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ABG Arterial Blood Gasses. This is a blood test that is given to determine
a number of things but it is the only test that is commonly used to
determine the Carbon Dioxide content of the blood. The test is usually
taken with a needle into the wrist area and much more difficult to do.
Consequently, it has the reputation for hurting. Doctors use this test to
determine whether an individual is a retainer or not.
ALPHA-A1AD Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency (A1AD) is a genetic disease of
the liver and lungs. It results from a lack of the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin
(AAT) protein in a person's blood, which protects the lungs from germs,
dust, air pollution, cigarette smoke and other inhaled irritants. Without
an adequate supply of AAT, substances in the white blood cells can damage
the tissues of the body. In adults, A1AD often leads to early onset
emphysema that affects the lower lobes of the lung: but can also cause
liver disease. Because A1AD is a product of genetics, those that are
diagnosed with emphysema or COPD at an early age should have a simple blood
test to determine if that is the cause of their affliction. If so, some of
the medical procedures are different in dealing with the affliction.
BIPAP, CPAP, DPAP - P.A.P." stands for positive airway pressure The
importance of these machines is not only that they assist in the physical
needs for breathing but also help remove excess CO2 from the system.
BiPAP stands for BiLevel Positive Airway Pressure. Your BiPAP machine
provides 2 sets of pressure prescribed by your physician. There is a
pressure set to assist you when breathing in (inspiration) and when
breathing out (exhalation). These pressures keep the airway from collapsing
so your lungs will receive the oxygen they need.
BiPAP ST works the same as BiPAP, but also has a backup respiratory rate
incorporated. This means that the machine also supplies the patient with
forced breaths.
CPAP machine supplies a set amount of positive pressurized flow through a
hose connected to the nasal airway. The set pressure is prescribed by your
physician. The ressure keeps the airway from collapsing. Relief of airway
obstruction is immediate. Your lungs will receive the oxygen they need and
you will sleep much better.
DPAP stands for Demand Positive Airway Pressure. This machine will sense
whether or not the patient is taking a breath. If the patient has not taken
a breath in 8 seconds, the DPAP machine will sense this and give a breath
at whatever pressure flow is necessary to move the air into the lungs.
Indication for DPAP usage is intolerable use of CPAP.
CHF Congestive Heart Failure. Simply stated, CHF is any condition which
refers to the diminished ability of the heart to carry out its function
properly. There are many causes and many diseases which cause the condition
which is much more prevalent with older folks. Some individuals with COPD
find themselves afflicted with conditions which make them susceptible to CHF.
COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD is why we are all here.
While some medical authorities do not include asthma in the definition, it
is included in others and helps add to the confusion of the lay person.
COPD is actually a loosely used term by the medics these days to describe a
variety of ailments including emphysema, chronic bronchitis and some forms
of asthma. It is considered as chronic and progressive which gives it the
awful reputation of being the beginning of the end. Those of us who know
better realize that while there is no known cure at the present time, such
a cure is not out of the realm of possibility. In the meantime, it is
prudent to do those things that we can do to maintain as high a quality of
life as is possible. We can do that only through being proactive in our own
medical care working in concert with our medical advisors, stopping
smoking, exercise (preferably in some pulmonary rehab program and
subsequent maintenance program) and a number of lesser things.. If you are
interested in learning more about our disease, look at our links page for
the best of the best at
http://copd-support.com/links.html
and a listing of web pages maintained by a number of our subscribers at
http://copd-support.com/mem-web.html
CRS (Can't Remember Stuff - or any other word beginning with S_____)
FEV1 - FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume after 1 second) is one of many
measurements that are determined during a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) The
official definition says that it is the volume of gas expired after one
second from the beginning of the measurement. It is expressed in a full
number which is then given a percentage based on how well a normal person
of similar age, sex and weight would do. It is normally taken a second time
after using a rescue inhaler like albuterol to see what percentage of
increase is obtained with medication. In common usage, while not totally
accurate, it has become to be a measure of lung function percentage. For
that reason you will see folks that say they have 46% lung function or 13%
lung function. While those numbers are certainly important, they do not
tell the whole picture because this is just one measurement. In addition,
two people with the exact same FEV1 may behave very differently. One may
not be able to walk to the bathroom without assistance and the other
reporting rave results from pulmonary rehab. There are a number of
references that discuss the PFT. A good starting point would be
http://www.cystic-l.org/handbook/html/pft_s_explained_for_you.htm
or
http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/~daa/lecture/pft.htm
HEPA-(High Efficiency Particulate Air) Usually refers to a filters or masks
for air filtering systems, air conditioner returns, air circulation
systems, face masks and the sort. t is of a much higher rating for
filtration than other systems and consequently filters the air better.
IMHO (In My Humble Opinion) Says what it means. I recognize that this may
not be the school solution but I believe that … Often used by the polite to
tell others that they don't know what they are talking about LOL
LOL (Lots of Laughs or Lots of Love depending on context used)
LVRS (Lung Volume Reduction Surgery) Surgery which removes part of the lung
or lungs. This concept uses the theory that the reduction of the lung
allows room for the good portion to expand and work more efficiently. This
is a major surgical procedure which has resulted in dramatic improvement
for some and a reduction in lung function in others. It is presently being
studied to determine the appropriate criteria for selection as well as
evaluating improvement from pulmonary exercise as compared to LVRS. This
study called NETT or National Emphysema Treatment Trials is explained in
detail and provides locations for the centers at
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/prof/lung/nett/lvrsweb.htm
MDI (Measured Dose Inhaler) There are many varieties and brands. This is
just a generic description for all of them.
O2 (Oxygen) Auxiliary oxygen use usually expressed as Number of Liters Per
Minute/hours per day/days per week. For example 2L 24/7.
PCP (Primary Care Physician) Usually a physician who practices in general
medicine or family medicine. In HMO language, the PCP is the doctor that is
responsible for the patients care and appropriate referrals.
PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) A vital test for all who are afflicted with
any pulmonary disease as it is the real measure of the lung function and a
diagnostic tool to determine the proper course of medication. The test
takes about an hour but is non invasive primarily just breathing in a
variety of tubes in different ways. The test results include Pulmonary
Mechanics (one of which is FEV1 which was described above), Lung Volume,
Diffusing capacity and other measurements including ABG, PH, PaCO2, PaO2,
and SaO2 which is a lot of gibberish which means you should check out one
of the references on PFT if you want to know more. A good place to start is
http://www.cystic-l.org/handbook/html/pft_s_explained_for_you.htm
or
http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/~daa/lecture/pft.htm
SATS (Saturation Level as determined by oximeter) Sometimes also called
Stats. Refers to the oxygen level which should remain above 90 when
measured by oximeter or 55-60 mm Hg when measured by arterial blood gas
test of PaO2. Yep, that is the thingy that they put on your finger = oximeter.
SOB (Short of Breath) Do we need to say more?
Of course there are a great many other abbreviations and acronyms used
concerning our affliction. In the event you are looking for another which
is not listed here try
http://www.2ndwind.org/abb_msg.htm
https://members.tripod.com/noairtogo/