COPD Flashcards
What is chronic bronchitis?
Inflammatory disease of the lining of bronchial tubes
Inhaled irritants lead to chronic production of excess mucus
Mucosae of the lower respiratory passageways become inflamed and fibrosed
Chronic bronchitis pathology
Inflammatory response to toxic agents and respiratory infection damaging epithelium.
Leading to oedema, granulation and fibrosis of bronchial walls.
Airway deformation and narrowing of lumen.
Increased airway resistance and air trapping.
Hyper secretions of mucous build up and destruct airflow.
Destruction of ciliates epithelium allow particles to enter the lungs more easily leading to further infection
Chronic bronchitis symptoms
Cough Mucous production Fatigue SOB Slight fever Chest pain/ discomfort
What is Emphysema?
A chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) of the alveoli.
Emphysema is a long-term, progressive disease of the lungs that primarily causes shortness of breath due to over-inflation of the alveoli.
Characterised by destruction of the alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of alveoli.
Often as a result of smoking.
Pathology of Emphysema.
Inflammation of lung tissue by irritants, narrowing airways.
Immune response to own tissue, causing degradation of alveolar septa, dilation of distal airspace and destruction of elastin.
Leading to; formation of bullae, fibrosis and scaring of tissue, trapping of air due to elastin loss and possible airway collapse.
All these factors reduce both the rate and amount of diffusion occurring.
Emphysema clinical features.
Insidious onset of symptoms. SOB (dyspnoea) Peripheral cyanosis Productive cough Wheeze Barrel chest Weight loss
What is Asthma?
A chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory system categorised by brochospasm and reversible airflow obstructions
Symptoms are dyspnea, wheezing and chest tightness.
Pathology of Asthma.
.
Asthma clinical features.
Coughing
Dyspnea
Wheezing
Chest tightness
