Condition Definitions/Patho Flashcards
Asthma
A chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways -characterised by BRONCHOSPASM, MUCOUS PRODUCTION + MUCOSAL OEDEMA.
Cause: Exposure to an allergen (pollen) causes IgE to activate mast cells to release histamine.
Symptoms: Histamine causes bronchoconstriction, mucosal odedema mucous production all of which causing disruption to airflow, causing GASTRAPPING, HYPERCAPNIA + RESPIRATORY ACIDOSIS.
In severe asthma: hypotension + altered conscious tate occur, making it difficult to distunguish from anaphylaxis.
COPD
A progressive, irriversible condition of the airways that is characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitations that is due to airway or alveoli abnormalities caused by noxious particles or gas.
Exacerbation of COPD: Increase in dypnoea, cough + sputum production
Airway: Narrowed due to inflammation, fibrosis + mucous (can be partially fixed by bronchodilators but not completely, unlike asthma)
Lungs: Excess protease destroys elastin which weakens/breaksdown the alveoli reducing gas exchage.
Pulmonary vasculature: Hypoxic vasoconstriction late in COPD can cause RV failure.
