Respiratory System Pathology

Question 1

Internal Medicine

Answer 1

Branch of medicine involving the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions of internal organs such as the respiratory system. The physician is an ‘internist.’

Question 2

Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)

Answer 2

Branch of medicine involving the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and diseases of the ear, nose, and throat region. The physician is an ‘otorhinolaryngologist.’ This medical specialty may also be referred to as ‘otolaryngology.’

Question 3

Pulmonology

Answer 3

Branch of medicine involved in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the respiratory system. Physician is a ‘pulmonologist.’

Question 4

Respiratory Therapy

Answer 4

Allied health specialty that assists patients with respiratory and cardiopulmonary disorders. Duties of a ‘respiratory therapist’ include conducting pulmonary function tests, monitoring oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, administering breathing treatments, and ventilator management

Question 5

Thoracic Surgery

Answer 5

Branch of medicine involving the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and diseases of the respiratory system by surgical means. Physician is a ‘thoracic surgeon.’

Question 6

Anosmia

Answer 6

Lack of sense of smell

Question 7

Anoxia

Answer 7

Condition of receiving almost no oxygen from inhaled air

Question 8

Aphonia

Answer 8

Condition of being unable to produce sounds

Question 9

Apnea

Answer 9

Not breathing

Question 10

Asphyxia

Answer 10

Lack of oxygen that can lead to unconsciousness and death if not corrected immediately; also called ‘asphyxiation’ or ‘suffocation.’ Common causes include drowning, foreign body in the respiratory tract, poisoning, and electric shock

Question 11

Aspiration

Answer 11

Refers to withdrawing fluid from a body cavity using suction. For example, using a long needle and syringe to withdraw fluid from the pleural cavity, or using a vacuum pump to remove phlegm from a patient’s airways. Additionally, it refers to inhaling food, liquid, or a foreign object into the airways, which may lead to the development of pneumonia

Question 12

Bradypnea

Answer 12

Breathing too slowly; a low respiratory rate

Question 13

Bronchiectasis

Answer 13

Dilated bronchus

Question 14

Bronchospasm

Answer 14

Involuntary muscle spasm of the smooth muscle in the wall of the bronchus

Question 15

Cheyne-Stokes Respiration

Answer 15

Abnormal breathing pattern in which there are long periods (10-60 seconds) of apnea followed by deeper, more rapid breathing. Named for John Cheyne, a Scottish physician, and Sir William Stokes, an Irish surgeon

Question 16

Clubbing

Answer 16

Abnormal widening and thickening of the ends of the fingers and toes associated with chronic oxygen deficiency. Seen in patients with chronic respiratory conditions or circulatory problems

Question 17

Crackles

Answer 17

Abnormal sound made during inspiration. Usually indicates the presence of fluid or mucus in the small airways. Also called ‘rales.’

Question 18

Cyanosis

Answer 18

Refers to the bluish tint of skin that is receiving an insufficient amount of oxygen or circulation

Question 19

Dysphonia

Answer 19

Condition of having difficulty producing sounds or producing abnormal sounds

Question 20

Dyspnea

Answer 20

Term describing difficult or labored breathing

Question 21

Epistaxis

Answer 21

Nosebleed

Question 22

Eupnea

Answer 22

Normal breathing and respiratory rate

Question 23

Hemoptysis

Answer 23

To cough up blood or blood-stained sputum

Question 24

Hemothorax

Answer 24

Presence of blood in the chest cavity

Question 25

Hypercapnia

Answer 25

Condition of having excessive carbon dioxide in the body

Question 26

Hyperpnea

Answer 26

Taking deep breaths

Question 27

Hyperventilation

Answer 27

Breathing both too fast (tachypnea) and too deep (hyperpnea)

Question 28

Hypocapnia

Answer 28

An insufficient level of carbon dioxide in the body; a very serious problem because it is the presence of carbon dioxide that stimulates respiration, not the absence of oxygen. Therefore, a person with low carbon dioxide levels would respond with an increased respiratory rate

Question 29

Hypopnea

Answer 29

Taking shallow breaths

Question 30

Hypoventilation

Answer 30

Breathing both too slow (bradypnea) and too shallow (hypopnea)

Question 31

Hypoxemia

Answer 31

Condition of having an insufficient amount of oxygen in the bloodstream

Question 32

Hypoxia

Answer 32

Condition of receiving an insufficient amount of oxygen from inhaled air

Question 33

Laryngoplegia

Answer 33

Paralysis of the muscles controlling the larynx

Question 34

Orthopnea

Answer 34

Term describing dyspnea that is worsened by lying flat. The patient feels able to breath easier while sitting straight up; a common occurrence in those with pulmonary disease

