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 A discovery of potential importance to cystic fibrosis therapy; Children's Memorial's Cystic Fibrosis Center receives a national quality award; Cystic Fibrosis Center; Growing up at Children's Memorial (video); Institute for Fetal Health; Overview of Cystic Fibrosis Center; Overview: Tube Feeding and Cystic Fibrosis; Overview: Tube Feeding and Cystic Fibrosis; Making every day count: Living with cystic fibrosis; Transitioning teens to adult care; Understanding the genetics of cystic fibrosis

pulmonary edema

a condition in which there is a fluid accumulation in the lungs caused by an incorrectly functioning heart

See also The Heart Center at Children's Memorial Hospital

pulmonary function tests

the diagnostic tests that help to measure the lungs' ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide appropriately.

pulmonary hypertension

the presence of abnormally high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs.

See also Pulmonary hypertension; Nicholas overcomes prematurity