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Back A Airways: Tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: A rare genetic form of COPD. It is an inherited condition, meaning it is passed down from parent to child. People with this condition have low levels of alpha-1 antitrypsin in their blood, which is a protective protein made in the liver that helps shield the lungs from harmful substances you breathe in. Alveoli: Tiny air sacs of the lungs, where gas exchange happens. This is where oxygen enters the blood and carbon dioxide – a waste product – is removed from the body through your breath. Anti-inflammatory: A term for medicines (like corticosteroids) that reduce swelling, redness, or irritation in the body. Antibiotics: Medicines used to kill or slow down the growth of bacteria. Sometimes prescribed for patients with uncontrolled severe COPD. Antitussives: Medicines that help reduce or stop coughing. They are also called cough suppressants and are often available over the counter. Arterial blood gas (test): A blood test that measures how well your lungs deliver oxygen to your blood and remove carbon dioxide. The sample is usually taken from an artery in your wrist. The results can help determine if you need oxygen therapy. Asthma: A lung condition where the airways become inflamed and narrow, making it hard to breathe. People with asthma often have other diseases as well, such as chronic rhinosinusitis or allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS): People diagnosed with asthma-COPD overlap syndrome have symptoms of both asthma and COPD. It is a long-term inflammatory airway disease which can be more serious than having either of the conditions alone. B Biologics: Special medicines given by injection that target specific parts of the immune system to reduce inflammation. Used when other options haven’t worked and after a specialist has made a detailed assessment of your condition. Bronchodilator: A type of medication that relaxes the muscles around the airways, helping them open up and making it easier to breathe. C Cardiologist: A doctor who specialises in the care of your heart and blood vessels.  Chest symptoms: Issues such as coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, or tightness in the chest—often linked with lung conditions like asthma or COPD. Chronic: Means that something lasts a long time, often for months or years. It usually doesn’t go away quickly and may come back again and again Chronic bronchitis: A condition in which the lining of the tubes that bring air into the lungs, called bronchi, are inflamed, narrowed, and swollen. Moreover, extra mucus is also being produced. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A long-term lung disease (often linked to smoking or polluted air) where airways and tiny air sacs in the lungs are damaged, causing breathing difficulties. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS): A condition defined by long-lasting inflammation inside the nose and sinuses, causing symptoms like a stuffy nose, runny nose, loss of smell, and facial pain. Comorbidities: Other conditions or diseases that occur at the same time as the main condition. For example, people with COPD might also have diabetes or heart conditions. Cor pulmonale: Medical term for right-sided heart failure, a heart problem that can happen in people with severe COPD. It occurs when long-term lung disease makes it harder for the heart to pump blood through the lungs, causing the right side of the heart to become strained or weakened. CT scan: An imaging test that takes detailed pictures of the inside of your body (in this case, your lungs) to check for other problems or complications that might be causing symptoms or making your COPD harder to control. D Diagnosis: The process where a doctor determines what health condition a person has. Diaphragmatic breathing: A breathing technique that uses the diaphragm to take slow, deep breaths. It is also called belly breathing. The diaphragm is a large, dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the lungs. Differential diagnosis: A list of possible conditions that could explain a patient’s symptoms. Before confirming COPD, your doctor will also consider other conditions that could cause your symptoms. E Eosinophils: Eosinophils are a type of white blood cells responsible for inflammation. People who have high levels of eosinophils can sometimes quality for more specialized treatment. Emphysema: A lung condition in which the tiny air sacs of the lungs become damaged over time and don’t exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide well, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing. Endocrinologist: A specialist doctor who treats hormone and gland problems such as diabetes. ENT doctor: A doctor who specialises in conditions of the ear, nose, and throat. Exacerbation: A sudden worsening or flare-up of symptoms. If you understand when you’re having an exacerbation, you can see your doctor sooner and adjust medications if needed. F Flare-up: A sudden worsening of your symptoms, also called an exacerbation. G Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): A common condition in which the stomach contents move up into the esophagus and cause heartburn. H Hypoxic challenge test (HCT) or High Altitude Simulation Test (HAST): A test that measures how well your body can handle lower oxygen levels, such as during air travel. It is also called a fit-to-fly test. It can give an indication for your need for on-board oxygen therapy. I Immune system: Your body’s defence against infections and foreign substances. In some diseases, such as asthma, your immune system may overreact, causing ongoing inflammation. Inflammation: Swelling or irritation in the body’s tissues, often due to the immune system’s response to infection or irritants. Inherited: Refers to traits or a higher chance of developing certain conditions that are passed from parents to children through genes. -itis (suffix): A medical ending that means “inflammation.” Whenever you see “-itis” in a word (like rhinitis or sinusitis), it indicates that the tissue or organ named is swollen or inflamed. Irritant: A substance or environmental factor that can set off or worsen COPD symptoms by irritating the airways. J K L Long-acting beta-agonist (LABA): A type of COPD medication that helps relax