Word parts
What it means
The part of each breath when air leaves the lungs, also called exhalation. At rest it is passive: the diaphragm relaxes and the lungs spring back. In conditions like asthma and COPDsee-oh-pee-dee (said as letters)Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to move air out of the lungs.chronic long-lastingobstructive blockingpulmon/o lung-ary relating toFull entry , breathing out takes effort and lasts longer, and wheezing is often heard during it. The same word is used for an expiration date on drugs and supplies, and older texts use "expired" to mean died.
For the nurse
Check the expiration date on every drug, solution and sterile supply before use. Teach pursed-lip breathing to clients with COPD: breathe in through the nose and out slowly through pursed lips, about twice as long as the breath in.
At a glance
| Spanish | espiración |
|---|---|
| Also written | expiratory |
Easy to confuse with
inhalation
Breathing in; also, a way of giving a drug as a mist or powder that is breathed into the lungs.
Related terms
respiration
Breathing air in and out, and the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air, the blood and the cells.
inhalation
Breathing in; also, a way of giving a drug as a mist or powder that is breathed into the lungs.
breathing
Moving air in and out of the lungs.