Lungs & Disease

Question 1

What is fibrosis?

Answer 1

Formation of scar tissue in the lungs

Question 2

How can fibrosis be caused?

Answer 2

An infection or exposure to substances like asbestos or dust

Question 3

How does scar tissue differ to lung tissue?

Answer 3

Thicker and less elastic than normal lung tissue

Question 4

How does fibrosis affect the lungs?

Answer 4

• Lungs are less able to expand, and can’t hold as much air as normal
• Tidal volume is reduced, so FVC is too
• Reduction in rate of gas exchange, diffusion is slower across thicker scarred membrane

Question 5

What are some symptoms of fibrosis?

Answer 5

• Shortness of breath
• Dry cough
• Chest Pain
• Fatigue
• Weakness
Fibrosis sufferers have a faster ventilation rate than normal in order to get enough oxygen to oxygenate their blood

Question 6

What is asthma?

Answer 6

• A respiratory conditions where the airways become inflamed and irritated
• Usually caused via allergic reaction

Question 7

What happens during an asthma attack?

Answer 7

• Smooth muscles lining the bronchioles contracts and a large amount of mucus produced
• This causes constriction of the airways, making it difficult for the sufferer to breath properly
• Air flow in and out of the lungs is reduced, so less oxygen enters the alveoli and moves into the blood
• Reduced air flow, reduces FEV

Question 8

What are some symptoms of asthma?

Answer 8

• Wheezing
• Tight chest
• Shortness of breath

Question 9

How is asthma relieved?

Answer 9

• Through drugs, which cause the muscles in the bronchioles to relax, opening up airways

Question 10

What is emphysema?

Answer 10

Lung disease caused by smoking or long term exposure to air pollution, foreign particles become trapped in the alveoli

Question 11

How does emphysema affect the lungs?

Answer 11

• Inflammation occurs, which attracts phagocytes to the area, the phagocytes produce an enzyme that breaks down elastic ( protein in the walls of the alveoli )
• Loss of elastin, means the alveoli can’t recoil to expel air, it remains trapped in the alveoli
• This leads to destruction of the alveoli walls, which reduces the surface area of the alveoli, so rate of gas exchange decrease.

Question 12

What is elastin?

Answer 12

Protein found in the walls of alveoli

Question 13

What is the purpose of elastin?

Answer 13

Helps the alveoli to return to their normal shape after inhaling and exhaling air

Question 14

How do all of the diseases affect lungs?

Answer 14

• Reduce rate of gas exchange in the alveoli
• Loss oxygen is able to diffuse into the bloodstream
• Body cells receive less oxygen
• Rate of aerobic respiration is reduced
• Less energy is released
• Sufferers often feel weak and tired