Pulmonary Pathologies Flashcards
Asthma Etiology
chronic inflammation/ hypersensitivity of airways due to respiratory infection, allergens (pollen, mold, animal dander, feathers, dust, food, cockroaches), cold/ sudden temp change, cigarette smoke, excitement/stress, exercise
Asthma Signs/Symptoms
severe-mild depending on level of airway constriction
mild: wheezing, chest tightness, slight shortness of breath
severe: dyspnea, flared nostrils, diminished wheezing, anxiety, cyanosis, inability to speak- can result in respiratory failure if untreated
Asthma Treatment
reduce exposure to known triggers
meds: anti-inflammatories, brochodilators
PT: caregiver ed, airway clearance, breathing exercises, relaxation, endurance/strength training
Bronchitis Etiology
acute: cold virus, exposure to smoke/pollutants
chronic: smoking, exposure to pollutants, dust, toxic gases (manifests as productive cough lasting 3 mos- 2+ years)
Bronchitis Signs/Symptoms
persistent cough w/ production of thick sputum, increased use of accessory muscles, wheezing, dyspnea, cyanosis, increased pulmonary artery pressure
Chronic: cough is worse in morning/damp weather, frequent respiratory infections
Bronchitis Treatment
relieve symptoms/ improve breathing
Acute: rest, fluids, breathing warm/moist air, cough suppressants, acetominophen/aspirin
Chronic: antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, bronchodilators, quit smoking, avoid irritants, use humidifier/ cold-air face-mask, pulmonary rehab (airway clearance, breathing ex, endurance/strength training)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Etiology
long-term smoking/ 2nd-hand smoke exposure, air pollution
Rare= genetic disorder causing low levels of alpha1-antitrypsin protein
COPD Signs/Symptoms
Excessive mucus production, chronic productive cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, fatigue, reduced exercise capaticy
COPD Treatment
Meds: bronchodilators, inhaled steroids, supplemental O2, antibiotics for bacterial infection
Surgery: lung volume reduction, bullectomy, lung transplant
Lifestyle change: quit smoking, flu shots, avoid irritants, good nutrition, pulmonary rehab (airway clearance, breathing ex, endurance/strength training)
Cystic Fibrosis Etiology
autosomal recessive genetic disease of exocrine glands affecting lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, sinuses and sex organs
mutation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator on chromosome 7 causes production of thick, sticky mucus that can cause life-threatening infection, obstructs pancreas, inhibits normal digestion/absorption of food
Cystic Fibrosis Signs/Symptoms
Vary with progression
salty-tasting skin, persistent productive cough, frequent lung infections, wheezing, shortness of breath, poor growth/weight gain in spite of healthy appetite, frequent greasy bulky stools
Cystic Fibrosis Treatment
Meds: antibiotics, nutritional supplements, pancreatic enzyme replacement, mucolytics, brochodilators
PT: airway clearance, breathing techniques, assisted cough, ventilatory muscle training
General exercise indicated to improve overall strength/endurance EXCEPT w/ severe lung disease
Emphysema Etiology
gradual destruction of alveolar walls caused primarily by smoking
other causes: 1% of pts have genetic disorder = low alpha1-antitrypsin protein levels (protects elastic lung structures)
Emphysema Signs/Symptoms
shortness of breath, wheezing, chronic cough, orthopnea, barrel chest, increased use of accessory muscles, increases respiration rate, fatigue, reduced exercise capacity
Emphysema Treatment
Meds: brochodilators, inhaled steroids, supplemental O2, antibiotics
Surgery: lung volume reduction, bullectomy, lung transplant
Lifestyle change: quit smoking, annual flu shot, avoid irritants, good nutrition, pulmonary rehab (airway clearance, breathing ex, endurance/strength training)
