Pathology of Obstructive Lung Disease Flashcards
Give examples of localised obstructive diseases (not necessarily obstructive diseases)
Lung cancer and other tumours, inhaled foreign bodies and chronic scarring diseases (bronchiecstasis and secondary tuberculosis)
What are the three main obstructive airway diseases?
Chronic bronchitis
Emphysema]
Asthma
(Mechanisms for each are different)
What is Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema also known as?
COPD
What are the normal values for FEV1, FVC and the ratio between them?
Normal FEV1 is about 3.5 – 4 litres Normal FVC is about 5 litres Normal ratio FEV1 : FVC is 0.7 – 0.8
What is used to predict FVC?
Age, sex and height
Besides FEV1/FVC ratio, how else can an obstructive lung disease be demonstrated?
Peak expiratory flow rate
What are the normal values for PEFR?
Normal 400 – 600 litres/min Normal range is 80-100% of best value
What is a moderate fall in PEFR?
50-80% of best
What is a marked fall in PEFR?
<50% of best is a marked fall
What is FEV1, FVC, and PEFR in obstructive lung diseases?
There is AIRFLOW LIMITATION Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) is reduced FEV1 is REDUCED FVC may be reduced FEV1 is less than 70% of FVC
What causes the decrease in diameter size in bronchial asthma?
Degranulation of mast cells and smooth muscle contraction (both reversible by use of drugs, or spontaneously)
What type of hypersensitivity is bronchial asthma?
Type 1
What physical substances obstruct airways in chronic asthma?
Oedema,
mucus,
plasma exudation
What are the aetiologies of chronic bronchitis and emphysema?
SMOKING
Atmospheric Pollution
Occupation : dust
What is the effect of smoking on alpha-1-antiprotease (antitrypsin)?
Malfuntion of antitrypsin (alpha-1-antiprotease) -= emphysema or COPD
What is the result of antitrypsin deficiency?
- Neutrophil elastase is free to break down elastin, which contributes to the elasticity of the lungs.
- Antitrypsin would normally protect tissues from enzymes of inflammatory cells, especially neutrophil elastase
How does FEV1 change with age?
Reduces
What is chronic bronchitis defined as clinically?
Cough productive of sputum most days in at least 3 consecutive months for 2 or more consecutive years
What does chronic bronchitis exclude?
TB Bronchiecstasis These may be confused with asthma