Lung Lingo

Hey Bestie! Ever feel like respiratory terminology sounds like a foreign language? You're not alone! Today, we're breaking down some of the most commonly used (and commonly confused) respiratory terms to help you breathe easier when studying.

The "Why Is Everything Latin?" Section

• Dyspnea - Fancy word for "I can't breathe right!" (Shortness of breath)

• Tachypnea - When your breathing goes into hyperdrive (rapid breathing)

• Orthopnea - When lying flat feels like someone's sitting on your chest

• Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea (PND) - The midnight "I need to sit up RIGHT NOW to breathe" wake-up call

The Lung Location Guide

• Apical - The penthouse suite of your lungs (top portion)

• Basal - The basement of your respiratory system (bottom areas)

• Bilateral - When both lungs decided to join the party (affecting both sides)

• Unilateral - When only one lung gets the memo (one-sided involvement)

Sound Effects Department

• Wheezing - Your airways doing their best whistle impression

• Rhonchi - The "gurgling" soundtrack of secretions

• Stridor - The high-pitched "I need attention NOW" sound

• Crackles - Like walking on bubble wrap, but in your lungs (formerly called rales)

Pro Tip

Make flashcards with the term on one side and both the definition AND a silly memory hook on the other. Your brain remembers funny and unusual connections better than dry facts!