Respiratory Flashcards
Acute bronchitis
Inflammation of lining of bronchial tube, which carries air from lungs
Chronic bronchitis
Productive cough that lasts at least three months, with recurring bouts occurring at least two consecutive years
No cure, significantly improved through managing condition through medication and lifestyle changes
Acute bronchitis cause
Usually caused by viruses, typically same as colds and flu (influenza)
Smoking
Air pollution
Dust
Toxic gas from enviro
Acute bronchitis population
Can affect all ages, most common in children under 5
More commonly developed in winter
Acute bronchitis risk
Smokers
Low resistance- may result from another acute illness such as a cold
Exposure to irritants at work- e.g., grain or textiles
Gastric reflux- repeated bouts of severe heartburn can irritate throat and inc chance of bronchitis
Acute bronchitis S+S
Cough
Production of mucus=- clear, white, yellowish-grey or green, rarely may have streak of blood
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Slight fever/chills
Chest discomfort
Potential body aches, mild headache
Acute bronchitis prognosis
Usually improves within a week to 10 days without lasting effects, although cough may linger for weeks
Antibiotics won’t work as it won’t kill influenza virus
Bronchiolitis
Common lung infection
Causes inflammation and congestion in bronchioles
Bronchiolitis cause
Virus- influenza, rhinovirus, etc
Bronchiolitis population
Young children and infants
Peal time is during winter
Bronchiolitis risks
Premature birth
Underlying heart or lung conditions
Depressed immune system
Exposure to tobacco smoke
Bronchiolitis presentation
Early- runny/stuffy nose, cough, slight fever (not always present)
After this may be a week or more of difficulty breathing or whistling of nose
Many infants have an ear infection (otitis media)
Bronchiolitis prognosis
Most children get better with care at home
Small % hospitalised
See doctor if audible wheezing, breathing very fast, laboured breathing, lethargic appearance, refusal to drink, skin turning blue (cyanosis)
Whooping cough
Highly contagious respiratory tract infection
Whooping cough cause
Bacteria called Bordetella perussis
When infected person coughs or sneezes, tiny germ-laden droplets are sprayed into air and inhaled by others
Whooping cough population
Before vaccine, considered childhood disease
Mainly affects children too young to finish full course of ABs or teens/adults whose immunity has faded
Whooping cough risks
When vaccine wears off- leaves most teenagers and adults susceptible during outbreak
Infants under 12 months who are unvaccinated or haven’t received full set have highest risk for severe complications and death
Whooping cough presentation
Once infected, takes about 7-10 days to show symptoms
Runny nose
Nasal congestion
Red, watery eyes
Fever
Cough
After week or two- provoke vomiting, red/blue face, extreme fatigue, end with high pitched ‘whoop’ sound during next breath of air
Whooping cough prognosis
Deaths are rare but most commonly occur in infants
See doctor if prolonged coughing causes vomiting, face to turn red/blue, pauses in breathing, inhale with whooping sound
Complications- bruised/cracked ribs, abdominal hernias, broken vessels in skin or whites of eyes
Infant complications- pneumonia, slowed/stopped breathing, seizures
Make sure fully vaccinated and boosted
Pneumonia
Infection that inflames air sacs in one or both lungs
Sacs may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough, fever, child, and difficulty breathing
Causes of pneumonia
Variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi
Community acquired
Hospital acquired
Health care
Aspiration
Pneumonia community acquired cause
Bacteria- Streptococcus pneumoniae- occurs on its own once infected with a cold or flue
Bacteria like organisms- Mycoplasma pneumoniae- typically produces milder symptom’s
Fungi- most common in people with chronic health problems or weakened immune systems. Found in soil, bird droppings, etc
Viruses- most common in children younger than 5
Pneumonia hospital acquired
can be serious because bacteria causing it may be more resistant to ABs
Pneumonia healthcare
occurs in people who live in long-term care facilities, similar to hospital
Pneumonia aspiration
occurs when you inhale food, drink, vomit or saliva into lungs. More likely if something disturbs normal gag reflex, such as brain injury or swallowing problems
Pneumonia risks
Most serious for infants and young children (under 2)
People over 65
Health problems/weakened immune system
Being hospitalised
Smoking