Chapter 18

Asthma

chronic lung disease that results from inflammation of the lower airways, characterized by difficulty breathing [toggle]

Bronchoconstriction

constriction of the smooth muscle surrounding the airways in the lungs resulting in a narrowing of the airways, wheezing, and shortness of breath [toggle]

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

chronic lung disease that results in irreversible damage to the lung tissue [toggle]

Control/prevention medication

medications that are taken on a regular schedule to control a disease or prevent its effects, even when symptoms are absent [toggle]

Environmental trigger

an environmental factor such as pollen, animal dander, pollution, or tobacco that stimulates a reaction [toggle]

Exacerbation

increase in severity [toggle]

Hypersensitivity reaction

an undesirable effect of the body’s immune system to an antigen [toggle]

Quick-relief/rescue medications

medications that relax the muscles surrounding the airways within minutes when administered during an episode of bronchoconstriction [toggle]

Wheezing

a continuous whistling sound made by constricted airways [toggle]

Chapter 18: Flashcards

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Asthma chronic lung disease that results from inflammation of the lower airways, characterized by difficulty breathing [toggle]	Bronchoconstriction constriction of the smooth muscle surrounding the airways in the lungs resulting in a narrowing of the airways, wheezing, and shortness of breath [toggle]	Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) chronic lung disease that results in irreversible damage to the lung tissue [toggle]
Control/prevention medication medications that are taken on a regular schedule to control a disease or prevent its effects, even when symptoms are absent [toggle]	Environmental trigger an environmental factor such as pollen, animal dander, pollution, or tobacco that stimulates a reaction [toggle]	Exacerbation increase in severity [toggle]
Hypersensitivity reaction an undesirable effect of the body’s immune system to an antigen [toggle]	Quick-relief/rescue medications medications that relax the muscles surrounding the airways within minutes when administered during an episode of bronchoconstriction [toggle]	Wheezing a continuous whistling sound made by constricted airways [toggle]