Medical Glossary
A functional capacity test measuring the distance a patient can walk on a flat surface in 6 minutes. Used to assess COPD severity and treatment response.
A test measuring oxygen (PaO2), carbon dioxide (PaCO2), and acid-base balance from a blood sample. Critical for evaluating respiratory failure.
Widening of the airways. Achieved with inhaler medications (beta-agonists, anticholinergics) or certain procedures.
Visualization of the interior of the airways using a flexible or rigid camera. The fundamental technique for endobronchial treatments.
A progressive lung disease characterized by persistent airflow limitation. Encompasses chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
A test evaluating the lungs' ability to transfer gases by measuring carbon monoxide transfer. One of the key indicators of emphysema severity.
A condition caused by permanent enlargement and damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. A subtype of COPD.
A one-way valve placed in the airways via bronchoscopy. Causes the damaged lung segment to deflate.
Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second. The most important measure of airflow limitation. FEV1/FVC <0.70 supports a COPD diagnosis.
The maximum amount of air exhaled after a deep breath. Evaluated together with FEV1.
COPD severity classification by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Four stages from Stage 1 (mild) to Stage 4 (very severe).
The ratio of the internal transverse diameter to the anterior-posterior diameter of the chest, measured by HRCT. >3.2 supports surgical indication for pectus excavatum.
A 1-4 scale rating the impact of sweating on daily life. A guide for treatment decisions.
Overexpansion of the lungs in COPD. Flattens the diaphragm, mechanically making breathing more difficult.
Sweating far in excess of what is needed for thermoregulation. Can be palmar, axillary, or facial.
Thin-slice (≤1mm) lung imaging. Critical for assessing emphysema distribution, bronchoscopic treatment eligibility, and fissure integrity.
A device that delivers medication directly to the lungs. MDI (metered-dose inhaler) and DPI (dry powder inhaler) are the most common types.
A bronchodilator inhaler effective for 12-24 hours. Examples include salmeterol and formoterol.
An anticholinergic inhaler effective for 24 hours. Examples include tiotropium and umeclidinium.
A medical information form submitted to airlines. Completed for trips requiring special assistance or medical oxygen.
A clinician-scored scale rating breathlessness severity from 0-4. Used in COPD symptom assessment.
A minimally invasive bar technique for pectus excavatum. A metallic bar is inserted through 2 small incisions.
Protrusion of the sternum forward. Also known as pigeon chest.
A chest wall deformity caused by inward sinking of the sternum and lower ribs.
Air accumulation between the lung and chest wall. The most common complication of endobronchial valve therapy (10-15%).
A comprehensive COPD care program including exercise, education, and behavioral interventions. Reduces breathlessness and improves quality of life.
The basic pulmonary function test measuring lung airflow capacity. Essential for COPD diagnosis.
Minimally invasive thoracic surgery performed with small incisions and a camera.
Division of the thoracic sympathetic nerve chain using VATS. Used in the treatment of hyperhidrosis.