Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Respiratory System > Pathologies > Flashcards

Pathologies Flashcards

1
Q

Effects of smoking on the respiratory system

A

Significantly increases risk of lung diseases
Cigarettes contain carcinogens that can cause cancer
Damages the delicate ‘cilia’ which can cause the mucous & particles to build up in the lungs causing a ‘smokers cough’
15 cigs = 1 genetic mutation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Common symptoms that could indicate a respiratory pathology

A 
Congestion
Runny nose 
Sneezing/cough/wheezing
Sputum (phlegm)
Chest pain
Dyspnoea (difficulty breathing)
Orthopnea - breathless when lying down
Hyperventilation
Cyanosis (inadequate oxygenated blood in an area of the body)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Examples of respiratory pathology investigations

A

Blood test (white blood cell count, inflammatory markers)
Biochemistry tests
Sputum analysis & microbiology
Imaging - xray, MRI, CT
Percussion (tapping thoracic cage) & auscultation (listening with a stethoscope)
Respiratory function tests - measure inspiration/expiration of lungs & gaseous exchange in the lungs
Finger clubbing (no window between nail beds)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is rhinitis

A

Inflammation of the nasal mucosa

Leads to swelling & increase in volume & viscosity of nasal secretions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Causes of rhinitis

A 
Immune compromise (leading to infections) ie stress, meds, diet etc
‘Allergic rhinitis’ eg pollen, spores, mites etc (IgE - immunoglobulin antibodies, stimulates mast cells to release histamine)
Non-allergic rhinitis eg environmental & lifestyle changes pollution, drugs etc
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Rhinitis symptoms & treatment

A

Itchy runny nose, sneezing
Could lead to nasal polyps (extra growths), ear infections, loss of smell etc

Treatment- antihistamines, decongestants, steroid nasal sprays
Natural treatment- nutrition (immune modulation, anti-inflammatory) raw honey, apple cider vinegar, quercetin (red pigments in foods) probiotics, herbs echinacea, nettle, homeopathy, acupuncture

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Common cold symptoms & treatment

A

Infection of the upper respiratory tract, those with compromised immunity become infected with virus
Gradual onset, lasting 2-7 days ‘rhinorrhoea’ (runny nose), sneezing, sore throat, mild fever

Treatment- painkillers, decongestants
Natural- immune support! Vitamin c, D, zince, steam inhalations with mint, thyme, eucalyptus, rest, nutrition medicinal mushrooms, acupuncture, aconite, herbs echinacea, elderberry

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Influenza signs&symptoms

A

Acute respiratory disease, associated with various strains of flu virus
Incubation period 1-4 days (time for first symptoms)
Symptoms tend to be systemic, more severe & last longer
Fever, shivering, malaise, muscle/joint pain, rhinitis, sore throat

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Influenza treatment

A

Allopathic- antiviral drugs, has to be taken within 48 hours but poor effectiveness & side effects!
Antibiotics- prevent secondary bacterial infection (side effects lowered immunity, diarrhoea, poor digestion etc)
Flu vaccine - not highly effective due to mutations & side effects

Natural - herbs echinacea, immune support & anti-viral
Nutrition, garlic, vitamin c, d, zinc, quercetin, steam inhalations mint, thyme, eucalyptus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Flu complications

A

Secondary infections while the immune system is depleted
Post viral syndrome eg chronic fatigue
Morbidity/mortality - influenza pandemic of 1918 killed more than twice that in the first world war it followed..
Pigs as ‘mixing reservoirs’ host both himan & non-human viruses, potentially mixing of viral genes to create new virus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Sinusitis symptoms

A

Inflammation of membranous lining of one or more of the sinuses
Acute or chronic
Often associated with immunocompromise, follows respiratory infections or infected tooth
Pain over affected sinus & congestion
Sinus headaches
Fever, nasal drip, change in voice tone, loss of smell etc

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Sinusitis treatment

A

Allopathic- painkillers, decongestants
Natural- nutrition, vitamin c, d, zinc, steam inhalations
Herbs immune system support echinacea, acupuncture, netty pot drainage

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are Nasal polyps

A

Soft, non-cancerous “benign” masses of oedematous nasal mucosa
End product of chronic inflammation
Caused the blood vessels in the lining of the nose & sinuses to become more permeable, allowing water to accumulate. Over time as gravity pulls on the waterlogged tissues, the may develop into polyps

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Nasal polyps symptoms & treatment

A

Difficulty breathing, smell, runny nose, chronic sinus infections, headaches, snoring, mouth breathing, sleep apnoea (stop breathing)

