Diseases Flashcards
CHD, COPD, Parkinson's, Rheumatoid Arthritis
What is COPD?
A chronic lung condition causing airflow obstruction, leading to breathing difficulties.
Name two primary diseases under COPD
Chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Explain the role of smoking in COPD
Smoking damages the airways and alveoli, causing inflammation and reducing lung elasticity.
Describe the symptoms of COPD
Breathlessness (dyspnea).
Persistent cough with phlegm.
Wheezing.
Frequent respiratory infections.
How is COPD diagnosed?
Using spirometry to measure lung function (FEV1/FVC ratio).
What are the long-term complications of COPD?
Respiratory failure.
Pulmonary hypertension.
Increased risk of heart disease.
Describe two treatment options for COPD
Bronchodilators: Relax airway muscles to ease breathing.
Oxygen therapy: For severe cases to maintain oxygen levels.
A patient has frequent exacerbations of COPD. Explain a possible cause
Exacerbations are triggered by respiratory infections, air pollution, or poor medication adherence.
Explain why COPD patients are at risk of Hypoxia
Damage to alveoli and reduced airflow limit oxygen exchange, leading to low oxygen levels in the blood.
What is CHD?
A condition where coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked due to atherosclerosis, reducing blood flow to the heart.
List three risk factors for CHD
Smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure.
Describe the symptoms of a heart attack
Chest pain or pressure (angina).
Pain radiating to the arms, neck, or jaw.
Shortness of breath.
Sweating or nausea.
Explain how atherosclerosis develops
Fatty deposits (plaques) build up on arterial walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow.
What is a stroke?
A sudden interruption of blood supply to the brain, leading to cell death.
Name the two types of strokes and their causes
Ischemic stroke: Caused by a blood clot blocking a brain artery.
Hemorrhagic stroke: Caused by a ruptured blood vessel in the brain.
Describe two symptoms of a stroke
Facial drooping on one side.
Weakness or paralysis in one arm or leg.
Explain the FAST acronym for stroke recognition
F: Face drooping.
A: Arm weakness.
S: Speech difficulties.
T: Time to call emergency services.
how is CHD treated?
Lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise).
Medications like statins or beta-blockers.
Surgical interventions (e.g., stents, bypass surgery).
Explain how hypertension increases the risk of stroke
High blood pressure damages blood vessels, increasing the risk of clots or ruptures.
What is parkinson’s disease?
A progressive neurological disorder caused by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain.
Name three symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
Tremors (shaking).
Muscle rigidity.
Bradykinesia (slowness of movement).
Describe how Parkinson’s impacts the nervous system
Degeneration of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra disrupts motor control.
What causes the characteristic tremors in Parkinson’s
Reduced dopamine affects the brain’s ability to regulate smooth muscle movement.
Explain the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s
Depression and anxiety.
Cognitive impairment (e.g., memory issues).
Sleep disturbances.
How is Parkinson’s Diagnosed?
Based on clinical symptoms, patient history, and response to dopamine-related treatments.
what is the main treatment for Parkinson’s?
Levodopa: A medication that increases dopamine levels in the brain.
What does Parkinson’s cause postural instability
Impaired motor control and rigidity affect balance and coordination.
Explain how deep brain stimulation (DBS) works for Parkinson’s
An implanted device sends electrical impulses to brain areas controlling movement, reducing symptoms like tremors.
A patient with Parkinson’s has difficulty initiating movement. What is this called?
Freezing, a symptom where the patient temporarily feels stuck and unable to move.
What is rheumatoid Arthritis?
A chronic autoimmune disease causing joint inflammation, pain, deformity, and immobility, often affecting fingers, wrists, feet, and ankles.
explain the cause of RA
The immune system mistakenly attacks the cells lining the joints, leading to inflammation, cartilage erosion, and joint damage.
Explain how Ra impacts physical health
Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness (often worse in the morning).
Tingling or burning sensations from nerve irritation.
Joint deformities and limited motion from long-term damage.
Increases risk of osteoporosis and bone loss.
name one DMARD and its purpose in treating RA
Methotrexate: Reduces inflammation and joint damage by suppressing the immune system.
Explain why biological treatments work for RA
They target specific immune processes (e.g., TNF-alpha inhibitors like Adalimumab) to reduce inflammation and joint damage.
How does RA cause joint deformities over time?
Persistent inflammation damages cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, leading to joint instability and deformities.
