Lung disease

Any disease of affecting the lungs or the respiratory system can be classified as pulmonary or lung diseases.

Glossary of lung diseases

• A ACE inhibitor: A type of medicine used to treat raised blood pressure or heart failure. The use of the medicine can be complicated by the side effect of coughing in a small proportion of users.

• Acid Fast Bacilli: In cases of lung tuberculosis, early suspicion of the diagnosis can be obtained by staining sputum samples in a special way that demonstrate the presence of an organism, a bacillus, which is very suggestive of the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB).

• Actigraphy: A special type of test, often performed over a month, where sleep – wake patterns are monitored by wearing a special watch at home.

• Adenocarcinoma: A type of cancer which can arise in the lung, bowel, breast or prostate gland.

• Alpha 1 Antitrypsin deficiency: an inherited condition which predisposes one to the development of COPD and emphysema at an earlier age than one would normally expect. Less commonly it is associated with a predisposition to bronchiectasis and it may also be associated with some forms of liver disease. The condition can be excluded by a simple blood test.

• Alveolar Cell Carcinoma (broncho-alveolar cell carcinoma): A rare type of lung cancer which differs from other lung cancers in that it is usually patchily distributed throughout a lobe of the lung instead of being a solid mass.

• Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE): A blood test which is usually abnormally high in cases of sarcoidosis or tuberculosis.

• Anti-TB medication: Medicines which are used to treat tuberculosis. This usually involves several different types of medicines taken for a minimum of six months.

• Apnea: Stopping breathing

• Asbestos: is a mineral dust or fiber which was widely used in the building trade and on board ships because of its insulating and fire-resistant properties. The breathing in of asbestos fibers can result in Pleural plaques, which are a minor scarring of the lining of the lung visible on a chest x-ray  Asbestosis, which is a scarring of the lung itself which causes a loss of volume in the lung and can give rise to symptoms of coughing and breathlessness  Mesothelioma, which is a tumour of the lining of the lung (separate leaflet available in the clinic).

• Asthma: a condition of the airways of the lung which is associated with coughing, feelings of breathlessness and chest tightness, all of which may be worse during the night. Special leaflets are available on this condition and there is a recommended website (see website and separate leaflet available in the clinic).

• 'Atelectasis – a collapse of a small portion of the lung.

• Atopy: A predisposition to become allergic or to develop allergic diseases such as asthma, hay fever or eczema.

• Atrovent: The trade name of a medicine known as “Ipratropium” which is used from an inhaler in the treatment, usually, of COPD.

• Auto-titrating machine: A type of CPAP machine which delivers variable pressures over the night to treat OSAS.

• AAzathioprine: A medicine usually used with steroids which permits a smaller dose of steroid tablets to be used in the treatment of inflammatory lung conditions (a separate leaflet exists on this medication).

B

• BD: Latin terminology which means that a medicine should be taken twice daily.

• Beclomethasone: An inhaled steroid.

• Biopsy: The sampling of body tissues. Thus “lung biopsy” means the obtaining of tissue from part of the lung to look at under a microscope. A biopsy may be obtained by a surgeon or by an x-ray doctor using a needle, or for example, via a telescope such as during bronchoscopy.

• BMI (Body Mass Index): A method of quantifying somebody‟s weight which relates weight to height.

• Bronchiectasis: A condition where the airways in the lung become damaged and dilated. It may follow childhood whooping cough, or measles and pneumonia, or develop in later life. Symptoms of bronchiectasis are usually those of a cough productive of sputum and a tendency to infections. Special leaflets are available on this condition.

• Bronchodilator: A medicine which opens the airways. This may be taken from an inhaler or by tablets.

• Broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis (BPA): sometimes also known as allergic broncho -pulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA): An extreme form of allergy or hypersensitivity to the presence of the fungus aspergillus which is associated with episodes of fever, increased breathlessness and chest discomfort which is accompanied by patchy shadowing seen on the chest xray. The condition can be a complication or an accompaniment of severe asthma.

• Bronchoscopy, or fibreoptic bronchoscopy (FOB): An investigation whereby a thin flexible tube telescope is passed into the lungs so that the airways can be inspected and samples collected. A special leaflet is available on this investigation.

• Broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL): The obtaining of cells from the lung for examination during bronchoscopy. A small quantity of fluid is passed into the lung via the bronchoscope and then quickly sucked out and examined by cytology doctors in the laboratory.

