Chest Medical Terms: Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland

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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 bold capital letters are listed individually to allow further understanding.

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Airways

The system of tube–like passageways which allow air to get in and out of your Lungs.

Allergy

A disorder in which the body becomes hyper–sensitive to particular Antigens which can cause cell damage and inflammation.

Airways

The system of tube-like passageways which allow air to get in and out of the Lungs.

Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABA)

Most common fungal respiratory disorder in the UK.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (A1AD / A1AT)

Hereditary condition which can cause emphysema, liver disease and Lung infections.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the Lungs where Oxygen is taken in and Carbon Dioxide is removed.

Anticholinergics

A group of Bronchodilator drugs which help to decrease the amount of Mucus and Phlegm.

Antigen

Any substance that the body regards as foreign or potentially dangerous.

Apnoea

Medical term for stopping breathing.

Asbestosis

Lung condition caused by chronic inhalation of asbestos fibres.

Asthma

Common chest condition, narrowed Airways causing Dyspnoea and Wheezing.

Autogenic Drainage

Breathing exercise to loosen Mucus from the small Airways.

Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG)

Vaccine used to prevent TB.

Beta-agonists

A group of Bronchodilator drugs which cause muscles in the Airways to relax.

Blood Gases (arterial blood sample)

A blood test used to monitor many chest conditions. Blood is taken from an artery instead of a vein.

Breathing Control

A method to restore normal breathing after activity or during an episode of Dyspnoea.

Breath Sounds

Sounds heard through a stethoscope as air moves in and out of the Lungs.

Bronchiectasis

Condition which widens the Airways and produces excessive Phlegm.

Bronchioles

The smaller Airways located within the Lungs branching off from the Bronchi.

Bronchitis

Inflammation of the Airways. Acute bronchitis caused by viruses or bacteria and characterised coughing, production of mucopurulent Sputum and narrowing of the bronchi. Chronic bronchitis is characterised by excessive mucus production which is frequently complicated by chest infections.

Bronchodilators

Long or short-acting drugs that open up the Airways.

Bronchoscopy (flexible)

Small flexible tube with a camera at the tip that is passed up the nose and into the Lungs.

Bronchus

One of the large Airways that branch of from the trachea and carry Oxygen to the Lungs. Trachea divides into the right and left bronchus (plural bronchi).

Buteyko Method

Breathing exercises to reduce the symptoms of breathing related health problems.

Capillaries

The smallest blood vessels, and the site of Gas Exchange throughout the body.

Carbon Dioxide

Waste product from the body’s energy making processes. It collects in the blood and is exhaled by the Lungs.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD

Umbrella term which includes chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema and chronic Asthma.

Cilia

Tiny hair–like projections in Airways which move dust / debris to the throat to be expectorated or swallowed.

Corticosteroids

Drugs used to treat inflammation.

Cyanosis

A bluish discolouration of the skin caused by low level 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.

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.

Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV 1)

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.

Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)

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)

Virus that affects the Respiratory system.

Flu Vaccine

Annual injection which reduces the chance of getting the flu. 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

Fast Respiratory Rate (> 25 – 30 times / minute) which alters the Carbon Dioxide levels in the blood.

Hypoventilation

Slow Respiratory Rate (< 8 -10 times / minute) which alters the Carbon Dioxide levels in the blood.

Hypoxia

Low level of Oxygen in the blood.

H1N1

The medical term for 'swine flu'.

H5N1

The medical term for 'bird flu'.

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

Known as ' ‘puffers', deliver drugs directly into the Lungs.

Intercostal Muscles

Located between each of the ribs, allow the chest to expand and contract.

Legionnaires disease

A rare Pneumonia–like disease caused by bacteria found in water supplies and plumbing.

Long Term Oxygen Therapy (LTOT)

Available on prescription for some Lung conditions.

Lungs

Two air–filled organs in the chest which remove Carbon Dioxide and bring Oxygen to the blood.

Lung Transplant

Operation which 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.

Mucus

Sticky Airway secretions produced by glands in the Airways to trap foreign debris.

Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (NCPAP)

Used for severe Sleep Apnoea, pressurised air is delivered, through the nose, to prevent Airway obstruction.

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.

Non–Invasive Ventilation (NIV)

Umbrella term for NCPAP and NIPPV.

Oxygen

A gas from the air which 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 chest conditions.

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.

Phlegm

A non–medical term for Sputum.

Pleura

Thin lining of the Lungs which has two layers with fluid between them for lubrication.

Pleural Effusion

Collection of fluid between the Pleura.

Pleural Empyema

Collection of pus within the Pleura.

Pleurisy

Inflammation of the Pleura, often caused by infection, which causes pain on breathing.

Pneumonia

A bacterial infection in the Lungs.

Pneumoconiosis

Scarring of the Lungs caused by certain types of dust.

Pneumothorax

Air in the chest caused by a punctured Lung which then collapses.

Preventers

Inhalers which contain Corticosteroids.

Pulmonary

Relating to, associated with, or affecting Lungs.

Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

Obstruction which partially blocks off blood flow to the Lungs.

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Scarring of the Lung tissue.

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs )

Detailed assessment of the Lung function.

Pulmonary Hypertension

High blood pressure between the heart and Lungs.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Out–patient programme designed to help people with long–term chest conditions, e.g. COPD.

Relievers

Inhalers which contain fast–acting Bronchodilators.

Respiratory

Medical term for all things to do with breathing.

Respiratory Rate

The number of breaths per minute; on average between 12 – 20. Rate increases during exercise, excitement, pain and fever. Decreases during relaxation and sleep.

Sarcoidosis

A chronic disorder of unknown cause in which the lymph glands in many parts of the body including the Lungs, become enlarged.

Sleep Apnoea

Apnoea that occurs overnight. Caused by a collapse of the Airway behind the tongue.

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 you to stop breathing hundreds of times overnight. Overweight people with large necks are most at risk.

Spacer

Plastic dome with a mouthpiece at one end and a fitting for an Inhaler at the other. Makes Inhaler easier and more effective to use.

Spirometry

The amount of air inhaled and exhaled is measured by breathing into a mouthpiece.

Sputum

Medical term for Mucus or Phlegm.

Steroids

Abbreviation for Corticosteroids. These are medicines used to treat many diseases caused by chronic inflammation.

Trachea

Large Airway that connects the larynx (‘voice box’) to the Bronchi. Also called the 'windpipe'.

Tuberculosis (TB)

A bacterial infection in the Lungs.

Ventilation

The exchange of air between the Lungs and the atmosphere allowing Oxygen to be exchanged for Carbon Dioxide in the Alveoli.

Wheeze

Whistling sound caused by a narrowing in the Airways.