Glossary

alaryngeal communication: alternative modes of

speaking that do not involve the normal larynx; used by
patients whose larynx has been surgically removed
aphonia: impaired ability to use ones voice due to disease
or injury to the larynx
apnea: cessation of breathing
dysphagia: difficulties in swallowing
epistaxis: hemorrhage from the nose due to rupture of
tiny, distended vessels in the mucous membrane of any
area of the nose
herpes simplex: cold sore (cutaneous viral infection with
painful vesicles and erosions on the tongue, palate,
gingival, buccal membranes, or lips)
laryngitis: inflammation of the larynx; may be due to voice
abuse, exposure to irritants, or infectious organisms
laryngectomy: removal of all or part of the larynx and
surrounding structures
pharyngitis: inflammation of the throat; usually viral or
bacterial in origin
rhinitis: inflammation of the mucous membranes of the
nose; may be infectious, allergic, or inflammatory in origin
rhinorrhea: drainage of a large amount of fluid from the
nose
sinusitis: inflammation of the sinuses; may be acute or
chronic; may be viral, bacterial,
or fungal in origin
submucous resection: surgical procedure to correct nasal
obstruction due to deviated septum; also called septoplasty

asbestosis: diffuse lung fibrosis resulting from

exposure to asbestos fibers
atelectasis: collapse or airless condition of the alveoli
caused by hypoventilation, obstruction to the airways, or
compression
central cyanosis: bluish discoloration of the skin or
mucous membranes due to hemoglobin carrying
reduced amounts of oxygen
consolidation: lung tissue that has become more solid
in nature due to collapse of alveoli or infectious process
(pneumonia)
cor pulmonale: heart of the lungs; enlargement of
the right ventricle from hypertrophy or dilation or as a
secondary response to disorders that affect the lungs
empyema: accumulation of purulent material in the
pleural space
fine-needle aspiration: insertion of a needle through
the chest wall to obtain cells of a mass or tumor; usually
performed under fluoroscopy or chest CT guidance
hemoptysis: the coughing up of blood from the lower
respiratory tract
hemothorax: partial or complete collapse of the lung
due to blood accumulating in the pleural space; may
occur after surgery or trauma
induration: an abnormally hard lesion or reaction, as in
a positive tuberculin skin test
nosocomial: pertaining to or originating from a
hospitalization; not present at the time of hospital
admission
open lung biopsy: biopsy of lung tissue performed
through a limited thoracotomy incision
orthopnea: shortness of breath when reclining or in the
supine position
pleural effusion: abnormal accumulation of fluid in the
pleural space
pleural friction rub: localized grating or creaking
sound caused by the rubbing together of inflamed
parietal and visceral
pleurae
pleural space: the area between the parietal and
visceral pleurae; a potential space

tonsillitis: inflammation of the tonsils, usually due to an

acute infection

pneumothorax: partial or complete collapse of the lung

due to positive pressure in the pleural space

xerostomia: dryness of the mouth from a variety of causes

pulmonary edema: increase in the amount of

extravascular fluid in the lung

acute respiratory distress syndrome

(ARDS): nonspecific pulmonary response to a variety of
pulmonary and nonpulmonary insults to the lung;
characterized by interstitial infiltrates, alveolar
hemorrhage, atelectasis, decreased compliance, and
refractory hypoxemia

pulmonary embolism: obstruction of the pulmonary

vasculature with an embolus; embolus may be due to
blood clot, air bubbles, or fat droplets
purulent: consisting of, containing, or discharging pus

restrictive lung disease: disease of the lung that

causes a decrease in lung volumes
tension pneumothorax: pneumothorax characterized
by increasing positive pressure in the pleural space with
each breath; this is an emergency situation and the
positive pressure needs to be decompressed or released
immediately
thoracentesis: insertion of a needle into the pleural
space to remove fluid that has accumulated and

decrease pressure on the lung tissue; may also be used

diagnostically to identify potential causes of a pleural
effusion
transbronchial: through the bronchial wall, as in a
transbronchial lung biopsy
ventilationperfusion ratio: the ratio between
ventilation and perfusion in the lung; matching of
ventilation to perfusion optimizes gas exchange