• ABudesonide: An inhaled steroid.

C

• Catarrh: Secretions, usually originating in the nose or sinuses which drip into the back of the throat.

• Cavity (cavitating) Lesion: An abnormal hole in the lung – normally because a more solid mass has broken down in the centre and part of the mass has been coughed up.

• AChemoprophylaxis: A term usually used to mean the use of anti-TB medication to prevent that disease occurring.

• Chest Radiograph: A chest x-ray.

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): previously, often referred to as chronic bronchitis or emphysema or airflow limitation, this is a condition associated with generalised narrowing of the airways usually associated with cigarette smoking. Special leaflets are available on this condition and there is a recommended website.

• Churg Strauss Syndrome: A rare inflammation of small blood vessels resulting in possible damage to skin, nerves and heart and occurring more often in people with asthma.

• Clubbing: see Finger Clubbing.

• Combination inhaler: Usually referring to the combination in the same inhaler of an inhaled steroid and a long acting airway opening medication.

• Cor pulmonale: Failing of the pumping action of the right side of the heart as a result of lung disease which has caused the pressure in the pulmonary arteries to rise.

• CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): A therapy that helps to prevents OSAS by blowing air into the airway via a nose or full face mask. It is very effective at helping to reduce the excessive daytime tiredness suffered by those with OSAS. A separate leaflet is available on this treatment and there is a recommended website.

• CRP (C-reactive protein): A blood test which when abnormally raised is suggestive of the presence of inflammation.

• CTPA (Computerised tomographic pulmonary angiogram): A special form of CT scanning of the lung which outlines the blood vessels and which is undertaken in cases of suspected pulmonary embolism to determine whether a clot is present in the blood vessels of the lung.

• CT Scan (Computerised tomographic scan): A special x-ray investigation which can be performed on any part of the body. The patient lies down on a special couch and a computer constructs slices of the body in great detail so that radiologists (doctors specialising in use of x-ray images) can look at the structure of parts of the body and see any disease affecting it.

D

• DEXA Scan: A special scan which looks at the bone density and is therefore used for diagnosing osteoporosis (bone thinning).

• Diffuse Parenchymal Lung Disease (DPLD): is a term used to describe a number of conditions, of which the common feature is that both lungs are widely affected with the brunt of the disease process being upon the air sacs (and not the airways). Some of these conditions are temporary and reflect an infective or inflammatory insult to the lungs, whilst others reflect an exposure to environmental or occupational agents, and some are a response to drugs given for other reasons. Sometimes, the generalized air sac disease is associated with scarring or fibrosis (special leaflets are available on this condition).

• DVLA: Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority.

• DVT: - Deep venous thrombosis. Blood clots forming in the lower legs usually due to immobility or associated with other diseases.

• Dyspnoea: Breathlessness, shortness of breath or a feeling of inability to breathe in fully.

E

• Echocardiogram: An investigation using soundwaves which looks at the shape and function of the heart valves, and assesses the heart as a muscular pump.

• Emphysema: is one type or one part of COPD. It describes the situation whereby the lung air sacs have become distorted or destroyed. “Bullous” emphysema describes a particular type of emphysema where particularly large air sacs develop within the lung.

• Epistaxis: Nose bleeds.

• ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate): A blood test which can show abnormally raised values in a non-specific way if there is almost any type of disease present in the body.

• Erythema Nodosum: A red/bruised type of inflammation of the shins which can occur in response to simple sore throats or in association with some lung diseases such as sarcoidosis or TB.

• Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis: An uncommon abnormal inflammation of the air sacs of the lungs following exposure of some individuals to environmental factors such as mouldy hay, pigeons or cockatiels. Symptoms include coughing, breathlessness and fever.

F

• FDG PET: A specialist form of imaging which as well as showing the structure of parts of the body also enables us to tell the activity of any shadow seen.

• FEV /FVC: These abbreviations refer to two measurements which are made during the procedure of spirometry. This is one form of lung function test which enables the doctors to determine whether there is any airway narrowing and to measure the size of the lungs.

• Fibrosing Alveolitis: One of the commonest types of diffuse parenchymal lung disease (DPLD). Occasionally occurring in association with rheumatoid arthritis, it more commonly occurs alone and for no apparent reason in men or women in their 50s, 60s or 70s (special leaflets are available on this condition).

