Medical Terminology Simplified

Additional Medical Terms

The following terms are additional terms related to the respiratory system. Recognizing and learning these terms will
help you understand the connection between common signs, symptoms, and diseases and their diagnoses, as well as
the rationale behind methods of medical and surgical treatments selected for a particular disorder.

Diseases and Conditions

Excessive acidity of blood due to an accumulation of acids or an excessive loss of

bicarbonate

Respiratory acidosis is caused by abnormally high levels of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) in

the body.

Respiratory insufficiency marked by progressive hypoxia

ARDS is due to severe inflammatory damage that causes abnormal permeability of the

alveolar-capillary membrane. As a result, the alveoli fill with fluid, which interferes

with gas exchange.

Abnormal breath sounds heard during respiration (breathing in and out) with the

use of a stethoscope (auscultation)

Identifying the type of adventitious breath sound is important and assists the physician

in determining a diagnosis.

Grating sound of the pleural linings rubbing against each other that is heard on

auscultation; also called friction rub

A pleural rub helps diagnose pleurisy, pneumonia, and other conditions affecting the

lungs. This condition occurs where the pleural layers are inflamed and have lost their

lubrication.

Fine, crackling or bubbling sounds, commonly heard during inspiration when there

is fluid in the alveoli; also called crackles

Rales are commonly associated with bronchitis, pneumonia, and heart failure (HF).

Rales that do not clear after a cough may indicate pulmonary edema or fluid in the

alveoli due to HF or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Snoring, rumbling sounds heard upon auscultation of the chest during respiration

Rhonchi indicate inflammation and congestion of the bronchi caused by inflammation,

mucus, or a foreign body that partially obstructs the bronchi.

High-pitched, musical breathing sound made on inspiration and caused by obstruc-

tion in the pharynx or larynx, commonly heard without the use of a stethoscope

Stridor is characteristic of the upper respiratory disorder called croup. It is also caused by

an allergic reaction, airway injury, throat abscess, or laryngitis.

Continuous, high-pitched whistling sounds, usually heard during expiration and

caused by narrowing of an airway

Wheezes occur in such conditions as asthma, croup, hay fever, and emphysema.

Additional Medical Terms • CHAPTER 4 133

adventitious breath

sounds

ăd-vĕn-TĬSH-ŭs

pleural rub

PLOO-răl

rales

RĀLZ

rhonchi

RONG-kē

stridor

STRĪ-dor

wheezes

HWĒZ-ĕz

acidosis

ăs-i-DŌ-sĭs

acute respiratory distress

syndrome (ARDS)

RĔS-pĭ-ră-tō-rē

dĭs-TRĔS SĬN-drōm