Key Terms
- asthma
- condition in which airways narrow and swell, causing wheezing and difficulty breathing
- chronic bronchitis
- long-term inflammation of the bronchi, causing severe coughing spells
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing problems; includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis; also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder
- diffusion
- spontaneous exchange of gases between the alveoli, capillaries, and lungs
- emphysema
- gradual damage of alveoli that causes shortness of breath
- gas exchange
- when oxygen moves from the lungs into the bloodstream
- histamine
- compound released by cells in response to allergy or inflammatory reactions
- hypoxemia
- lack of oxygen in the tissues and organs
- laryngitis
- inflammation of the larynx
- olfactory
- relating to the sense of smell
- oxygenation
- process that involves the absorption of oxygen throughout the body
- perfusion
- blood flow to tissues and organs
- pharyngitis
- inflammation of the pharynx; also known as a sore throat
- pulmonary function tests (PFTs)
- noninvasive tests that show how well the lungs are working
- rhinitis
- inflammation and swelling of mucous membranes in the nose
- sinus cavities
- four air-filled, interconnected cavities located between the eyes and nose; produce and circulate mucus
- sinusitis
- infection of the lining of the sinuses
- ventilation
- process of moving air into and out of the lungs