Question 35

Pansinusitis

Answer 35

Inflammation of all the paranasal sinuses

Question 36

Patent

Answer 36

Open or unblocked, such as a patent airway

Question 37

Phlegm

Answer 37

Thick mucus secreted by the membranes lining the respiratory tract. When phlegm is coughed through the mouth, it is called 'sputum.' Phlegm is examined for color, odor, and consistency and tested for the presence of bacteria, viruses, and fungi

Question 38

Pleural Rub

Answer 38

Grating sound made when the two layers of the pleura rub together during respiration. It is caused when one of the surfaces becomes thicker as a result of inflammation or other disease conditions. This rub can be felt through the fingertips when placed on the chest wall or heard through a stethoscope

Question 39

Pleurodynia

Answer 39

Pleural pain

Question 40

Pyothorax

Answer 40

Presence of pus in the chest cavity; indicates a bacterial infection

Question 41

Rhinitis

Answer 41

Inflammation of the nasal cavity

Question 42

Rhinorrhagia

Answer 42

Rapid flow of blood from the nose

Question 43

Rhinorrhea

Answer 43

Discharge from the nose; commonly called a 'runny | nose.'

Question 44

Rhonchi

Answer 44

Somewhat musical sound during expiration, often found in asthma or infection. Caused by spasms of the bronchial tubes. Also called 'wheezing.'

Question 45

Shortness of Breath (SOB)

Answer 45

Term used to indicate that a patient is having some difficulty breathing; also called 'dyspnea.' The causes can range from mild SOB after exercise to SOB associated with heart disease

Question 46

Sputum

Answer 46

Mucus or phlegm coughed up from the lining of the respiratory tract

Question 47

Stridor

Answer 47

Harsh, high-pitched, noisy breathing sound made when there is an obstruction of bronchus or larynx. Found in conditions such as croup in children

Question 48

Tachypnea

Answer 48

Breathing fast; a high respiratory rate

Question 49

Thoracalgia

Answer 49

Chest pain. Does not refer to angina pectoris

Question 50

Tracheostenosis

Answer 50

Narrowing of the trachea

Question 51

Croup (KROOP)

Answer 51

Acute respiratory condition found in infants and children characterized by a barking type of cough or stridor

Question 52

Diphtheria

Answer 52

Bacterial upper respiratory infection characterized by the formation of a thick membranous film across the throat and a high mortality rate. Rare now due to the DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus) vaccine

Question 53

Laryngitis

Answer 53

Inflammation of the larynx

Question 54

Nasopharyngitis

Answer 54

Inflammation of the nasal cavity and pharynx; commonly called the 'common cold.'

Question 55

Pertussis

Answer 55

Commonly called 'whooping cough,' due to the whoop sound made when coughing. An infectious bacterial disease of the upper respiratory system that children receive immunization against as part of their DPT shots

Question 56

Pharyngitis

Answer 56

Inflammation of the pharynx; commonly called a 'sore throat.'

Question 57

Rhinomycosis

Answer 57

Fungal infection of the nasal cavity

Question 58

Asthma

Answer 58

Disease caused by various conditions, like allergens, and resulting in constriction of the bronchial airways, dyspnea, coughing, and wheezing. Can cause violent spasms of the bronchi (bronchospasms) but is generally not a life-threatening condition. Medication can be very effective

Question 59

Bronchiectasis

Answer 59

Abnormal enlargement of bronchi; may be the result of a lung infection. This condition can be irreversible and result in destruction of the bronchial walls. Major symptoms include coughing up a large amount of purulent sputum, crackles, and hemoptysis

Question 60

Bronchitis

Answer 60

Inflammation of a bronchus

Question 61

Bronchogenic Carcinoma

Answer 61

Malignant tumor originating in the bronchi. Usually associated with a history of cigarette smoking

Question 62

Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Answer 62

Acute respiratory failure in adults characterized by tachypnea, dyspnea, cyanosis, tachycardia, and hypoxemia. May follow trauma, pneumonia, or septic infections. Also called 'acute respiratory distress syndrome.'

Question 63

Anthracosis

Answer 63

Type of pneumoconiosis that develops from the collection of coal dust in the lung. Also called 'black lung' or 'miner's lung.'

