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Sometimes it may seem like COPD has its own language! To help you understand, here’s a glossary with common terms from COPD. Ask your doctor if any items are unclear to you.

• Antagonists
  A type of medicine for COPD. Can be given by inhaler or nebulizer.
   
• Anticholinergics
  A type of medicine for COPD. Can be given by inhaler or nebulizer.
   
• Beta2-agonists
  A type of medicine for COPD. Can be given by inhaler or nebulizer.
   
• Bronchodilators
  A medicine taken each day to open the airways by breathing it in from an inhale.
   
• Cannula
  A tubing piece used to give oxygen through the nose.
   
• Corticosteroids
  A type of medicine for COPD exacerbations.
   
• Dyspnea
  Shortness of breath.
   
• Exacerbations
  Flare-ups or episodes when your COPD gets worse.
   
• Hyperventilation
  Rapid breathing caused by being nervous or panicked.
   
• Hypoxia
  Too little oxygen in the body.
   
• Inhaler
  A way to take medicine that you breathe in.
   
• Liquid Oxygen
  A small amount of liquid oxygen is a very large amount of oxygen gas. The big tank at your house can also fill easyto-carry small tanks when you leave your house.
   
• Nebulizer
  A way to take liquid medicine so you can breathe the medicine in. The liquid is made into a vapor so it can be breathed in.
   
• Oxygen Concentrator
  A machine that takes oxygen from air and pumps it through tubing
   
• Oxygen Gas (compressed)
  Large canisters of oxygen gas can also be used in oxygen therapy. These are used today, but were more normal a few years ago.
   
• Pulse Oximetry
  This test measures how much oxygen is in your blood. The result is a percent. The test is easy. The doctor will put a sensor on your finger or ear and a light will be used to measure. The result of this test may show you need oxygen therapy.
   
• Spirometry
  A test of how well your lungs are working. This test is taken to find out if you have COPD. COPD patients also take this test to check their lungs and medicine.
   
• Sputum
  Mucus, usually mucus that is sort of loose in the lungs. It may be coughed up.