Medical Terminology Simplified

Total absence of oxygen (O 2 ) in body tissues

Anoxia is caused by a lack of O 2 in inhaled air or obstruction that prevents O 2

from reaching the lungs.

Collapse of lung tissue, preventing respiratory exchange of oxygen (O 2 ) and carbon

dioxide (CO 2 )

Atelectasis can be caused by obstruction of foreign bodies, excessive secretions, or pressure

on the lung from a tumor. In fetal atelectasis, the lungs fail to expand normally at birth.

Acute inflammation of nasal passages accompanied by profuse nasal discharge; also

called a cold

Acute respiratory syndrome that occurs primarily in children and infants and is

characterized by laryngeal obstruction and spasm, barking cough, and stridor

Genetic disease of exocrine glands characterized by excessive secretions of thick

mucus that do not drain normally, causing obstruction of passageways (including

pancreatic and bile ducts and bronchi)

CF leads to chronic airway obstruction, recurrent respiratory infection, bronchiectasis,

and, eventually, respiratory failure.

Pus in a body cavity, especially in the pleural cavity (pyothorax)

Empyema is usually the result of a primary infection in the lungs.

In the acute form, a severe, life-threatening infection of the epiglottis and surround-

ing area that occurs most commonly in children between ages 2 and 12 with a

sudden onset of fever, dysphagia, inspiratory stridor, and severe respiratory distress

Treatment of epiglottitis involves establishing an open airway for the person to breathe,

including a breathing tube (intubation) and moistened (humidified) oxygen. Also,

intravenous (IV) therapy with antibiotics will be started immediately to help treat

the infection by the bacteria.

Hemorrhage from the nose; also called nosebleed

134 CHAPTER 4• Respiratory System

anoxia

ăn-ŎK-sē-ă

an: without, not

-oxia: oxygen

atelectasis

ăt-ĕ-LĔK-tă-sĭs

atel: incomplete;

imperfect

-ectasis: dilation,

expansion

coryza

kō-RĪ-ză

croup

CROOP

cystic fibrosis (CF)

SĬS-tĭk fī-BRŌ-sĭs

cyst: bladder

-ic: pertaining to

fibr: fiber, fibrous tissue

-osis: abnormal condi-

tion; increase

(used primarily

with blood cells)

empyema

ĕm-pī-Ē-mă

epiglottitis

ĕp-ĭ-glŏt-Ī-tĭs

epiglott: epiglottis

-itis: inflammation

epistaxis

ĕp-ĭ-STĂK-sĭs