Glossary

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Bacterial Pneumonia An inflammation and infection caused by bacteria
Barotrauma Injury resulting from high levels of pressure differential in the lungs
Baseline The typical or normal state of an individual or of a parameter before change
Beta Activity EEG rhythm in the range of 13-35 Hz, is usually associated with alert wakefulness or vigilance
Bi-Level or BiPAPTM(BiPAP) Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure; Used to treat sleep apnea, and other sleep related breathing disorders; Delivers alternating levels of inspiratory pressure (IPAP), or higher pressure, to keep the airway open as a patient breathes in, and the expiratory pressure (EPAP) is lower to reduce the work of exhaling; the BiPAP can be set to drop the level at specific intervals, or upon demand
Bilirubin A yellow compound produced by the breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells
Bradycardia Slowing of the heart rate below the age specified rate for 5 seconds or greater
Bronchodilator Any number of drugs that enlarge the bronchial air passage either by shrinking the mucus membranes or by relaxing the smooth muscles that constrict the air passages
Bronchospasm An abnormal contraction of the smooth muscle of the bronchi, resulting in acute narrowing and obstruction
Bruxism The habit of unconsciously gritting or grinding the teeth especially in situations of stress or during sleep

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