9781422280317

Words to Understand

antibodies: substances produced by the body to fight disease. chronic: an illness that continues for a long time or keeps coming back. diaphragm: a flat muscle below the rib cage. expel: to push or force something out. inflammation: a condition in which a part of your body becomes red, swollen, and painful. irritant: something that causes slight inflammation (such as in the lungs) or other discomfort. membrane: a thin sheet of tissue that acts as a barrier. microorganism: a living thing so small it can only be seen with a microscope. mucus: a thick liquid produced in some parts of the body to moisten and protect. nebulizer: a machine that turns liquid medicine into a fine mist that’s inhaled into the lungs. phlegm: mucus that comes from the airways and leaves the body by being coughed out. respiratory: relating to breathing. spasm: a sudden uncontrolled tightening of a muscle. toxic: poisonous. trigger: something that causes another thing to happen.

8