Diseases Flashcards
of the respiratory system
1
Q
What is emphysema?
A
- when alveoli are damaged and they lose their elasticity and are replaced with fibrous tissue
- this reduces the surface area for gas exchange
- because of this, the lungs are constantly inflated and breathing needs voluntary effort
2
Q
Causes of emphysema
A
- smoking -> irritating particles
- inhaling irritating particles
- air pollution
3
Q
Treatment of emphysema
A
- there is no cure
- oxygen tank or masks can be used to let patients receive higher concentrations of oxygen
4
Q
Prevention of emphysema
A
- don’t smoke
- stay awake from smokers (2nd hand smoke)
- wear facemasks in polluted areas
5
Q
What is lung cancer?
A
- caused by the development of a mass of cells that divides uncontrolably in walls of air passage
- inhaled smoke particles irritate the mucous membrane that lines air passages
- this leads to excessive mucus
- cells at the base of a membrane start to divide more rapidly
- and the accumulating mucus can’t be removed
- trapped mucus causes the rupture of alveoli
- then emphysema develops
- ultimately, a cancerous growth develops in an air passage and can spread
6
Q
Causes of lung cancer
A
- tobacco use
- exposure to fibres and pollutants
- some chemical substances
7
Q
Prevention of lung cancer
A
- not smoking/avoiding smokers
8
Q
What is mesothelioma
A
- cancerous tumour in pleura
9
Q
Causes of mesothelioma
A
- exposure to asbestos fibres
10
Q
Prevention of mesothelioma
A
- avoiding areas of airborne asbestos
- wearing correct protective wear if you’re in an area that may have airborne asbestos
11
Q
Treatment for lung cancer and mesothelioma
A
- no cure
- surgery
- radiation therapy
- chemotherapy
12
Q
Pneumonia
A
- infection of the lungs causing inflammation and mucus/fluid build up in alveoli
- this reduces the space for air in the alveoli and reduces surface area for gas exchange
- this results in breathing difficulty and breathlessness
13
Q
Causes of pneumonia
A
- bacteria
- viruses
- fungi
14
Q
Prevention of pneumonia
A
- getting the flu vaccine
- don’t smoke
- stay away from people that have colds, the flu, etc.
- wash hands often to prevent the spread of bacteria
15
Q
Treatment of pneumonia
A
- rest, fluids and medication (reduce fever)
- antibiotics (if it’s bacterial)
- oxygen therapy in hospital
16
Q
What is tuberculosis
A
- infection of the lungs caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- attacks the lung tissue and can spread to others
17
Q
Symptoms of tuberculosis?
A
- cough with sputum and blood
- chest pains, weakness
- weight loss
- fever and night sweats
18
Q
Prevention of tuberculosis
A
- vaccination
- don’t live with infected people
- make sure you get tested if you’re in a prevalent area
19
Q
Treatment of tuberculosis
A
- takes 6-9 months
- medication (antibiotics)
20
Q
What is asthma
A
- a medical condition that causes difficulty breathing due to the narrowing of the airways
- occurs due to: smooth muscle contracting, inflammation causing the lining of airways to thicken, mucus filling the airway
- reduced volume of air in and out of the lungs means gas exchange is impaired and blood doesn’t carry enough oxygen
- during an asthma attack, smooth muscle of bronchioles spasm causing airways to narrow
- mucus also builds up and reduces airflow and surface area for gas exchange
21
Q
Causes of asthma:
A
- can be an allergic response or non-allergic
- triggers: respiratory infections, cigarette smoke, allergens
22
Q
Prevention of asthma:
A
- clean house to reduce allergens and dust mites
- no pets (if it’s caused by pet skin/hair)
- steroid inhalers
23
Q
Treatment of asthma:
A
- inhalers (ventolin)
- humidifiers