Allopathic- intranasal steroids, side effects! Antihistamines, surgery
Natural- treat cause! Nutrition & herbs for immune modulation/support, acupuncture

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Tonsillitis symptoms

A

Inflammation of the tonsils, common between 5-25 years
Viral/bacterial
Short incubation period
Sore throat
Fever over 38
Coughing, headache, red/inflammed tonsils

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Significance of the tonsils on the body

A

They are immune/lymphoid tissue positioned in the oral & nasal passageway as a first line of immune defense

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Tonsillitis treatment

A

Could lead to middle ear infections/ abscesses (quinsy)
Allopathic- painkillers, antibiotics (side effects) surgery
Natural- support immune system & reduce inflammation lozenges, echinacea, acetine, colloidal silver, herbs calendula/sage etc

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Quinsy (peritonsillar abscess) signs&treatment

A

Abscess that has formed around the tonsils, occuring as a result of tonsillitis
Severe unilateral throat pain, dysphagia, earache, trismus (limited mouth opening), fever, swelling

Treatment
Antibiotics, pus drainagr, surgery
Herbal med, nutrition, gargles, acupuncture

19
Q

Pharyngitis signs&treatment

A

An acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx (not always infectuous eg over-use)
Usually accompanies colds/tonsillitis

Same as tonsillitis treatment

20
Q

Laryngitis signs

A

Inflammation of the larynx
Acute - viral/bacterial
Chronic - overuse eg singers, irritants like smoke, acid reflux
Hoarseness, weak voice/lost, sore throat, dry cough, difficulty breathing

21
Q

Laryngitis treatment

A

Allopathic- antibiotics, avoid smoke/maintain oral hygiene
Natural- herbs antimicrobial/immune boosting eg turmeric, echinacea, boswelia, ginger, sage, nutrition garlic, onion, steam inhalations, acupuncture

22
Q

What is asthma

A

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease with reversible narrowing of the bronchi & bronchioles
Bronchial hyper-responsiveness with varying degrees of immune cell infiltration
Airflow obstruction due to oedema, mucous build-up & smooth muscle proliferation (problem exhaling)
Develops at any age but most common affects children under 10 & peak in the elderly

23
Q

What possible reasons could be why the prevalence of asthma is increasing

A

Early weaning -puts babies immune systems under unnecessary stress

Inadequate exposure to pathogens in childhood

Inherited dysbiosis (imbalance of gut flora)

Food additives

Nutritional deficiencies i.e vitamins c,d,e,magnesium

24
Q

2 types of asthma classification

A

Extrinsic (atopic) asthma- allergens, immunologically mediated with an increase in IgE antibodies, typically affecting children

Intrinsic asthma- bronchial reaction that is not due to antigen-antibody stimulation. Triggers include anxiety, chemicals, exercise, cold air, drugs (betablockers) stress, dust etc. Typically adult onset