• Finger clubbing: A change in shape of the ends of the fingers and/or toes which can run in families or can be a sign of lung disease.

• FNA (Fine needle aspiration biopsy): FNA refers to a procedure where samples of part of the body are obtained by inserting a needle into that part of the body and sucking out cells which can be stained in the laboratory and viewed under a microscope to help make a diagnosis.

• Furosemide: A water tablet.

G

• Gas transfer: This term refers to the ability of gases to pass from the air into the bloodstream, and is one test performed in the lung function laboratory.

• Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease: is a term used to describe the situation whereby acid flows back from the stomach into the gullet. This can give rise to heartburn and sometimes it can be a cause of unexplained coughing. The condition can arise for a number of reasons, including being overweight, and some medications may also enhance the risk of acid flowing from the stomach in the wrong direction. American web sites will refer to this condition as GERD.

H

• Haemoglobin (Hb): A measurement to assess the thickness of the blood and to determine whether one is anaemic.

• Haemoptysis: The coughing up of blood. This may come from the mouth, nose or lungs – in the latter case the blood often streaks the sputum or is mixed with the sputum.

• Hiatus Hernia: describes a situation whereby part of the stomach slips through a weakness in the diaphragm (the main muscle which separates the chest from the abdomen). It can sometimes be seen on a chest x-ray but is often of no importance, although occasionally is associated with Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease and heartburn.

• HIV/AIDS: Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus/Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome. Patients with these conditions may be predisposed to unusual lung infections

• HR CT Scan (high resolution): A special form of CT scanning enabling close attention to be paid to the lung tissue.

• Hypertension: Raised blood pressure. When preceded by the word „pulmonary‟, „pulmonary hypertension‟ implies raised blood pressure in the blood vessels leading to the heart from the lung.

• Hyperventilation: Excessively rapid or deep breathing. I Ischaemic

• Heart Disease: Heart disease resulting from an inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle, usually because of narrowing of the coronary arteries or the development of blood clots within the arteries.

• HR CT Scan (high resolution): A special form of CT scanning enabling close attention to be paid to the lung tissue.

• Hypertension: Raised blood pressure. When preceded by the word „pulmonary‟, „pulmonary hypertension‟ implies raised blood pressure in the blood vessels leading to the heart from the lung.

• Hyperventilation: Excessively rapid or deep breathing.

I

• AIschaemic Heart Disease: Heart disease resulting from an inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle, usually because of narrowing of the coronary arteries or the development of blood clots within the arteries.

K

• KCO: A measurement of Gas transfer (see above).

L

• Lobectomy: The surgical removal of one lobe of the lung.

• Lung Cancer: The commonest form of cancer in men in the U.K. and the second commonest in females. It occurs in several different forms and treatment often depends on its type, where in the lungs it is situated and how soon it caused symptoms. Special leaflets are available on this condition and there are recommended websites.

• Lung Resection: The surgical removal of a portion of lung tissue.

• Lung Function Tests: Some of these may be undertaken by the doctor during your consultation but others involve an attendance at the lung function laboratory. These tests are usually carried out at rest and involve blowing into machines which inform us as to the normality or otherwise of the lung‟s functioning. Sometimes such tests are also carried out during exercise.

• Lymphadenopathy: Swelling of the lymph glands by a chest wall deformity or obesity and people sometimes wake with a headache in the morning.

• MDT (Multidisciplinary team): sometimes referred to as MDT Meeting. This is a method of delivering care to people with lung diseases whereby doctors you see in the clinic discuss with specialist x-ray doctors and specialist treatment doctors, your diagnosis and how best to treat you.

• Mediastinal shift: This refers to the position of the structures in the center of your chest and if there is shift of these central structures to one side or another, this may be because they are pushed by some disease process or they move into a potential space. Mediastinal shift is evaluated on an xray and can be helpful to doctors in making a diagnosis.

• Metastases: The spread of cancer from where it arose to somewhere else in the body.

• Methotrexate: A strong anti-inflammatory medication used in the treatment of some lung diseases. A separate leaftlet exists for this medication.

• Montelukast: A tablet therapy for the prevention of asthma (a recommended website exists which gives further information on the treatment of this condition).

• MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging): A type of imaging which does not involve xrays but uses magnetic fields. Special advice will be given to you if you are having one of these tests.

• MSLT (multiple sleep latency test): A test designed to see how sleepy you are during the day. It is performed in hospital where you are given the opportunity to have five, 20 minute naps over a day.

