Antibiotic

An antibacterial substance (such as penicillin) that is used to treat or prevent infections by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria in or on the body.

Bronchiolitis

A swelling and mucus buildup in the smallest air passages in the lungs.

Bronchitis

A swelling of the tubes that carry air from the mouth to the lungs.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)

A chronic lung disease, usually in premature babies, that results from injury and repair in the developing lung. 

Congenital

A medical condition that is present at birth.

Congenital heart disease

A heart defect that is present at birth.

Contagious

Infection that is given to others by direct or indirect contact with an infected person. 

Pneumonia

An acute lung infection in which lung tissue is swollen-resulting in fever, chills, cough, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, or chest pain-and in which the swelling is typically caused by a bacterium, virus, or fungus. 

Premature/Preterm/Preemie

A baby born at less than 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

A virus that can infect the lungs and other airways that is very common in infancy and early childhood. 

Vaccine

A preparation of killed or living microorganisms that is given either to produce or artificially increase immunity to a particular disease.

Virus

A microscopic, nonliving infectious agent capable of multiplying in living cells and causing various diseases in humans, animals, and plants. 

Wheezing

A whistling sound caused by difficulty breathing.