XV Glossary
Acute bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchi. It is most commonly caused by viruses, such as rhinovirus, influenza virus, or adenovirus. However, it can also be caused by bacteria or exposure to irritants like smoke or pollution. (Chapter 15.12)
Adenoiditis: Inflammation of the adenoids. (Chapter 15.7)
Aspiration pneumonia: Pneumonia that occurs when food or liquid is breathed into the airways or lungs, instead of being swallowed. (Chapter 15.14)
Asthma: A common chronic respiratory condition that is characterized by episodes of inflammation and edema of the airways and bronchospasms that prevent air from entering the lungs. (Chapter 15.14)
Atelectasis: Collapse of alveoli in the lungs. (Chapter 15.10)
Bacterial tracheitis: Inflammation of the trachea caused by a bacterial organism. (Chapter 15.8)
Bronchiolitis: Inflammation of the bronchioles. (Chapter 15.10)
Chemokine: A specific type of cytokine; acts as a chemical messenger. (Chapter 15.11)
Cilia: Small, hair-like protrusions that move debris out of the respiratory tract. (Chapter 15.6)
Community-acquired pneumonia: Pneumonia that is diagnosed in someone in the community (not in a hospital). (Chapter 15.14)
Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva or outer lining of the eye. (Chapter 15.7)
COVID-19: Caused by coronavirus SARS-CoV-2; emerged as a global pandemic in late 2019, causing a wide spectrum of symptoms, ranging from mild respiratory distress to severe pneumonia and organ failure. (Chapter 15.11)
Croup: Inflammation of the trachea, larynx, and bronchi; also known as laryngotracheobronchitis. (Chapter 15.8)
Cystic fibrosis (CF): A genetic disease that causes a faulty CFTR protein that affects the body’s cells, tissues, and glands that make mucus and sweat. (Chapter 15.14)
Cytokine: A protein that is released by cells of the immune system; acts as a chemical messenger. (Chapter 15.11)
Desquamation: Peeling of the skin associated with scarlet fever. (Chapter 15.14)
Diphtheria: A preventable illness that is caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheria. (Chapter 15.14)
Double worsening: Initial improvement of sinusitis symptoms, followed by subsequent worsening of sinusitis symptoms. (Chapter 15.6)
Egophony: Increased resonance of voice sounds that can be heard when listening to the chest; gives voice sounds a nasal quality and can indicate pneumonia. (Chapter 15.12)
Epiglottitis: Inflammation of the epiglottis. (Chapter 15.9)
Fomites: Inanimate objects that can spread disease to others when they are contaminated with an infectious organism. (Chapter 15.14)
Fremitus: Changes in vibration when certain words are spoken while the chest is being palpated; its presence can indicate underlying lung issues. (Chapter 15.12)
Healthcare-associated pneumonia: Pneumonia that is diagnosed in someone during or following a stay in a health care setting. (Chapter 15.14)
Infectious mononucleosis: A viral infection commonly caused by Epstein-Barr virus. (Chapter 15.13)
Influenza: Commonly known as the flu; caused by influenza viruses that primarily infect the respiratory tract, leading to symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. (Chapter 15.11)
Koplik spots: White raised bumps on the inside of the mouth that are consistent with measles. (Chapter 15.14)
Laryngotracheobronchitis: Inflammation of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi; also known as croup. (Chapter 15.8)
Malaise: A general feeling of illness, weakness, or discomfort. (Chapter 15.5)
Mumps: A contagious respiratory illness caused by paramyxovirus. (Chapter 15.14)
Oophoritis: Inflammation of the ovaries, associated with mumps. (Chapter 15.14)
Orchitis: A painful swelling of the testicles, associated with mumps. (Chapter 15.14)
Parotitis: A painful swelling of the parotid salivary glands, associated with mumps. (Chapter 15.14)
Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated With Streptoccocal Infections (PANDAS): An autoimmune reaction triggered by antibodies produced by a child’s immune system that attack the brain and causes symptoms of tic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder. (Chapter 15.7)
Pertussis: A preventable and contagious respiratory disorder; also known as whooping cough. (Chapter 15.14)
Pharyngitis: Inflammation of the pharynx. (Chapter 15.7)
Pharyngotonsillitis: Inflammation of the pharynx and tonsils. (Chapter 15.7)
Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung due to air in the pleural space. (Chapter 15.10)
Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the glomerulus of the kidneys as a result of an untreated strep infection; leads to edema, increased blood pressure, and alterations in kidney function. (Chapter 15.7)
Pulmonary edema: Excess fluid in the lungs. (Chapter 15.8)
Respiratory etiquette: Actions to decrease the spread of infection to others. This includes covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing and sneezing and disposing of the tissue in the trash. If a tissue is not available, clients should sneeze into their inner elbow instead of hands. (Chapter 15.5)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): A common respiratory virus that affects children and also poses a risk to older adults. (Chapter 15.11)
Rhinoviruses: The most common cause of upper respiratory infections; commonly called a “cold.” (Chapter 15.11)
Rubella: A contagious viral condition; also known as the German measles. (Chapter 15.14)
Rubeola: An acute, contagious viral illness; commonly known as the measles. (Chapter 15.14)
Scarlet fever: A disorder that affects the valves of the heart and is caused by an untreated strep infection. (Chapter 15.7, Chapter 15.14)
Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses. (Chapter 15.6)
Strawberry tongue: A tongue that initially has a white coating and then appears red and bumpy; a classic symptom of scarlet fever. (Chapter 15.14)
Stridor: A high-pitched sound that occurs when breathing through an obstructed airway. (Chapter 15.8)
Surfactant: Reduces surface tension of alveoli and prevents alveolar collapse. (Chapter 15.2)
Tonsillectomy: Surgical removal of the tonsils. (Chapter 15.7)
Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils. (Chapter 15.7)
Upper respiratory tract infection (URI): Swelling and irritation of the upper airways, often caused by rhinovirus; also referred to as the common cold. (Chapter 15.5)
Ventilator-associated pneumonia: Pneumonia that is diagnosed in someone who has been on a ventilator. (Chapter 15.14)