Question 64

Asbestosis

Answer 64

Type of pneumoconiosis that develops from collection of asbestos fibers in the lungs. May lead to the development of lung cancer

Question 65

Atelectasis

Answer 65

Condition in which the alveoli in a portion of the lung collapse, preventing the respiratory exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Can be caused by a variety of conditions, including pressure on the lung from a tumor or other object. Term also used to describe the failure of a newborn's lungs to expand

Question 66

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Answer 66

Progressive, chronic, and usually irreversible group of conditions, like emphysema, in which the lungs have a diminished capacity for inspiration (inhalation) and expiration (exhalation). The person may have dyspnea upon exertion and a cough

Question 67

Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

Answer 67

Hereditary condition causing the exocrine glands to malfunction. The patient produces very thick mucus that causes severe congestion within the lungs and digestive system. Through more advanced treatment, many children are now living into adulthood with this disease. The term cystic in cystic fibrosis refers to cysts that form in the pancreas

Question 68

Emphysema

Answer 68

Pulmonary condition characterized by the destruction of the walls of the alveoli, resulting in fewer over-expanded air sacs. Can occur as a result of long-term heavy smoking. Air pollution also worsens this disease. The patient may not be able to breathe except in a sitting or standing position

Question 69

Histoplasmosis

Answer 69

Pulmonary infection caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, found in dust and in the droppings of pigeons and chickens. The translation of the name of this condition reflects the microscopic appearance of the fungus

Question 70

Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome (IRDS)

Answer 70

Lung condition most commonly found in premature infants that is characterized by tachypnea and respiratory grunting. The condition is caused by a lack of surfactant necessary to keep the lungs inflated. Also called 'hyaline membrane disease (HMD)' and 'respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn.'

Question 71

Influenza

Answer 71

Viral infection of the respiratory system characterized by chills, fever, body aches, and fatigue. Commonly called the 'flu.'

Question 72

Legionnaires' Disease

Answer 72

Severe, often fatal bacterial infection characterized by pneumonia and liver and kidney damage. Named after people who came down with it at an American Legion convention in 1976

Question 73

Mycoplasma Pneumonia

Answer 73

Less sever but longer lasting form of pneumonia caused by the Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria. Also called 'walking pneumonia.' The translation of the name of this condition reflects the microscopic appearance of the bacteria

Question 74

Pneumoconiosis

Answer 74

Condition that is the result of inhaling environmental particles that become toxic. Can be the result of inhaling coal dust (anthracosis) or asbestos (asbestosis)

Question 75

Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP)

Answer 75

Pneumonia with a nonproductive cough, very little fever, and dyspnea caused by the fungus Pneumocystis jiroveci. An opportunistic infection often seen in those with weakened immune systems, such as AIDS patients

Question 76

Pneumonia

Answer 76

Inflammatory condition of the lung that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and aspirated substances. Results in the filling of the alveoli and air spaces with fluid

Question 77

Pulmonary Edema

Answer 77

Condition in which lung tissue retains an excessive amount of fluid, especially in the alveoli. Results in dyspnea

Question 78

Pulmonary Embolism

Answer 78

Obstruction of the pulmonary artery or one of its branches by an embolus (often a blood clot broken away from another area of the body). May cause an infarct in the lung tissue

Question 79

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Answer 79

Formation of fibrous scar tissue in the lungs that leads to decreased ability to expand the lungs. May be caused by infections, pneumoconiosis, autoimmune diseases, and toxin exposure

Question 80

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

Answer 80

Acute viral respiratory infection that begins like the flu but quickly progresses to severe dyspnea; high fatality rate. First appeared in China in 2003

Question 81

Silicosis

Answer 81

Type of pneumoconiosis that develops from the inhalation of silica (quartz) dust found in quarrying, glass works, sandblasting, and ceramics

Question 82

Sleep Apnea

Answer 82

Condition in which breathing stops repeatedly during sleep long enough to cause a drop in oxygen levels in the blood

Question 83

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Answer 83

Unexpected and unexplained death of an apparently well infant under 1 year of age. The child suddenly stops breathing for unknown reasons

Question 84

Tuberculosis (TB)

Answer 84

Infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterioum tuberculosis. Most commonly affects the respiratory system and causes inflammation and calcification in the lungs. Tuberculosis incidence is on the increase and is seen in many patients with weakened immune systems. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is a particularly dangerous form of the disease because some bacteria have developed a resistance to the standard drug therapy

Question 85

Empyema

Answer 85

Pus with in the pleural space usually associated with a bacterial infection. Also called 'pyothorax.'

Question 86

Pleural Effusion

Answer 86

Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity preventing the lungs from fully expanding. Physicians can detect the presence of fluid by tapping the chest (percussion) or listening with a stethoscope (auscultation)

Question 87

Pleurisy

Answer 87

Inflammation of the pleura characterized by sharp chest pain with each breath. Also called 'pleuritis.'

Question 88

Pneumothorax

Answer 88

Collection of air or gas in the pleural cavity, which may result in collapse of the lung