Pulmonary Airways Disease Flashcards
What are some examples of host defences to lung infection
- Cough reflex
- Cilia
- Mucus
- Antibodies, e.g. IgA
- Macrophages
How does a dysfunctional cough reflex lead to increased pulmonary airways disease
The cough reflex may be lost. It can mean that things get stuck in the airways as they are unable to be removed and this increases the risk of infection.
What is the role of cilia
These line the cells of the respiratory tract and beat things upwards and out of the airways.
When may a cough reflex be lost
Following a stroke
How can the cilia become damaged
Due to genetics or smoking.
How may mucus be dysfunctional
The person may not be able to produce mucus or may not have enough mucus.
What is one condition in which mucus is dysfunctional
Cystic fibrosis. In CF, mucus is thick and cannot be moved up the ciliary escalators so becomes stuck.
How can drugs increase the risk of infection
Immunosuppressive drugs such as steroids or DMARDs can cause increased risk of infection.
Why may people with heart failure be at greater risk of lung infection
Due to the presence of pulmonary oedema.
What is the acinus
Everything beyond the terminal bronchiole to the alveoli of the lungs.
What is acute bronchitis
Inflammation of the bronchi - the large airways.
What usually causes acute bronchitis
A viral infection so it often cannot be treated with antibiotics.
If bacterial infection is the cause of acute bronchitis which organism may be to blame
H.influenzae
What is laryngotracheobrinchitis
This is acute bronchitis involving the larynx and the trachea as well as the bronchi.
What structures are included under the term “upper airway disease”
The larynx, the trachea and the bronchi.
What is bronchiolitis
Inflammation of the bronchioles - the small airways.
What condition is bronchiolitis often a feature of
Chronic bronchitis (a component of COPD)
What organism often causes bronchiolitis in children
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
What are the presentations of bronchiolitis
Tachypnoea and dyspnoea.
In children most cases of bronchiolitis are associated with RSV. What is bronchiolitis normally associated with in adults
COPD.
What structures are included under the term “lower airway disease”
The bronchioles and the alveoli.
What are three ways in which airway obstruction can occur
- A lesion outside the wall, for example a large lymph node
- A lesion in the wall, for example a tumour
- A lesion in the lumen, for example a foreign body
What is the most common lesion outside the wall of airways causing airway obstruction
Now the most common cause is malignancy (for which presentation can be recurrent pneumonia). In the past the most common cause was an enlarged lymph node due to TB.
In what two ways can airway obstruction present
It can be complete obstruction or the obstruction can act as a one way valve.
What can be the result of a complete airway obstruction
Distal collapse
What can be the result in the obstruction acts as a one way valve
Over-inflation.
What is diffuse obstructive airways disease
This affects both lungs and is diffuse as there are many airways involved.
What is often the result of pulmonary function tests for someone with disuse obstructive airways disease
Pulmonary function tests are often abnormal as it is difficult to blow air out of the lungs. The PFTs often have an obstructive pattern so there is reduced vital capacity, reduced FEV1/FVC ratio and reduced peak expiratory flow rate.
What are four pathological conditions which come under the umbrella of “diffuse obstructive airways disease”
- Chronic bronchitis
- Emphysema
- Asthma
(COPD is a combination of chronic bronchitis and emphysema)
What are the symptoms of chronic bronchitis
Cough and sputum for three months of the year in two consecutive years (winter coughing two years in a row)