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- barometer
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from baro- (pressure) and meter (measure)
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- barometric pressure
- atmospheric pressure
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- barrel chest
- Lung hyperinflation increases the chest's resting volume causing it to take on a more cylindrical or barrel-like appearance.
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bronchiectasis
- bronchial dilation usually associated with infection
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bronchiolitis
- a viral infection of the small, distal airways; It generally occurs in infants younger than eighteen months but primarily younger than six months. Mucus production is increased and small airways may be obstructed with mucus plugs. Severe inflammation produces mucosal swelling and epithelial sloughing. Debris, including epithelial and white blood cells, may fill airways.
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- bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)
- a chronic pulmonary condition that most commonly develops in babies having been treated for HMD; A typical picture of BPD is that of a premature infant with HMD who does not improve as expected. As neonate continues to need treatment, surfactant production fails to start, atelectasis persists, and air begins to leak into the lungs interstitial spaces producing pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE) (see "P" terms). Pulmonary air leaks lead to pneumothoraces and pulmonary emphysema with alveolar destruction. Pulmonary difficulties in an infant with BPD may last for weeks, after which the baby will follow one of three courses. The neonate may continue to deteriorate and expire, or may settle into a chronic pulmonary condition similar to COPD in an adult requiring continuing care and therapy. The infant may also gradually recover. If the condition improves, and the infant can stay relatively free of pulmonary infections, new growth of normal lung will eventually predominate, and he or she can do quite well on a long-term basis.
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- bronchospasm
- spasm of the bronchial smooth muscle that results in a narrowing of the bronchial lumen
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- bronchus (bronchi)
- one of the subdivisions of the trachea serving to conduct gas to and from the lungs
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susan.pattishall@americanaction.org
