Emphysema

Question 1

Pathophysiology of emphysema?

Answer 1

Structural change to the alveoli due to destruction of alveolar walls.

Cigarrette smoke causes a inflammatory response which breaks down collagen + elastase.

Without the alveolar walls it causes the alveolar to collapse and trap air.

acinus is end of airway.

Question 2

3 types of emphysema?

Answer 2

Centriacinar emphysema:
- effect proximal alveoli + upper lobes of lungs

Panacinar emphysema:
- Assosciated whith alpha 1 antitrypsin ( lower lobes lung effected)

Paraseptal Emphysema:
- Happens at end of alveoli can casue it to burst + form a pnumothorax.

Question 3

Symptoms of emphysema?

Answer 3

Shortness of breath
weight loss
cough
pink puffers ( due to blood being oxygenated)
Hypoxemia

Question 4

Treatment of emphysema?

Answer 4

Reduce risk factors ( smoking)
Oxygen + bronchodilators
Predinslone

Question 5

Diagnosis of emphysema?

Answer 5

Chest x-ray:
-flatterned diaphram
- Increased lung lucency
- Increased anterior prosterior diameter

Physical examination
- barrel chest