Sleep Apnea Glossary

• Acromegaly – disease in which excessive pituitary gland secretion causes enlargement of soft parts of hands and feet, head bones and other body structures.
• Adenoids – concentration of lymphoid tissue located in area where the nose meets the mouth. Help fight infections as part of the immune system.
• Angina – attack or spasms characterized by choking or suffocating sensations.
• Arrhythmia – disturbance of heartbeat pattern.
• Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – neurological disorder, initially diagnosed in childhood, characterized by hyperactivity, forgetfulness, inability to control impulses and ease of distraction.
• Atrial fibrillation – twitching of muscles in the upper chambers of the heart, causes discordance between heartbeat and pulse beat.
• Cardiologist – doctor that specializes in the heart functioning.
• Cardiorespiratory – of or pertaining to the heart and respiratory systems.
• Congestive heart failure – condition in which the heart fails to function properly, inadequately pumping blood to body tissues.
• Coronary artery disease – formation of fatty deposits in walls of the arteries.
• Cor pulmonale – change in structure or function of the right ventricle of the heart due to a respiratory disorder.
• Craniofacial – of or pertaining to the head and face.
• Cyanosis – bluish or grayish tint to skin, especially in the fingers, toes and lips, resulting from a lack of oxygen in the blood.
• Down Syndrome -- genetic disorder associated with the presence or all or part of an extra chromosome 21. Named for John Langdon Down, the British physician who first described it in 1866, the disorder is characterized by mental retardation, weak muscle tone, a low nasal bridge and almond-shaped eyes.
• Deviated nasal septum – abnormal displacement of wall that separates the two nasal cavities.
• Echocardiogram – ultrasound image of the heart, revealing size, motion and composition.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – graphic image of the electrical activity of the heart.
• Endocrine system – system of glands that secrete hormones and regulate metabolic activity in the body.
• Hypercapnia – unusually high concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood.
• Hypersomnia – excessive sleepiness or inability to stay awake.
• Hypertension – elevation of blood pressure
• Hypothyroidism – insufficient production of thyroid hormones, resulting in excessive weight gain and fatigue.
• Hypoxia – inadequate amount of oxygen in the blood.
• Marfan’s Syndrome – genetic disorder of the connective tissue named for Antoine Marfan, the French pediatrician who first described it in 1896. The syndrome is characterized by a large stature and abnormally long fingers, toes and limbs in proportion to height.
• Muscular dystrophy – genetic disorder characterized by skeletal muscle weakness, muscle protein defects and muscle cell and tissue death.
• Narcolepsy – condition characterized by frequent and uncontrollable periods of deep sleep, usually triggered by states of extreme excitement or stress.
• Neurologist – doctor specializing in disorders of the nervous system.
• Nocturia – excessive urination at night.
• Orthodontist – dentist specializing in the prevention and correction of irregular teeth.
• Otolaryngologist – doctor specializing in the function and diseases of the ear, nose and throat.
• Polyps – abnormal growth projecting from a mucous membrane surface, usually causing an obstruction.
• Pulmonologist – doctor specializing in the respiratory system.
• Seizures – sudden and abnormal surge of electrical activity in the brain.
• Soft palate – triangular area of soft tissue in the back of the roof of the mouth, responsible for closing off the nasal passageway during the act of swallowing.
• Supine – lying on the back.
• Tonsils – concentrations of lymphoid tissue on either side of the throat, help fight infections as part of the immune system.
• Tracheostomy – surgical process of creating an opening in the neck through which one can breathe.