Diseases of the Respiratory System Flashcards
What is the role of the respiratory system?
It helps us breathe and supports speech, sleep, and daily activities.
What are the two main parts of the respiratory system?
Upper respiratory system (nose, throat, voice box) and lower respiratory system (windpipe, bronchi, lungs).
What does the upper respiratory tract do?
Acts as an air filter, warming, moistening, and cleaning the air.
What causes the common cold?
Viruses, especially rhinoviruses.
What are symptoms of the common cold?
Stuffy/runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, mild fever.
Is the common cold contagious?
Yes, spreads through coughs, sneezes, and contaminated surfaces.
What causes allergic rhinitis?
Immune reaction to allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust.
Is allergic rhinitis contagious?
No.
What are common treatments for allergic rhinitis?
Antihistamines, nasal sprays, allergy shots.
What is sinusitis?
Inflammation and mucus build-up in sinuses.
What causes sinusitis?
Colds, allergies, or bacterial infections.
What are symptoms of sinusitis?
Facial pressure, nasal congestion, thick discharge, headaches.
What is tonsillitis?
Swelling and infection of the tonsils.
What causes tonsillitis?
Viruses or bacteria like streptococcus.
What are symptoms of tonsillitis?
Sore throat, swollen tonsils, fever, difficulty swallowing.
What is pharyngitis?
Inflammation of the pharynx causing sore throat.
What causes pharyngitis?
Viral or bacterial infections.
What is laryngitis?
Inflammation of the larynx causing hoarseness or loss of voice.
What causes laryngitis?
Overuse, irritation, or infection.
What is influenza (flu)?
Viral infection affecting upper and lower respiratory tracts.
What are symptoms of the flu?
High fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, cough.
How can you prevent the flu?
Annual flu vaccination.
What is pneumonia?
Lung infection causing fluid in air sacs.
What causes pneumonia?
Viruses, bacteria, or fungi.
What are symptoms of pneumonia?
Deep cough, fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue.
What is tuberculosis (TB)?
Bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs.
What are symptoms of active TB?
Persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, coughing blood.
What is COPD?
Chronic lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
What causes COPD?
Long-term exposure to irritating gases, especially cigarette smoke.
What are symptoms of COPD?
Chronic cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness.
What is bronchiolitis?
Lower respiratory infection in young children caused by RSV.
What are symptoms of bronchiolitis?
Wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing.
What is asthma?
Chronic condition causing inflamed and narrow airways.
What triggers asthma?
Allergens, cold air, stress, physical activity.
How is asthma managed?
Inhalers, medications, avoiding triggers.
What is cystic fibrosis?
Genetic disorder causing thick mucus and chronic lung infections.
How is cystic fibrosis managed?
Airway clearance, medications, nutritional support.
How can you protect respiratory health?
Wash hands, avoid smoke/pollution, get vaccines, seek medical care when needed.
