noun
lower respiratory tract; lower airway
Medical term referring to the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and lungs. Contrasts with 上気道 (upper respiratory tract).
下気道感染は肺炎を引き起こすことがある。
Lower respiratory tract infections can cause pneumonia.
医師は下気道の状態を調べるために気管支鏡検査を行った。
The doctor performed a bronchoscopy to examine the condition of the lower airway.
General term for 'airway' or 'respiratory tract'. 下気道 specifies the lower part.
Compound of 下 (lower) + 気道 (airway, respiratory tract). A straightforward medical term.