Diseases

Question 1

Asthma

Answer 1

1. Allergen exposure
2. Inflammation process
3. Cause bronchoconstriction & excess mucus
4. Clog airways
5. Eventual airway remodeling (permanent narrowing)

S/sx: dyspnea, wheezing, increased RR, decrease sPO2

Modifiable: smoking, air quality, environmental exposure to irritants

Nonmodifiable: genetic, gender (common in men’s childhood & women’s adulthood)

Rx: Bronchodilators, anticholinergics, anti inflammatory rx

Question 2

COPD

Answer 2

Emphysema (air filled enlargement of alveoli)
1. inhale smoke trigger inflammation response in lungs
2. proteolytic enzymes destroy elastin in lungs
3. alveoli can’t recoil to release CO2

Chronic Bronchitis (inflammed bronchi)
1. irritant/infection triggers inflammation response
2. cause excess mucus
3. repeated inflammation to lungs

s/sx:
- chronic cough, dyspnea on exertion (general)
- barrel chest (emphysema)
- productive cough/sputum (bronchitis)

modifiable: smoking, environmental exposure

nonmodifiable: AAT deficiency, age

Rx: beta2agonist, corticosteroids, anticholinergics

*Pt recovers a lil less ea time

Question 3

Pneumonia

Answer 3

infection in alveoli

1. infection via droplets
2. inflammation response triggered in lungs
3. alveoli fills w/ exudate & fluid
4. inflammatory mediators accumulates, causing consolidation
5. impairs gas exchange

s/sx: dyspnea, nonproductive cough, crackles

Rx: antibiotics

*community/Typical (bacteria) or hospital acquired/Atypical (virus, fungi, FB)