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