swallowed.
Carbon Dioxide
A waste product from body processes that is collected in the blood and exhaled by the Lungs.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are medicines that are used to treat many conditions that involve inflammation.
CFA—Cryptogenic Fibrosing Alveolitis
Also known as Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.
It results from injury to the lining of the Lung causing inflammation, further injury and scarring. Is caused by cigarette smoking and exposure to occupational dusts.
Controllers
Long acting Bronchodilators usually taken twice daily.
Cyanosis
A bluish discolouration of the skin and mucus membranes caused by an inadequate amount of Oxygen in the blood.
Diaphragm
The dome shaped muscle that sits underneath the Lungs separating them from the abdomen.
Dyspnoea
Medical term for breathlessness.
EEA—Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis
This name refers to a group of Lung diseases resulting from exposure to dusts of animal or vegetable origin.
Emphysema
A Lung condition in which large numbers of Alveoli have been destroyed resulting in much less area for Gas Exchange to take place.
Expectorant
A drug that helps to move and expel Mucus.
FEV 1—Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second
This is the main measure used to identify any Airway narrowing. It is measured in litres and compared to someone of the same age, height and sex.
FVC—Forced Vital Capacity
This is a measure of the total volume of air blown out through a Spirometer. This is measured in litres and can be expressed as a percentage of the predicted value for someone of the same age, height and sex.
Flu (Influenza)
A highly contagious virus that affects the Respiratory system.
Flu Vaccine
A harmless version of the flu virus. Given yearly during October. Reduces the chance of getting flu by two thirds. As well as for some other conditions, it is recommended for anyone with a chronic chest condition.
Gas Exchange
The exchange of Oxygen for Carbon Dioxide which takes place in the Alveoli of the Lungs.
Haemoptysis
Coughing up blood.
Hyperventilation
Breathing at an abnormally fast rate.
Hypoventilation
Breathing at an abnormally shallow and slow rate.
Hypercapnia
Abnormally high concentration of Carbon Dioxide in arterial blood.
Hypocapnia
Abnormally low concentration of Carbon Dioxide in arterial blood.
Hypoxia
Inadequate Oxygen in the blood.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Also known as Cryptogenic Fibrosing Alveolitis.
It results from injury to the lining of the Lung causing inflammation, further injury and scarring. It is caused by cigarette smoking and exposure to occupational dusts.
Inhalers
Also known as puffers.
They deliver medicines in powder form directly into the Lungs to relieve symptoms of chest conditions.
Industrial Injuries Benefit
An application form can be obtained from local Benefit Agencies to claim the above benefit for various asbestos related conditions.
Idiopathic
Denotes a disease or condition of which the cause is unknown or arises spontaneously.
Intercostal muscles
These are located between each of the ribs, allowing the chest to expand outwards and contract inwards.
LAM—Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
A very rare lung condition that only occurs in women. Affects a certain type of muscle cell causing cysts to develop in the Lungs.
Legionnaires disease
A rare pneumonia like disease caused by bacteria (legionella pneumophila) found in plumbing, shower heads and water storage tanks.
Lungs
The lungs are two air-filled organs located in the chest. They remove Carbon Dioxide from and bring Oxygen to the blood.
LVRS—Lung Volume Reduction Surgery
A major operation aimed at relieving the symptoms of Emphysema by removing damaged air spaces.
Lung Function Tests
Also known as Pulmonary Function Tests.
These are usually performed in hospital breathing test departments. More detailed than Spirometry tests that are performed by GPs.
Lung Transplant
This operation involves replacing one or both diseased lungs with the healthy lungs of a donor.
Mesothelioma
A tumour of the Pleura caused mainly by heavy exposure to Asbestos. Affects mostly men.
Mucus
Sticky Airway secretions produced by glands in the Airways to trap foreign debris and prevent Lung damage.
NCPAP—Nasal Continous Positive Airway Pressure
Treatment used for severe sleep Apnoea. Use of slightly pressurised air to prevent Airway obstruction.
NIPPV—Nasal Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilation
A breathing machine delivers Oxygen via a special face mask to help deliver more Oxygen into the Lungs to improve Gas Exchange.
NIV—Non-Invasive Ventilation
Umbrella term for NCPAP and NIPPV.
Nebuliser
A machine driven by an electrically powered Compressor that drives air into a chamber holding a liquid form of medication. It produces a mist that is then breathed into the Lungs.
