Glossary of terms

apnea

a term which means to stop breathing.

See also Critical care (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit)

asthma

a chronic, inflammatory lung disease characterized by recurrent breathing problems usually triggered by allergens

See also Allergy and immunology; Critical care (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit); Exercise-induced asthma; Signs and symptoms of asthma; Study shows how neighborhood characteristics play a significant role in childhood asthma; Treatment for asthma; Understanding childhood asthma; Warning signs that asthma is not under control

chronic lung disease (CLD or bronchopulmonary dysplasia)

a term used to describe long-term respiratory problems in premature babies that results from lung injury from treatments with mechanical ventilators and oxygen

See also Pulmonary habilitation program

cystic fibrosis

a genetic condition involving many of the body's systems and characterized by thick secretions in the lungs and digestive problems. Fetal cystic fibrosis is diagnosed before birth by genetic testing.

See also Coming December 2009 - "Supporting Nutrition: Understanding Tubefeeding in Cystic Fibrosis - The Movie" ; Cystic Fibrosis Center; Growing up at Children's Memorial (video); Institute for Fetal Health; Nutritional resources; Overview of Cystic Fibrosis Center; Making every day count: Living with cystic fibrosis; Understanding the genetics of cystic fibrosis