LUNG LAVAGE Meaning and
Definition
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Lung lavage, also known as bronchopulmonary lavage or saline washout, is a medical procedure used to rinse and cleanse the respiratory system, particularly the lungs. It involves the introduction of a sterile liquid solution, typically composed of saline or a specialized medical gas, into the lungs to remove or wash away unwanted substances, such as excess mucus, inflammatory cells, foreign particles, or harmful chemicals.
The lung lavage procedure can be performed through different methods, such as bronchoscopy, where a thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope is inserted into the airways, allowing the liquid to be delivered directly into the lungs. The liquid is then suctioned out along with the particles or toxins it has collected. Alternatively, a bronchoalveolar lavage catheter can be used, which is inserted into the lung through a small incision in the chest wall.
This technique is often utilized in the treatment of certain lung diseases or conditions, such as pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, where there is an abnormal accumulation of surfactant in the air sacs of the lungs. Lung lavage helps to remove the accumulated material, improving lung function and symptoms in these cases.
Overall, lung lavage is a medical procedure that involves the introduction of a liquid solution into the lungs to cleanse and remove unwanted substances, aiming to improve respiratory function and treat specific lung disorders.
Common Misspellings for LUNG LAVAGE
- kung lavage
- pung lavage
- oung lavage
- lyng lavage
- lhng lavage
- ljng lavage
- ling lavage
- l8ng lavage
- l7ng lavage
- lubg lavage
- lumg lavage
- lujg lavage
- luhg lavage
- lunf lavage
- lunv lavage
- lunb lavage
- lunh lavage
- luny lavage
- lunt lavage
- lung kavage
Etymology of LUNG LAVAGE
The word "lavage" originated from the French verb "laver" which means "to wash". It was borrowed into English in the mid-19th century as a medical term, referring to a therapeutic procedure of washing or rinsing a body cavity or organ.
The word "lung" is derived from Old English "lungen" which in turn comes from the Proto-Germanic word "lungō", meaning "organ of respiration". It has roots in various Germanic languages, such as Old High German "lungun" and Old Norse "lunge".
Therefore, "lung lavage" combines the word "lung" to denote the specific location of the procedure and "lavage" to describe the act of washing or rinsing in the context of the lungs.
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