25
Asthma symptoms
Recurrent episodes of breathlessness & chest tightness Wheezing when exhaling Nocturnal coughing, thick clear or yellow sputum Accessory muscles of ventilation are overused & can cause aching in neck & upper back
26
What is spirometry
Testing of breathing & ventilation through a tube
27
Asthma treatment
Allopathic - blue inhaler is bronchodilator -relief Brown inhaler is corticosteroids -try to prevent but many side effects Natural- Nutrition fruit&veg, antioxidants eg vitamin c,e, quercetin, onions & garlic, omega3s antiinflam, magnesium is bronchodilator, eliminate food allergens eg gluten dairy proinflammatorys Herbs, boswelia, turmeric, astragalus, gingko, licorice Homeopathy, acupuncture Avoid irritants dust, smoke etc, allergy treatment, manual therapy
28
Asthma attacks
Can be life-threatening Do not hesitate to call for help - severe if patient cannot speak & has more than 25 breaths a minute Encourage sitting, slow & steady breaths Use bronchodilator inhaler if available every 30-60 seconds max 10 puffs
29
What is bronchitis
Inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Can be acute or chronic Viral or bacterial infections can result from compromised immunity/environmental irritants Goblet cells secrete mucous to remove irritants but if mucous is overproduced the respiratory tract struggles to clear it which can increase airway resistance & thus breathing difficulty
30
Bronchitis symptoms&treatment
Chronic cough - hacking unproductive cough which can become productive Fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, headache, runny nose, muscle pain Crackles on auscultation, tachypnoea, cyanosis Treatment Antibiotics (side effects) Herbs antimicrobial, immune support, nutrition, homeopathy, avoid irritants, find root cause
31
What is COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Causes airflow limitation that is not fully reversible & is progressive. Airflow limitation is due to airway & functional lung tissue damage Chronic inflammatory response of the lungs Oxiditave stress & excess mucous Combination of two main pathologies- Emphysema- walls of alveoli damaged & destroyed, leading to reduced gas exchange Chronic bronchitis- bronchial lining constantly irritated&inflamed & thick mucous
32
COPD treatment
Allopathic- Smoking cessation Bronchodilators, corticosteroids, oxygen therapy Natural- address root cause Herbs, antiinflammatory, immune enhancing echinacea, cats claw mucous membrane support eg eyebright herb Nutrition eg vitamin c, zinc, quercetin, ginger Avoid irritants & allergens
33
Pneumonia & symptoms
An infection of the alveoli & terminal bronchioles, mostly bacterial Infiltration of neutrophils with inflammation & oedema Most common in infants & elderly. Higher risk if patient immune suppressed Cough & purulent sputum which can be blood stained Breathlessness, fever, malaise Tachypnoea, crepitations on auscultation
34
Pulmonary Fibrosis & symptoms
Fibrosis = scarring Gradual replacement of the one layer thick epithelial cell lining in alveoli with fibrotic (scar) tissue which are less able to exchange gases Idiopathic cause - not specifically known, no one cause, could be genetic, presents in elderly age/environmental factors such as asbestos, chemicals, smoking, autoimmune diseases (eg RA) Progressive dyspnoea, chronic cough, fatigue, discomfort in chest
35
Pulmonary fibrosis treatment
Allopathic- no effective treatments Natural- herbal antinflamms, bronchodilators, immune boosting Nutrition, avoid irritants & allergens, acupuncture, homeopathy
36
Obstructive sleep apnoea & symptoms
Intermittent & repeated upper airway collapse during sleep leading to interrupted breathing Causes/risks are obesity, smokers, alcohol, sedatives Signs- loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, morning headache, morning drowsiness, nocturnal choking, reduced libido Diagnosed by polysomnography Treatment with Nasal Continuous Airway Pressure (breathing apparatus on face), lifestyle modifying. Essential to treat the cause
37
What is a Pneumothorax
Describes air accumulation within the pleural cavity, causing part or all of a lung to collapse Air can enter via defect in visceral or parietal pleura (eg rib fracture) Can be either “simple” where it doesnt affect the heart or “tension” unstable-progressive build up of air shifting the heart out of place Caused either spontaneously through rupture of a cyst/pocket of air, tuberculosis, emphysema or through trauma/damage to pleura eg fracture, surgical complication
38
Pneumothorax symptoms
A medical emergency & typically requires a chest drain (via the lateral ribcage) where accumulated air can be expelled. Dyspnoea & pleuratic sharp chest pain, cyanosis, loss of consciousness, coma, reduced breath, decreased cardiac output
39
Pleurisy & symptoms
Describes pleural inflammation Pleural surfaces become coated with inflammatory materials & hence roughened, producing friction rub on auscultation Causes can include a tumour or infection Dyspnoea, sharp chest pain-aggravated by inspiration&coughing, dry cough, shallow breathing, dullness with percussion
40
Pulmonary embolism signs & symptoms
``` Results from obstruction within the pulmonary arterial tree The embolus (mobile clot) often occurs as a result of a thrombosis, travelling up from one of the deep veins in the legs (DVT) fat embolisms can occur following bone fractures ``` Dyspnoea, pleuritic chest pain, cough blood, calf pain (if DVT), tachypnoea, tachycardia, crackles on chest auscultation
41
Pulmonary embolism treatment
Medical emergency, poor prognosis if untreated/life-threatening Anti-coagulation therapy (dissolve the clot) Prevention-hydration & antiinflamm diet Nutrition essential fatty acids, vitamin E Herbs preveng clotting turmeric, gingko, ginger
42
Cystic Fibrosis
Multi-organ genetic disease of exocrine glands Recessive disease of chromosome 7 that affects chloride channels & alters amount of chloride & sodium secreted Excesses are absorbed & water from the airways & pancreas & gallbladder Mucous or secretions are thick & clog up the lungs & some digestive organs Causes chronic respiratory infections & pancreatic enzyme insufficiency Lung disease is principal cause of death
43
Cystic fibrosis signs & treatment
Persistant cough, sputum production, recurring lung infections, wheezing, chest pain GIT bloating, obstruction, bleeding, malnutrition Allopathic treatment- antibiotics, physiotherapy, bronchodilators Natural- Herbs that reduce mucous, support digestion, lung function Nutrition support immune system, avoid irritants & allergens, acupuncture

Respiratory System (3 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions