Medical Terms: Respiratory & Digestive Health

Posted on Jan 16, 2025 in Biology

Respiratory Terms

  • Respiratory failure: The inability of the lungs to maintain adequate blood oxygenation.
  • Drainage posture: Postural positions that allow for secretion drainage.
  • Atelectasis: Collapse of lung tissue, preventing gas exchange.
  • Pulse oximetry: A method used to measure oxygen saturation and heart rate.
  • Manometer: An instrument for measuring the pressure of gases or vapors and the tension of fluids in blood vessels.
  • Manoreductor: A device that reduces the output pressure of oxygen from the cylinder.
  • Ambu: A device for manual artificial ventilation.
  • Asepsis: Free of infection.
  • Endotracheal: Inside the trachea.
  • Respirator or ventilator: A device that supplements or aids respiratory function.
  • Cough: Causes cough.
  • Spirometer: An instrument for measuring the air entering and leaving the lungs, also used to prevent lung problems and strengthen abdominal muscles.
  • Percussion: A respiratory physiotherapy procedure performed with the hands to loosen deeper secretions.
  • Vibration: A chest physiotherapy procedure that uses an ultrasonic vibrator to loosen secretions.
  • Sedative: An agent that acts by relieving irritability and arousal.

Digestive Terms

  • Stoma: An opening incised in the form of a mouth that is kept open for drainage or other purposes.
  • Nutrient: Any food substance contained in the human body.
  • Mucous: Lining of some internal damp organs and body cavities (nose, mouth, stomach, etc.).
  • Endoscopy: Direct examination of a cavity or duct with a suitable instrument for regional optical exploration.
  • Irrigation: Introduction of a fluid into the gut for therapeutic purposes.
  • Gastric: Pertaining to the stomach.
  • Radiopaque: Opaque to X-rays.
  • Enteral nutrition: Nutrition through a catheterized digestive tract.
  • Deposition: Intestinal bowel movement.
  • Antidote: Medication that counteracts the action of a poison.
  • Neutralize: To cancel or counteract the effect of something.
  • Swallowing: The passage of substances from the mouth to the esophagus.
  • Epigastrium: The abdominal region or belly from the tip of the sternum to near the umbilicus, between the false ribs.
  • Naso: Pertaining to the nose.
  • Nasogastric: Pertaining to the nose and stomach.
  • Palliative: A substance or procedure used to alleviate pain but not cure.
  • Gastrostomy: An incision in the stomach.
  • Duodenostomy: Creation of a permanent opening in the wall of the duodenum.
  • Fecaloma: Buildup of stool in the anus that clogs the normal flow of the intestinal tract.
  • Antihelmintic: Drugs used in the treatment of helminth infections (worms).
  • Flatulence: Discomfort or distress due to the accumulation of gases in the digestive tract.
  • Colostomy: Formation of an artificial opening in the colon; an artificial anus.
  • Incontinence: Inability to control the evacuation of feces or urine output.
  • Caliber: The diameter of a pipe or conduit.
  • Ileostomy: Incision of the ileum to the surface of the abdomen by surgical means.
  • Carminative: Properties that prevent intestinal gas formation or promote their expulsion.
  • Hypertonic: High concentration of substances.
  • Systemic: Pertaining or relating to the circulation of blood generally.
  • Neomycin: Used as an antibiotic and antibacterial agent.