Terms and Definitions
Angina: pain in the chest.

Arterial blood gas: the concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide in arterial blood.

Bronchodilator: medication that is inhaled to relax the smooth muscles of the airways.

Bronchoscope: a flexible scope used for inspecting and passing instruments into the bronchus, which are the
primary divisions of the trachea that lead to the lungs.

Comorbid: when one medical condition is present along with another existing condition.

Corticosteroids: anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce swelling within the airways. Available in pill, liquid, and inhalant forms.

Cyanosis: bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, and fingernails when the blood is not getting sufficient oxygen.

Dyspnea: shortness of breath.

Fibrosis: a condition marked by the increase of fibrous tissue, usually as a reaction or as a repair process.

Larynx: the bony upper part of the respiratory passage.

Pharynx: part of the digestive and respiratory tracts situated between the mouth and the esophagus.

Statin: a drug used to regulate cholesterol synthesis, which can cause airway inflammation.

Trachea: the main trunk of the system of tubes that pass air to and from the lungs.