Common respiratory diseases

Question 1

Whats Asthma

Answer 1

chronic inflammatory disorder of the lungs, and the inflammation in the bronchioles results in airflow obstruction, causing a characteristic wheeze
obstruction to airflow occurs due to narrowing of the bronchioles – this is caused by inflammation of the lung tissue, and increased mucus production

In addition, the bronchioles can often tighten and narrow as a result of asthma “triggers” such as exercise, pollens, house dust mite, weather changes, exposure to
moulds and cigarette smoke

Question 2

Bronchiolitis – What Is It?

Answer 2

Lower respiratory tract infection that occurs in babies and children under two years of age, as a result of a virus

main symptoms are coughing, breathlessness, runny or blocked nose and poor feeding. It usually resolves in around 5 days.

Often requires no intervention, but some infants will require hospitalization and support with breathing and feeding.

Question 3

Pathophysiology of Bronchiolitis

Answer 3

symptoms occur as a result of obstruction to the small airways

The virus attacks the bronchioles and produces inflammation, leading to oedema, increased mucus production and epithelial cell death.

Question 4

Croup – What Is It?

Answer 4

Croup is an upper airway infection which is common in younger children (usually under 5 years) which presents with a characteristic barking cough that worsens at night.

caused by a viral infection.

Symptoms are accompanied by stridor and chest wall or sternal
recession, and increase with agitation.

Question 5

Pathophysiology of Croup

Answer 5

The viral infection causes inflammation of the larynx
(voice box) and the trachea. This inflammation can affect a child’s ability to breathe. The inflammation may also cause inspiratory stridor.

begins with a runny nose, fever and sore throat.
progresses over 24-28 hours and cough begins, which sounds like a seal barking.

Cough sounds like this due to swollen larynx