15 Respiratory diseases

Question 1

what is a pollutant?

Answer 1

a substance released into the environment that can harm organisms and/or the environment itself

Question 2

what is asthma?

Answer 2

the inflammation and subsequent narrowing of the bronchi

Question 3

what are stimulants for asthma?

Answer 3

fur

exercise

cold air

tobacco

genetic factors

Question 4

what are the symptoms of asthma?

Answer 4

excess mucus production

inflammation of the bronchi

–> narrowing of the lumen ∴ air flow is restricted

Question 5

what are the treatments for asthma?

Answer 5

beta-agonists: bronchodilators - relax smooth muscle (short term)

corticosteroids: reduce sensitivity of the lining of the airway

Question 6

what is the effect of tar from cigarettes on the GES?

Answer 6

paralyses cilia ∴ mucus is not removed

over-activates goblet cells –> extra mucus production

increased coughing to remove mucus but damages the epithelial cells –> emphysema

mucus can block bronchioles and lead to bronchitis

risk of opportunistic disease

Question 7

describe the effect of smoking on the NS

Answer 7

emphysema:
- phagocytes leave blood stream and secrete elastase

• elastin in alveoli digested
• reduced levels of a-1 antitrypsin
• alveoli fail to recoil and collapse/burst
• reduced SA for gas exchange

Question 8

what is the effect of developing bronchitis?

Answer 8

damaged/blocked airways –> inflammation

incr. risk of opportunistic disease

Question 9

what is COPD?

Answer 9

{chronic obstructory pulmonary disorder}

emphysema + bronchitis

Question 10

what are the symptoms of lung cancer?

Answer 10

blood in sputum

persistent cough

loss of appetite/weight

fatigue

Question 11

give three examples of other cancers caused by smoking

Answer 11

mouth/oesophageal/larygneal

bladder

pancreatic

intestinal

renal

colorectal

cervical

Question 12

what is the use of paclitaxel in medicine?

Answer 12

inhibits mitosis ∴ anti-cancer

from the yew tree

Question 13

what is the use of theophylline in medicine?

Answer 13

muscle relaxant –> COPD and asthma treatment

from the cocoa bean

Question 14

what is the use of quinine in medicine?

Answer 14

fever-reducing ∴ anti-malarial

Question 15

why are drug trials required?

Answer 15

to check safety

to check effectiveness

to check for side effects

Question 16

what data should be obtained from a drug trial?

Answer 16

side effects

ease of use

length of dose

degree of patient improvement

Question 17

what is the use of a placebo?

Answer 17

to compare the effectiveness of the tested drug

Question 18

what are the criteria for a placebo?

Answer 18

its appearance, smell and taste must be identical to the real drug

it must contain no active ingredient

and have no effect on its recipient

Question 19

what must participants be aware of before committing to take part in the trials?

Answer 19

what the researchers want to find out

who can/can’t take part

the treatment being used

who is funding/conducting the research

the potential cost/benefits to the participant

Question 20

what are the features of phase 1 of drug trials?

Answer 20

low doses to establish safe upper limit

10-20 volunteers

7 years

£710m

Question 21

what are the features of phase 2 of drug trials?

Answer 21

placebos used

~200 voulnteers

8.5 years

£916m

Question 22

what are the features of phase 3 of drug trials?

Answer 22

compared to existing drug

1000 patients

11 years

£1100m

Question 23

what are the feature of phase 4 of drug trials?

Answer 23

following licensing/prescription to check long term effects

patients

12.5+ years

£1150m

Question 24

what is the role of NICE?

Answer 24

{National Institute for health and Care Excellence}

assessing clinical- and cost-effectiveness of health technology

evaluates whether effectiveness justifies use

guidance on other appropriate treatment/procedures