Glossary
Sometimes it may seem like COPD has its own language! To help you understand, we offer a glossary with common COPD related terms. Ask your doctor if any items are unclear to you.
Antagonists
A type of medicine for COPD that is given by an inhaler or a nebulizer.
Anticholinergics
A type of medicine for COPD that is given by an inhaler or a nebulizer.
Beta2-agonists
A type of medicine for COPD that is given by an inhaler or a nebulizer.
Bronchodilators
A medicine taken each day to open the airways. It is breathed in through an inhaler.
Cannula
A tubing piece used to supply oxygen through the nose.
Corticosteroids
A type of medicine for COPD exacerbations.
Dyspnea
Shortness of breath.
Exacerbations
Flare-ups or episodes when your COPD worsens.
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 easy-to-carry small tanks when you leave your house.
Nebulizer
A way to take liquid medicine by breathing it 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 that can also be used in oxygen therapy.
Pulse Oximetry
This test measures how much oxygen is in your blood. The test is easy and the result is a percentage. The doctor will put a sensor on your finger or ear and a light will be used to measure the oxygen content in your blood. 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.
Sputum
Mucus, usually mucus that is loose in the lungs. It may be coughed up.
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