15 Respiratory diseases Flashcards
what is a pollutant?
a substance released into the environment that can harm organisms and/or the environment itself
what is asthma?
the inflammation and subsequent narrowing of the bronchi
what are stimulants for asthma?
fur
exercise
cold air
tobacco
genetic factors
what are the symptoms of asthma?
excess mucus production
inflammation of the bronchi
–> narrowing of the lumen ∴ air flow is restricted
what are the treatments for asthma?
beta-agonists: bronchodilators - relax smooth muscle (short term)
corticosteroids: reduce sensitivity of the lining of the airway
what is the effect of tar from cigarettes on the GES?
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
describe the effect of smoking on the NS
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
what is the effect of developing bronchitis?
damaged/blocked airways –> inflammation
incr. risk of opportunistic disease
what is COPD?
{chronic obstructory pulmonary disorder}
emphysema + bronchitis
what are the symptoms of lung cancer?
blood in sputum
persistent cough
loss of appetite/weight
fatigue
give three examples of other cancers caused by smoking
mouth/oesophageal/larygneal
bladder
pancreatic
intestinal
renal
colorectal
cervical
what is the use of paclitaxel in medicine?
inhibits mitosis ∴ anti-cancer
from the yew tree
what is the use of theophylline in medicine?
muscle relaxant –> COPD and asthma treatment
from the cocoa bean
what is the use of quinine in medicine?
fever-reducing ∴ anti-malarial
why are drug trials required?
to check safety
to check effectiveness
to check for side effects
what data should be obtained from a drug trial?
side effects
ease of use
length of dose
degree of patient improvement
what is the use of a placebo?
to compare the effectiveness of the tested drug
what are the criteria for a placebo?
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
what must participants be aware of before committing to take part in the trials?
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
what are the features of phase 1 of drug trials?
low doses to establish safe upper limit
10-20 volunteers
7 years
£710m
what are the features of phase 2 of drug trials?
placebos used
~200 voulnteers
8.5 years
£916m
what are the features of phase 3 of drug trials?
compared to existing drug
1000 patients
11 years
£1100m
what are the feature of phase 4 of drug trials?
following licensing/prescription to check long term effects
patients
12.5+ years
£1150m
what is the role of NICE?
{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