N

• Narcolepsy: A sleep disorder characterised by sudden nap attacks. Other symptoms may include paralysis and or hallucination at times of waking or going to sleep and sudden loss of muscular control triggered by amusement, anger or excitement.

• Nebuliser: A machine which produces a mist of medication which can then be breathed in. There is no evidence that this method of administering medicines is any better than a standard inhaler.

• Nocturnal hypoventilation: Inadequate or shallow breathing during sleep which can cause levels of the gas carbon dioxide to increase in the blood. It is sometimes caused by a chest wall deformity or obesity and people sometimes wake with a headache in the morning.

• Nocturia: Waking at night to pass water.

O

• Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome: A disorder of sleep where parts of the upper airway narrow or close, causing a period of not breathing, which is often terminated by a loud snore or gasping for air. When this happens repetitively, sleep is disrupted and people often wake feeling un-refreshed and can feel sleepy in the daytime. Special leaflets are available on this condition and there is a recommended website.

• OD: A Latin abbreviation meaning that a medicine should be taken once daily.

• Oedema: Fluid in the wrong places – hence ankle oedema or “pulmonary oedema” (fluid on the lungs).

• Omeprazole: A type of anti-indigestion medicine used for heartburn and which is sometimes used in the treatment of unexplained coughing.

• Oral steroids: Steroid tablets.

• Orthopnoea: Breathlessness on lying flat.

• Oxygen Saturation: An indirect measurement of how much oxygen there is in the bloodstream.

P

• Parenchymal: In the lung substance, as opposed to the airways.

• Peak Flow: A simple blowing test which is usually used to monitor those with airway diseases such as asthma.

• Pleurocentesis: The draining of fluid which has collected around the lung by a needle inserted into the chest wall under local anaesthetic.

• Pleural Effusion: Fluid collecting between the lungs and the chest walls. This may occur as a result of heart or liver disease or because of an illness in the lung such as an infection or inflammation or tumour.

Q

• QDS: A Latin abbreviation indicating that a medicine should be taken four times a day.

• Quadruple Therapy: A term usually used to imply the use of four medicines simultaneously for the first two months of treatment for tuberculosis.

R

• RCP score (Royal College of Physicians score): A score which is used in those with asthma to determine how well the condition has been in the last week or month.

• Restrictive Lung Disease: This term describes a condition whereby the lungs are smaller than usual. This may be because there is a disease of the lung such as inflammation or scarring which causes shrinkage for example DPLD, or the lungs may be small because they are restricted in size by deformity of the chest wall, obesity or weakness of the breathing muscles.

• Rifater: A combination tablet which contains three medicines used for tuberculosis and which saves patients having to take multiple, separate tablets.

S

• Salbutamol: The commonest form of inhaled bronchodilator (airway opener).

• Sarcoidosis/ Sarcoid: A disease of unknown cause, whereby collections of cells known as granulomata arise and these can interfere with the function of the lungs and other parts of the body. Sometimes the lymph nodes in the chest are swollen as a result of sarcoidosis and sometimes there is infiltration of the air sacs of the lungs giving rise to coughing and breathlessness. A special leaflet is available on this condition and there is a recommended website.

• Serum ANCA: A blood test which is sometimes used in some inflammatory condtions of the lung.

• Seretide: A combination inhaled therapy used for asthma and COPD which combines the inhaled steroid Fluticasone with the inhaled long acting airway opener, Salmeterol.

• Shuttle Walk Test: A form of testing of lung function whilst walking.

T

• Tuberculosis (TB): An infection of the lungs, lymph nodes, waterworks or bone. The condition is cured by six months treatment with special antibiotics.

• Tumour Markers: Blood tests which may sometimes suggest the presence or activity of certain types of cancers.

• Tuberculin Test: A skin test which determines one‟s individual immunity to tuberculosis or reflects the degree of previous exposure to that disease.

U

• Uniphyllin: A tablet airway opening medicine containing the treatment known as Theophylline.

V

• V/Q: Terms which usually preface the word “scan” – a V/Q scan is often done to help in the diagnosis or exclusion of clots which have passed to the lung.

• VATS (Video assisted thorascopic surgery): A surgical technique which allows keyhole access to the lungs and chest.

• Ventolin: A trade name for Salbutamol

Lung disease Resources
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