Imuran—Prevents rejection of a transplanted lung, and is an immunosuppressive agent
Nissen Fundiplication—Stomach wrap done by surgery to treat gastroeophageal reflux disease. The top part of the stomach is sewn 360 degrees around the esophagus to prevent stomach contents from re-entering the esophagus
Nystatin—Antifungal mouthwash agent used to prevent infections, such as Thrush
O2—Oxygen—Auxiliary oxygen use usually expressed as number of liters per minutes/hours per day/days per week—for example, 2L, 24/7—Supplemental oxygen provides oxygen as concentrations greater than room air to raise oxygen levels in the blood. Oxygen delivery systems can be stationary, such as home concentrator, or portable, such as liquid and canister systems. Oxygen can be received through nasal cannula or mask.
PFT—Pulmonary Function Test—(PFT’s)—tests that measure the volume of air that is inhaled and exhaled. PFT’s also measure gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs
Pneumothorax—A lung collapse—“Pneumo” refers to air and “thorax” to the chest cavity. In LAM, a pneumothorax occurs when one of the cysts (blebs) bursts and air leaks into the space around the lungs. The pressure of air between the lung and the chest wall forces the lung to collapse. Sudden shortness of breath, a dry cough, cyanosis (turning blue) and sharp pain felt in the chest, back, and/or arms are the main symptoms.
Prednisone—Mimics the effects of hormones body produces naturally in adrenal glands. A Corticosteroid, which also suppresses the immune system, and can help control conditions in which body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues
Prograf—Immunosuppressant, similar to Cyclosporine
Protonix—Treats certain conditions in which there is too much acid in the stomach. Treats erosive esophagitis or “heartburn” caused by GERD, a condition where the acid in the stomach washes back up into the esophagus.
Pulse Oximeter—(Pulse Ox)—painless test in which a sensor is placed on the finger or earlobe to measure the level of oxygen saturation in the blood. Does not determine if carbon dioxide is being removed from the system.
Rejection—immune response that occurs when a transplanted lung is not the organ in the body at birth. Immune system sees the organ as a foreign invader and acts against it. If left untreated rejection can result in organ failure.
Septra—a sulfa drug used to treat infection such as serious forms of pneumonia
Spirometry test—A series of breathing tests that provides information about the extent of lung disease and how well the lungs function. The test measures how much (volume) and how fast (flow) you can move air into and out of your lungs
Thrush—Yeast infection of the mucus membrane lining the mouth and tongue, caused by forms of fungus called Candida. Persons who have diabetes and high blood sugar levels are more likely to get oral thrush because the extra sugar in saliva acts like food for Candida.
Tracheostomy—Surgically made hole that goes through the front of the neck and into the trachea. A breathing tube, also called a trach tube is put through the tracheostomy and directly into the windpipe to help the patient breathe
UNOS—United Network for Organ Sharing—National Agency that maintains a national computerized transplant waiting list, and helps locate donor organs. Scores are listed from 0 to 100. 1 being no need, and 100 almost dead.
Valcyte—Treats cytomegalovirus (CMV), a herpes-type virus. Every person is either CMV positive or CMV negative. Most of the population is positive, meaning they have been exposed to the virus and have developed antibodies for it. People who are negative have no antibodies for this virus. CMV infects the salivary glands, Symptoms, if any, resemble mononucleosis. CMV can cause serious illness if a person is immunosuppressed (for example, after a transplant).
Ventilator—A machine that helps a patient breathe, controls and monitors flow of air to the lungs. After surgery, a ventilator is used to help the new lungs expand completely.
The Taste of Air Page 19