Pediatric Pulmonology Glossary
103 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
Lung Clearance Index LCI
A measure of ventilation inhomogeneity derived from multiple-breath washout testing, reflecting how efficiently a gas (typically nitrogen or sulfur hexafluoride) is cleared from the lungs.
intercostal retractions
Visible inward pulling of the muscles between the ribs during inspiration, indicating increased work of breathing.
interrupter technique
A non-invasive method of estimating airway resistance in young children by briefly occluding airflow and measuring the r...
Interstitial Lung Disease of Childhood
A heterogeneous group of diffuse parenchymal lung disorders in children characterised by impaired gas exchange, restrict...
laryngomalacia
A congenital condition where immature laryngeal cartilage causes airway obstruction and stridor in infants.
Lung Clearance Index
A measure of ventilation inhomogeneity derived from multiple-breath washout testing, reflecting how efficiently a gas (t...
meconium aspiration syndrome
A respiratory condition caused by inhalation of meconium-stained amniotic fluid before or during delivery.
Methacholine Challenge Test
A bronchoprovocation test in which incremental doses of inhaled methacholine are administered to assess airway hyperresp...
mucus clearance
The physiological and therapeutic process by which mucus secretions are moved from the lower airways toward the upper ai...
multiple-breath washout
A lung function technique in which a tracer gas is inhaled and then washed out over multiple tidal breaths, used to asse...
nebulization
The process of converting liquid medication into a fine aerosol mist for inhalation delivery to the pediatric airway.
Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia of Infancy
A form of childhood interstitial lung disease characterised by persistent tachypnoea, hypoxaemia, and crackles in infanc...
obstructive sleep apnea
A sleep-disordered breathing condition characterized by recurrent partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sl...
Paediatric Pulmonary Hypertension
A haemodynamic condition in children defined by a mean pulmonary arterial pressure exceeding 20 mmHg at rest, encompassi...
peak expiratory flow rate
Maximum speed of expiration measured during a forceful breath out, used to assess airway function.
persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn
A condition where pulmonary vascular resistance remains elevated after birth, causing right-to-left shunting.
pertussis
Highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection characterized by severe coughing fits followed by a distinctive 'whoop...
pleurodesis
Medical procedure that eliminates the pleural space to prevent recurrent pneumothorax or pleural effusion.
pneumothorax
Accumulation of air in the pleural space causing partial or complete lung collapse, particularly concerning in neonates.
polysomnography
A multi-channel overnight sleep study recording physiological parameters including airflow, oxygen saturation, respirato...
positive end-expiratory pressure
Pressure maintained in airways at the end of expiration during mechanical ventilation to prevent alveolar collapse.
primary ciliary dyskinesia
A genetic disorder affecting cilia function, leading to chronic respiratory infections and organ positioning abnormaliti...
protracted bacterial bronchitis
A chronic endobronchial bacterial infection in young children characterised by an isolated moist or wet cough lasting mo...
Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis
A rare lung disorder characterised by the accumulation of surfactant-derived lipoproteinaceous material within alveoli,...
pulmonary artery sling
A congenital anomaly in which the left pulmonary artery arises aberrantly from the right pulmonary artery and passes bet...