Lecture 21 - When the Respiratory System Goes Wrong Flashcards
Name the main two Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPDs)
Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema
Describe how Chronic Bronchitis arises
Irritants cause inflammation in bronchi -> mucus hypersecretion -> plugs airways -> prone to infection -> further inflammation
Describe the results/effects of Chronic Bronchitis
Airway obstruction, shortness of breath, chest pain, chronic cough
Name the treatments/solutions for Chronic Bronchitis
Stop smoking, bronchodilators, antibiotics
What is the enzyme that is associated with Emphysema (and which cells release it)?
Elastase (released by neutrophils and macrophages)
Which molecule normally breaks down elastase?
Alpha-1 antitrypsin
What are the effects and symptoms of Emphysema?
Increased compliance -> Chronically Overinflated Lung
Shortness of Breath on exertion
Hyperventilation
Expanded Chest
Name the treatments for Emphysema (and unfortunate limitation)
- Stop Smoking
- Supplemental O2
- Lung Transplant
- Alpha-1 Antitrypsin supplements for those with deficiency
Note: Loss of alveoli is permanent and irreversible
Name the symptoms of asthma (and what do they ALL result in?)
Bronchoconstriction, odoema of airway mucous, increased mucous secretion -> INCREASED AIRWAY RESISTANCE
Describe the mechanism of asthma
Mast cell activation -> histamine and cytokine release -> smooth muscle constriction + other symptoms
Name the main Restrictive Lung Diseases
Fibrosis and Respiratory Distress Syndrome
What is the key symptom of Restrictive Lung Diseases?
Alveolar Walls become rigid
Name the causes of fibrosis
Inhaled pollutants, cigarette smoke, autoimmune disease
Define Fibrosis
Development of excessive connective tissue -> lungs stiffer
What is the general difference between upper and lower respiratory tract infections?
Upper are more common but less severe
Lower are rarer but more severe (e.g., bronchitis, pneumonia, TB)
