Glossary

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
An inherited disorder that results in low or no production of a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin. This deficiency leads to damage of various organs, principally the lungs and liver.¹

Alveoli
The alveoli are tiny air sacs within the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place.¹

Antibiotic
A drug used to treat infections caused by bacteria.⁸

Anticholinergic
A bronchodilator that opens up the airways to your lungs to relieve or reduce shortness of breath and wheezing.¹

Asthma
A common disorder in which chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes (bronchi), narrowing the airways, unlike what happens in COPD. Asthma involves only the bronchial tubes and does not affect the air sacs (alveoli) or the lung tissue (the parenchyma of the lung) itself.¹

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Beta₂-agonist
A bronchodilator that opens up the airways to your lungs to relieve or reduce shortness of breath and wheezing.¹

Bronchiole
A tiny tube in the air conduit system within the lungs, that is a continuation of the bronchi and connects to the alveoli (the air sacs), where the exchange of oxygen occurs.¹

Bronchoconstriction
Constriction of the bronchial air passages.⁸

Bronchodilation
Expansion of the bronchial air passages.⁸

Bronchodilator
A drug that helps reduce breathing effort. It opens up the airways in lungs to relieve or reduce shortness of breath and wheezing.¹

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Chronic bronchitis
An inflammation and swelling of the lining of the airways that leads to narrowing and obstruction of the airways. The inflammation stimulates production of mucus (sputum), which can cause further obstruction of the airways.¹

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. A long-term lung disease usually caused by smoking. COPD includes a few lung diseases: the most common are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Many people with COPD have both of these diseases.¹

COPD
COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. A long-term lung disease usually caused by smoking. COPD includes a few lung diseases: the most common are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Many people with COPD have both of these diseases.¹

Corticosteroid
(anti-inflammatory) Anti-inflammatories are corticosteroids, usually taken in an inhaled form. They are used to reduce cough and inflammation of the airways. Corticosteroids are not the same thing as anabolic steroids, which some athletes take to build muscles.¹

Dyspnea
Difficult or laboured breathing; shortness of breath.⁸

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Emphysema
A lung condition featuring an abnormal accumulation of air in the lung's many tiny air sacs (alveoli). As air continues to collect in these sacs, they become enlarged, and may break, or be damaged and form scar tissue.¹

Exacerbation
(see also Flare-up) The worsening of COPD symptoms (shortness of breath, cough, spitting up mucus), or the development of new symptoms. Exacerbations are often brought on by a lung infection. Exacerbations are one of the biggest reasons why people with COPD become disabled or have to be hospitalized.¹

Flare-up
(see also Exacerbation) The worsening of COPD symptoms (shortness of breath, cough, spitting up mucus), or the development of new symptoms. A flare-up is often brought on by a lung infection. Flare-ups are one of the biggest reasons why people with COPD become disabled or have to be hospitalized.¹

Forced expiratory volume (FEV₁)
The volume of air that can be forced out in one second after taking a deep breath, an important measure of pulmonary function.¹

Inflammation
A basic way in which the body reacts to infection, irritation or other injury, the key features being redness, warmth, swelling and pain.⁸

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Methylxanthine
(theophylline) An orally administered drug used as a bronchodilator to help relieve breathlessness. Methylxanthines can also improve the function of breathing muscles and can reduce inflammation.¹

Mucus
(phlegm) A thick fluid produced by the lining of some tissues of the body.⁸

Pulmonary
Having to do with the lungs.¹

Quality of life
An important consideration in medical care, quality of life refers to the patient's ability to enjoy normal life activities.⁸

Spirometry
A test of the air capacity of the lung. The test utilizes a machine called a spirometer to measure the volume of air inspired and expired by the lungs.¹

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Sputum
The mucus and other matter brought up from the lungs, that one may cough up and spit out, or swallow.⁸

Wheezing
A whistling noise in the chest during breathing when the airways are narrowed or compressed.⁸