2. Why is studying lung disease important?

Question 1

How do respiratory diseases affect people in England?

Answer 1

Affects 1/5

3rd biggest COD

Question 2

Which are the main lung diseases that are CODs?

Answer 2

Lung cancer
COPD
Pneumonia

Question 3

What is the biggest cancer killer in the UK?

Answer 3

Lung

Question 4

What constitutes lung disease?

Answer 4

Airways diseases: LOCALISED obstruction or GENERALISED obstruction
Infections
Pulmonary vascular disorders
Small lung disorders (restrictive disorder)- due to disease WITHIN the lungs or due to diseases OUTSIDE the lung

Question 5

Breathlessness (dyspnoea)

Answer 5

sensation of difficult, laboured or uncomfortable breathing

Question 6

How does COPD interfere with gas exchange/ breathing?

Answer 6

Excess mucous obstructs the airway
Mucous gland hyperplasia (produces excess mucous), a further cause of airway narrowing
A factor that maintains normal airway patency is the radial traction effect of surrounding elastic lung tissue (but this is damaged in COPD)

Question 7

How does pneumonia interfere with gas exchange/ breathing?

Answer 7

Air sacs filled with neutrophils and bacteria

Not able to participate in gas exchange