Cardiorespiratory pathologies revision

Question 1

What is Pneumonia?

Answer 1

Inflammatory condition of the lung leading to abnormal alveolar filling with consolidation and exudation

Question 2

Describe the pathology of Pneumonia?

Answer 2

Acute inflammation results in the migration of neutrophils out of capillaries and into alveoli. They phagocytose and release enzymes, leading to oedema.

Question 3

What are the 4 stages of pneumonia with brief description and time frames?

Answer 3

Congestion - 24hr - vascular engorgement, intra-alveolar fluid, numerous bacteria
Red hepatisation - 2-3d - massive exudation with RBC, leukocytes and fibrin filling alveolar spaces
Grey hepatisation - 4-6d - progressive disintegration of RBC and persistance of fibrin exudate
Resolution - >6d - consolidate exudate undergoes progressive digestion to debris, that is reabsorbed, ingested by MP or coughed up

Question 4

Define Bronchiectasis

Answer 4

Permanent abnormal dilation in one or more of the lungs bronchi. Extra mucous is secreted and pools in the areas of the airways that are dilated.

Question 5

Describe the pathology of Bronchiectasis

Answer 5

Impaired mucociliary clearance leads to accumulation of secretions
Infection by bacteria
Increased mucus production, impaired ciliary performance, increased inflammatory response
Tissue damage
Dilated bronchi + loss of ciliated epithelium and impaired clearance

Question 6

List 5 clinical features of bronchiectasis

Answer 6

Cough
Chronic sputum production
SOB and wheeze
Chest pain
Chronic sinusitis and polyps
Haemoptysis

Question 7

What are 3 types of bronchiectasis

Answer 7

Saccular
Cylindrical
Varicose

Question 8

Define CF

Answer 8

An inherited autosomal recessive disease. A single gene defect on chromosome 7, which encodes CTFR. Defect impairs Chloride ion transport and affects Na levels in and water in cell. Mucus becomes thick and difficult to clear.

Question 9

Describe the affect of CF on other areas of the body apart from the lungs

Answer 9

Pancreatic insufficiency
Biliary disease
GI disease
High amount of Na in sweat
Infertility

Question 10

Define COPD

Answer 10

Characterised by airflow obstruction; progressive. Includes Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis and Chronic Asthma.

Question 11

Describe pathology of COPD

Answer 11

Excess mucus, which is thicker and stickier
Smoking paralyse cilia
Dust and bacteria remain trapped

Question 12

Describe the pathology of chronic bronchitis

Answer 12

Inflammation of bronchi causes more mucus to be produced, which narrows airways and makes breathing difficult

Question 13

Describe the pathology of emphysema

Answer 13

Alveoli overexpand and lose their ability to fill up and contract properly
Some rupture and become one sac
Trapped air

Question 14

Define pulmonary fibrosis

Answer 14

Restrictive disease caused by inflammation and scarring of the lungs