Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA): An allergic reaction to afungal infection caused by Aspergillus that causes wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, and sometimes fever.
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: An inherited condition in which the body produces insufficient amounts of a protective protein (alpha-1 antitrypsin). Without enough of this protein, the lungs can become damaged over time, increasing the risk of emphysema and bronchiectasis.
Antibodies: Proteins that are made by the immune system to help identify and fight infections.
Antifibrinolytic: A type of medication that prevents the body from breaking down blood clots too quickly, helping to stabilize clots that have
formed. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an example used in the management of hemoptysis.
Aspiration: When food, liquid, saliva, or stomach contents accidentally go into the lungs during swallowing or breathing.
Asthma: A chronic condition where the airways in the lungs become inflamed and narrow, making it hard to breathe.
Autoimmune disease: A condition in which the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy tissues instead of protecting them from infection.
Bronchial artery embolization (BAE): A procedure in which a radiologist uses a catheter to locate and seal off a blood vessel in the lung that is causing significant bleeding.
Bronchial tubes: The airways inside the lungs that carry air in and out. Bronchiectasis (BE): A disease characterized by permanent, physical
damage to the airways that causes chronic cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing, as well as an increased likelihood of recurrent infections.
Bronchodilators: A medication that opens the airways and can help make breathing easier.
Bronchoscopy: A procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera is guided into the airways to collect sputum sample or examine the airways.
Chest CT scan: An imaging test that captures two-dimensional images that appear as “slices,” providing clearer, more detailed views of the lungs, heart, and surrounding areas.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A generalized designation for diseases involving persistent airway obstruction such
as emphysema.
Cilia: Tiny hair-like structures that line the airways and work continuously to propel mucus and debris up and out of the lungs.
Colonization: The presence and growth of bacteria or other microorganisms in the body without causing infection or symptoms.
Corticosteroids: A type of steroid that helps reduce inflammation, swelling, and allergic reactions in the body.
Culture: A laboratory test that is used to grow and identify bacteria or other microorganisms from a patient sample (such as blood, urine, sputum, or tissue).
DPP-1 Inhibitors: A new class of drugs that reduces inflammation in the lungs by inhibiting the dipeptidyl peptidase 1 (DPP-1) enzyme, thereby reducing the number of exacerbations.
Dyspnea: Shortness of breath.
Eosinophils: A type of white blood cell that typically rises in response to allergic conditions or certain infections.
Exacerbation: A flare-up of symptoms, often caused by bacterial or viral infections, inflammation, or irritation.
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease): A digestive condition in which stomach contents repeatedly flow backward into the esophagus, especially when lying down or asleep. Also called acid reflux.
Gram-negative bacteria: A group of bacteria that can cause respiratory infections
Hemoptysis: Coughing up blood from the airways or lungs.
Hypogammaglobulinemia: A condition where the body does not produce enough immunoglobulins (antibodies), making it harder to fight infections.
Idiopathic: Used to describe a disease or condition that develops for an unknown reason.
Mucus: The slippery substance produced by the airways to trap germs and particles. Also called phlegm.
Mucus plugs: Thick clumps of mucus that block the airways, making it harder for air to move in and out of the lungs.
Nebulizer: A device used to administer medication to people in the form of a mist inhaled into the lungs.
Neutrophils: A type of white blood cell that is a key part of the immune response to bacterial infection.
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM): A type of naturally occurring bacterial organism widely found in water and soil, which can cause lung
infections in some individuals, particularly those with bronchiectasis.
Organism: Any living thing, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even parasites.
Oscillation vests: A wearable device that helps “shake” the chest to loosen thick mucus, making it easier to cough up.
Phenotype: The observable characteristics or presentation of a disease in an individual patient including symptoms, physical findings, imaging results, lab markers, and how the disease behaves over time.
Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) devices: A handheld tool that causes resistance and vibration when you exhale into it, which causes the mucus to loosen so it is easier to cough out.
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD): An inherited condition in which the cilia (tiny hair-like structures in the airways) do not work properly
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs): A group of breathing tests, each measuring different aspects of lung function.
Respiratory secretions: The broad clinical term for fluids produced anywhere in the respiratory tract. This can include mucus, saliva,
inflammatory fluid, or infected material.
Rifampin: An antibiotic commonly used as part of treatment regimens for NTM and tuberculosis.
Sputum: Mucus that comes from the lungs and is coughed up, often collected for culturing and laboratory testing.
Tranexamic acid (TXA): An antifibrinolytic medication used to help control bleeding by preventing the body from breaking down blood clots too quickly. Used to treat hemoptysis.