Oxygen
A gas from the air that the body requires in order to function.
Oxygen Concentrator
An electrical device that produces a flow of 90% Oxygen from normal air (which is 23%).
Oxygen Therapy
Available on prescription for some lung conditions. Oxygen therapy needs to be taken for minimum of 15 hours daily to be of benefit.
Occupational Lung Disease
Disease of the lung including some cancers which are known to have been caused by exposure to certain substances whilst at work.
PFTs—Pulmonary Function Tests
Also known as Lung Function Tests.
These are usually performed in hospital breathing test departments. More detailed than Spirometry tests that are performed by GPs.
Pleura
The lining of the lungs. There are two linings with fluid between them for lubrication.
Pleurisy
Inflammation of the Pleura often due to Pneumonia. Causes pain on breathing.
Pleural Effusion
This is a collection of fluid next to the Lungs between the two layers of Pleura.
Pleurodesis
A chemical or surgical procedure that sticks the lung to the chest to prevent the lung collapsing.
Pneumonia
A bacterial infection which causes the Alveoli and smaller bronchial tubes to become inflamed and fill with fluid. This leads to impairment of Lung function.
Pneumoconiosis
Scarring of the lungs caused by certain types of dust.
Pneumothorax
This literally means air in the chest. It is caused by a punctured Lung which then collapses. May be due to injury or happen spontaneously.
Pulmonary
Relating to, associated with, or affecting the Lungs.
PE—Pulmonary Embolism
This is a clot that has dislodged from somewhere else in the body and then blocks off part of the Lung circulation.
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Scarring of the Lung tissue which prevents the Lungs performing their function properly.
Pulmonary Hypertension
A rare blood vessel disorder of the Lungs causing high blood pressure in the blood vessel that leads from the heart to the lungs.
Preventors
Inhalers that contain corticosteroids. Relieves inflammation of the Airways, helping them to stay open, preventing breathlessness.
Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
A genetic disease, where the Cilia lining the Bronchial tubes do not beat properly.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
A special hospital out patient course designed to help people with long term Lung conditions cope with their breathlessness and feel stronger and fitter at the same time.
Phlegm
A non-medical term for Sputum.
Psittacosis (Parrot Disease)
A Lung infection in birds caused by the bacterium ‘Chlamydia Psittaci’. Can be transmitted to humans by contact with infected birds.
Rales
The noise air makes as it bubbles through accumulated Mucus.
Relievers
Fast acting Bronchodilators to relieve breathlessness.
Respiratory System
The combination of organs and tissues associated with breathing.
RSV—Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Very common virus that can be harmful to premature babies and young children with Lung disease. Causes inflammation and obstruction of the lungs smallest airways (acute bronchiolitis).
SARS—Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
A flu-like illness first identified in China in 2002. A new coronavirus (RNA virus) has been identified as the cause of SARS. It is spread by close contact.
Sarcoidosis
A chronic disorder of unknown cause in which the lymph glands in many parts of the body including the Lungs, become enlarged.
Siderosis
The deposition of iron oxide dust in the lungs. It is an Occupational Lung Disease of welders, silver finishers and haematite miners.
Silicosis
A form of Pneumoconiosis produced by inhaling silica dust particles (found in iron foundaries and potteries in the past). Silica stimulates fibrosis of the Lungs.
Snoring and Sleep Apnoea
Snoring can indicate that there are problems with breathing at night causing collapse of the Airway behind the tongue. This can cause the sufferer to stop breathing hundreds of times overnight. Overweight people with large necks are most at risk.
Spacer
A plastic dome with a mouthpiece at one end and fitting for an inhaler at the other. Useful if an inhaler is difficult to use.
Sputum
The medical term for Mucus or Phlegm.
Steroids
Abbreviation for Corticosteroids. These are medicines used to treat many diseases caused by chronic inflammation.
Spirometry
A diagnostic test which can be performed at doctors surgeries and outpatient clinics. By breathing into a mouthpiece the amount of air inhaled and exhaled is measured.
TB—Tuberculosis
An infection caused by the germ Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. TB can affect any part of the body but commonly affects the Lungs (Pulmonary Tuberculosis).
Trachea
The windpipe.
Wheeze
A piping or whistling sound caused when air is forced through narrowed Airways.
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