Pathology of Obstructive Lung Disease Flashcards
What are the three main obstructive lung diseases?
Chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma
What is the normal range of peak flow?
80-100% of best value
What would happen to the peak flow rate in someone with an obstructive lung disease?
It would be reduced
What would happen to FEV1 and FVC in someone with an obstructive lung disease?
The FEV1 would be reduced and FVC may be reduced. FEV1/FVC would be less than 70%
What is bronchial asthma?
Type 1 hypersensitivity in the airways which causes smooth muscle contraction and inflammation
What are the main causes of chronic bronchitis and emphysema?
Smoking, pollution, occupation (dust), alpha-1-antiprotease deficiency and the effects of age and susceptibility
What is the clinical definition of chronic bronchitis?
Cough productive of sputum most days in at least 3 consecutive months for 2 or more consecutive years
What are the changes to the large airways seen in chronic bronchitis?
Mucous gland and goblet cell hyperplasia
Inflammation and fibrosis are minor components
What are the changes to the small airways seen in chronic bronchitis?
Goblet cells appear
In long term disease inflammation and fibrosis also occur
What is the pathological definition of emphysema?
The increase beyond the normal size of airspaces distal to the terminal bronchiole arising either from dilatation or from the destruction of their walls and without obvious fibrosis
What is a bulla?
An emphysematous space greater than 1cm
Which mechanisms of airway obstruction will respond to pharmacological intervention?
Smooth muscle tone and inflammation
