Lesson 6: Respiratory Illnesses, Disorders, and Technologies

Question 1

what is epidemiology?

Answer 1

branch of medicine which deals with the incidence, distribution, and possible control of disease and other factors relating to health; it is the cornerstone of public health (shapes policy decisions)

simple: it is the foundation of public health and the study of all determinants of health - this information is used to shape health-related policies and diminish the spread of disease, etc.

Question 2

what other scientific disiplines do epidemiologists rely on? what do they rely on them for?

Answer 2

• biology
• statistics
• social sciences
• engineering
  *relies on them to better understand disease processes

Question 3

who is william harding le riche? what did he do?

Answer 3

a canadian epidemiologist: he saw epidemiology as a broad comprehensive subject studying the determinants of disease
- he raised the importance of infectious and tropical disease imported into canada by travellers, immigrants, and refugees

Question 4

what were william’s interests?

Answer 4

nutrition, infections, populations, and environmental destruction

Question 5

What is asthma?

Answer 5

one of the most common respiratory problems in children; it is a chronic, long-term inflammation of the lining of the bronchi and bronchioles

Question 6

what are symptoms of asthma?

Answer 6

coughing, wheezing, tightness in chest, shortness of breath

Question 7

how does asthma work? what is it caused by?

Answer 7

when there is swelling and redness present due to the increased blood flow to the affected tissue- when the linings of the airways swell, airflow into the lungs is reduced

Question 8

what are some treatments for asthma? how do these general treatments help the condition?

Answer 8

medications include relief meds: these are able to open up/dilate bronchi and bronchioles to allow for GREATER AIRFLOW; can be used to reduce the inflammation in the bronchi and bronchioles
- meds are usually self administered by using inhalers, which essentially deliver a measured dose of the drug directly into the airways and lungs

Question 9

what is COPD?

Answer 9

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: it is a respiratory disease that are made up of a combination of 2 diseases- bronchitis and emphysema

Question 10

what is COPD caused by?

Answer 10

Caused by cigarette smoke, but prolonged exposure to pollution, dust, or fumes can also contribute to it

Question 11

what are some symptoms of COPD?

Answer 11

coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath

Question 12

what are consequences to COPD?

Answer 12

• may cause permanent damage to the alveoli
• walls between the alveoli are damaged or destroyed, and the alveoli loses its elasticity and shape
• there is a reduction in the surface area of the respiratory membrane: due to this, there is less gas exchange, so the amount of oxygen diffusing into the blood is reduced
  YOU CAN DIE FROM THIS (also from related complications like pneumonia, heart failure, or respiratory failure)

Question 13

are there any treatments for COPD?

Answer 13

there is no cure for this disease
- alveoli damage is permanent and worsens over time
you can alleviate the symptoms/slow the progress of the disease by: meds, lifestyle changes, proper management
OXYGEN THERAPY may be needed in serious cases, and lung transplants may be needed as well

Question 14

why is the respiratory system the most vulnerable and prone to getting infections? what are some infections that can be contracted?

Answer 14

the lungs are a prime target for infections because of constant exposure of living tissue to the external environment

ex of infections: influenza (flu virus), tuberculosis (bacterial infection), pneumonia (infection caused by bacteria, virus, or fungi)

Question 15

what is cystic fibrosis (CF)?

Answer 15

hereditary disorder (runs within the family bloodline)

Question 16

consequences of cystic fibrosis?

Answer 16

• this disorder brings people with having other susceptible lung infections as it creates an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria and fungi
• lung transplant may be necessary

Question 17

are there treatments for cystic fibrosis?

Answer 17

at the moment, there is not cure; scientists are currently looking at gene therapy as a possible cure though

Question 18

what are some effects of smoking?

Answer 18

Smoking is known to cause lung cancer, COPD, bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Smoking is also linked to circulatory system diseases like arteriosclerosis and heart attacks. Some substances, from smoking, that affect the body are: nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar.

Question 19

how do lung transplants work?

Answer 19

Lung transplant involves replacing one or both lungs, switching the damaged ones with healthy lungs from a doner. A lot goes into lung transplants, including the donor being evaluated for medical conditions, blood type and tissue match between donor and patient, and most importantly the donor, or their family, giving consent to the transplant.

Question 20

what are artificial lungs and how do they work?

Answer 20

artificial lungs act as real lungs, and they work by connecting to the body by two tubes which are inserted into the blood vessels. they connect the device directly to the heart, between the right ventricle and the left ventricle. as blood flows through the device, carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the hollow membrane that acts as an artificial alveoli.
PURPOSE: to remove co2- it generally helps the process of gas exchanges and ventilation

Question 21

what are some new technologies? and what are they?

Answer 21

1. FLAP inhibitors: new drug which treats asthma, COPD, and other inflammatory diseases. the drug binds FLAP protein, preventing the production of chemicals that causes inflammation
2. Bronchial thermoplasty: new procedure that reduces the thickness of muscle surrounding the bronchioles- this causes less obstruction in the airways when the muscle contracts; normally the procedure needs three sessions to treat and cure fully.

Question 22

pneumonia

Answer 22

A lung infection in which the alveoli fill with pus and mucus

Question 23

tuberculosis

Answer 23

A bacterial infection that damages the tissues of the lungs and interferes with gas exchange

Question 24

emphysema (part of COPD)

Answer 24

Condition in which the alveoli are permanently damaged, often by smoking