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anticholinergic spray
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a medication that blocks the activity of acetylcholine and is used to treat symptoms of a runny nose
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auricle
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the outer projection, earlobe-shaped portion of the ear
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bronchodilator
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a medication that relaxes the muscles in the lungs and widens the airway
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cerumen
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earwax
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corticosteroid
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a medicine that reduces inflammation and prevents flare-ups of respiratory conditions
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cream
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a semisolid emulsion containing a suspended or dissolved medication
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decongestant
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a medication that provides short-term relief of nasal congestion
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dornase alfa (Pulmozyme)
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an inhaled medication consisting of a synthetic protein that breaks down excess DNA in the pulmonary secretions of people with cystic fibrosis
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dry powder inhaler (DPI)
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a device that delivers dry powder medications that are inhaled through a the mouth and into the lungs
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ear drops
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liquid solutions injected into the ear canal
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ear irrigation
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the washing out of the ear with a continuous flow of liquid or medication
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enema
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a liquid solution placed in a disposable plastic squeeze bottle and then instilled into the rectum, or the solution is placed in a bag connected to tubing that is inserted in the rectum and instilled by gravity
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eye drops
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liquid solutions intended for use in the eye
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eye irrigation
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the washing out of the eye with a continuous flow of liquid or medication
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eye medication disk
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a small, flexible disk placed horizontally in the conjunctival sac that can release medication in the eye for up to one week
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eye ointment
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a greasy semisolid that uses body warmth to melt into tiny drops that rest between the eyeball and eyelid
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foam
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a liquid medication dispersed in gas that results in a light, frothy substance
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hand atomizer (also, inhaler)
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a pocket-sized device that delivers medications into the lungs without the use of electricity
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inner canthus
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the corner of the eye nearest the nose where the upper and lower eyelids meet
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mast cell inhibitor
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a medication that relieves allergy symptoms by stabilizing mast cells, which inhibits histamine release
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medicated ear wick
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a small cellulose wick placed in the ear canal, with the outer portion of the wick visible at the entrance of the ear canal; medication is then applied to the end of the wick, dispersing the medication throughout the ear
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metered-dose inhaler
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(MDI) a device that creates an aerosolized mist of medication that is inhaled through the mouth and into the lungs
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nasal
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relating to the nose or nostrils
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nasal wash
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(i.e., nasal irrigation) a method that helps clean mucus, allergens, irritants, bacteria, and viruses from the nose
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nebulizer
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a small electric or battery-powered machine that delivers a fine mist of liquid medications
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ophthalmic
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relating to the eye
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opioid antagonist
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a medication used to treat opioid overdose and reverse respiratory depression associated with opioid use
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otic
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relating to or located near the ear
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otoscope
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a tool that shines light into the ear to visualize the ear canal
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outer canthus
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the corner of the eye nearest the ear where the upper and lower eyelids meet
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rectal
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relating to or affecting the rectum
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Sims position
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a posture where the patient is positioned on their left side with the upper leg flexed over the lower leg toward the waist
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soft-mist inhaler
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a handheld device that turns liquid medications into a mist cloud that can then be inhaled without a propellant
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spacer
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a clear tube that fits between the inhaler and the mouthpiece, allowing the medication to move into the spacer for the patient to inhale more slowly and with control
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suppository
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a solid medication that melts inside the body and is absorbed into the bloodstream
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tragus
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the small piece of thick, skin-covered
cartilage
in front of the
meatus
of the external ear immediately in front of the ear canal
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vaginal
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relating to or affecting the vagina