Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT): (also called alpha antiproteinase or AAP) A protective material produced in the liver and transported to the lungs to help combat inflammation — Deficiency states occur as the result of hereditary defects.

Atelectasis: partial or complete collapse of the lung, usually due to a blockage of the air passages with fluid, mucus, or infection — Symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, and mild shortness of breath.

BIPAP (bi-level positive airway pressure) machine: a breathing machine that uses two pressure levels (inspiratory and expiratory) to provide breathing assistance — This machine is often used for patients with sleep apnea or respiratory failure.

Bronchospasm: the sudden tightening of the bands of muscle that surround the airways, causing the airways to become narrower — Bronchospasm might result in wheezing.

CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine: A breathing machine that provides pressure to keep the upper airways open during breathing — This machine is often used for patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation): a first-aid method to restore breathing and heart action through mouth-to-mouth breathing and chest compression.

EzPAP: a small, hand-held device that helps to keep the airways open and prevent the lungs from collapsing (See mucus clearing device.)

Flutter valve: a small, hand-held device used to loosen mucus through vibration (See mucus clearing device.)

Incentive spirometer: a device that encourages deep inspiration to expand the lungs and improve cough effectiveness Indication: reason to use.

Intubation: placing a tube in the trachea (wind pipe) to enable artificial breathing — This can be a life-saving procedure.

Nasal spray: medication used to prevent nasal allergy symptoms — This is available by prescription or over-the-counter in decongestant, cortico-steroid, or salt-water solution form.

Nebulizer: a machine that changes liquid medicine into fine droplets (in aerosol or mist form) that are inhaled through a mouthpiece or mask — Nebulizers can be used to deliver bronchodilator (airway-opening) medications such as Albuterol and Atrovent. A nebulizer might be used instead of a metered dose inhaler (MDI). It is powered by a compressed air machine and usually plugs into an electrical outlet.

Postural drainage: positioning oneself in certain postures to allow gravity to help drain mucus or phlegm from the lungs

Pulmonary function tests (PFTS): a series of tests that measure how well air is moving in and out of the lungs and carrying oxygen to the blood stream

Pulmonary hypertension: a rare lung disorder in which the arteries in the lungs have become narrowed, making it difficult for blood to flow through the vessels

Pulmonologist: a doctor who specializes in caring for people with lung diseases and breathing problems

Relapse: the return of signs and symptoms of an illness after a period of improvement

Respiratory failure: the sudden inability of the lungs to provide normal oxygen delivery or normal carbon dioxide removal

High Blood Pressure

Angina: chest pain

Beta-Blockers: one kind of medication used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain, and irregular heartbeat and to help protect a person from heart disease. Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of adrenaline in various parts of the body. Beta-blockers relieve stress on the heart so that it requires less blood and oxygen. As a result, the heart doesn't have to work as hard and blood pressure is lowered.

Calcium Channel Blockers: one kind of high blood pressure drug that slows the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and the walls of the arteries (blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the tissues). This relaxes the arteries and reduces the pressure in the blood vessels and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood.

Congestive Heart Failure: the inability of the heart to adequately pump blood. This can be caused by a number of problems, including untreated high blood pressure, heart attacks, or infections.

Diastolic Blood Pressure: the pressure of blood against the walls of the arteries when the heart relaxes between beats. It is the "bottom" number when referring to a specific blood pressure. For example, if your blood pressure is 120 over 80 or 120/80, the diastolic measurement is 80.

Diuretics: Diuretics act on the kidneys to remove excess salt and fluid from the blood. This increases the flow of urine and the need to urinate, which reduces the amount of water in the body. This can help lower blood pressure and can be used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.

Echocardiogram: a test that uses a device to bounce sound waves off the heart to create an image of the heart. The ultrasound image details the blood flow in the heart's chambers and evaluates heart chamber size and how the heart valves are functioning.

Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): a diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity, rate, and rhythm of the heartbeat via electrodes attached to the arms, legs, and chest

Essential Hypertension: high blood pressure that does not have an apparent cause, but is associated with such conditions such as obesity, smoking, and/or diet. The vast majority (95%) of people with high blood pressure have essential hypertension -- also known as primary hypertension.

Exercise Stress Test:  a test in which electrocardiogram readings are taken while the patient exercises (on a treadmill or stationary bicycle) to increase heart rate to a predetermined point. It's used to diagnose heart disease or abnormal heart rhythms.

Systolic Blood Pressure: the highest force of blood against the walls of the artery when the heart contracts or squeezes blood into the blood vessels. It is the "top" number when referring to a specific blood pressure. For example, if your blood pressure is 120 over 80 or 120/80, the systolic measurement is 120.

Ischemic Heart Disease: a condition caused by a decrease in blood flow to the heart. This decrease is usually the result of narrowed coronary arteries, which impede the blood flow.

Stent: a small tube that can open blocked blood vessels during a heart catheterization. Stents are usually made of metal and are permanent. It can also be made of a material that the body absorbs over time. Some stents have medicine that helps keep the artery from getting blocked again.

Stroke: an interruption of the blood supply to the brain, resulting in damaged brain tissue. An interruption can be caused by clots that block blood flow, or by bleeding in the brain from a ruptured blood vessel or a significant injury.