Obstructive Pulmonary Pathology Flashcards
Identify the 4 pathophysiologic mechanisms that contribute to obstructive lung disease.
Excessive secretion
Loss of radial traction
Inflammation/hypertrophy
Bronchoconstriction
Describe the mucociliary escalator
Mucus is produced in the airways of the lungs. This traps foreign particles like dust or bacteria. Cilia propel trapped particles. Once mucus reaches the throat, it can be swallowed or coughed up.
With chronic inflammation of the airways, ________ can occur.
Hypertrophy
What are the phases of coughing?
Inhalation: deep breath
Compression: glottis closes, chest muscles contract.
Expiration: Glottis opens, forceful expiration.
List some examples of populations that may experience an impaired cough:
Respiratory conditions, elderly, NM diseases, stroke, etc.
Define airway stenosis
Narrowing of the airways, restricting airflow during both inhalation and exhalation.
Define airway trapping
Inability to fully exhale air, leading to lung hyperinflation and difficulty with subsequent inhalations.
List three conditions that could lead to airway trapping:
Asthma
Emphysema
COPD
Identify five common obstructive pulmonary diseases:
Asthma
Chronic Bronchitis
Emphysema
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Cystic fibrosis
Define asthma
Disease characterized by increased bronchoconstrictor response to a variety of stimuli. Over time hypertrophy can occur.
Define Chronic bronchitis
Occurs in response to chronic irritation of the airways (smoking). Involves hypersecretion of mucus and hypertrophy of the bronchial walls.
Define emphysema. What are three consequences?
Destruction of lung parenchyma leading to a loss of elastic recoil and radial traction. Lung hyperinflation, airflow limitation, and air trapping follow.
_________ - large air pockets form which have no effective ventilation; common in upper lobes.
Bullous emphysema
What mechanisms contribute to the pathology: Bronchiectasis
Inflammation and excessive mucous secretion
What mechanisms contribute to the pathology: Asthma
Bronchoconstriction, inflammation/hypertrophy, and sometimes excessive mucouse secretion (uncommon)
What mechanisms contribute to the pathology: Chronic bronchitis
Excessive mucous secretion and hypertrophy
What mechanisms contribute to the pathology: Cystic fibrosis
Excessive mucous secretion and inflammation.
What mechanisms contribute to the pathology: Emphysema
Loss of radial traction
Two ways to measure hypoxemia. Indirect and direct:
Indirect: Pulse ox
Direct: ABG analysis
In a patient with barrel chest, what happens to the diaphragm sarcomere length?
Shortens. Diaphragm flattens.
Why do patients with emphysema often breath through pursed lips?
It helps to keep some pressure in the airways, helping them stay open rather than collapsing.
Why do people with COPD often lean over a shopping cart with elbows resting on the handle?
Allows them to engage accessory muscles of respiration, like the shoulder and neck muscles, to reduce work of breathing.
List three signs and symptoms of obstructive disease that is specific to this type of condition:
Pursed lip breathing
Hyperinflation
Forward leaning posture
List three lab tests that may be used to diagnose obstructive pulmonary disease:
Arterial blood gases (ABGs)
Complete cell count (CBC)
Sputum culture
Two strategies to prevent obstructive pulmonary disease:
Nutritional support
Smoking cessation
4 treatments for obstructive pulmonary disease:
Airway clearance
Oxygen therapy
Ventilatory support
Surgery
