Lung Pathology

Question 1

Asthma

Answer 1

Allergen binds to IgE Ab on mast cells. Allergen cross links Ab and mast cell degranulates and releases inflam mediators. Bronchi narrowed.

Question 2

Asthma symptoms

Answer 2

Cough
Wheeze
SOB

Question 3

Atopic vs non-atopic

Answer 3

Atopic worsened by extrinsic factors e.g. pollen

Non-atop worsened by intrinsic factors e.g. stress, cold, exercise

Question 4

Asthma Tx

Answer 4

Avoid trigger
Steroids regularly - removes IgE from mast cells
Salbutamol when needed - reduces inflammatory mediators when triggered

Question 5

COPD

Answer 5

Chronic bronchitis or emphysema
FEV1:FVC <70%
Smoking and air pollution

Question 6

Chronic bronchitis vs emphysema

Answer 6

Chronic bronchitis = cough + sputum for >3m for 2 consecutive years

Emphysema = permanent alveoli enlargement as elastin destroyed (loss of lung tissue therefore respiratory failure)

Question 7

Chronic bronchitis pathology and microbiology

Answer 7

Mucous hypersecretion
Inflammation
Squamous metaplasia
Dysplasia

Question 8

Chronic bronchitis microbiology

Answer 8

Bacterial - Haemophilus influenzae or Strep pneumoniae

Viral- adenovirus or respiratory syncytial virus

Question 9

Lung cancer causes

Answer 9

Smoking (80-85%)
Asbestos
Radon

Question 10

Lung cancer pathology

Answer 10

Ciliated columnar epithelium killed and replaced by squamous cells. Squamous become dysplastic and cancerous.

Question 11

Types of LC

Answer 11

Small cell = malignant tumour cells

Non SC = adeno or squamous. not as malignant.

Question 12

Where are adeno non-sc LC usually?

Answer 12

Adeno near lung periphery, not related to smoking and has better prognosis if Tx early.

Question 13

LC prognosis

Answer 13

Low as hard to resect