Respiratory Flashcards
What characterises bronchiectasis?
Permanent dilation of the bronchi and bronchioles, leading to chronic cough, sputum production, and recurrent respiratory infections.
What are the common causes of bronchiectasis?
Cystic fibrosis, recurrent lung infections, immunodeficiency, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), and primary ciliary dyskinesia.
How is bronchiectasis diagnosed?
High-resolution CT (HRCT) scan is the gold standard. Clinical features include chronic cough, purulent sputum production, and recurrent infections.
What is the genetic basis of cystic fibrosis?
Autosomal recessive mutation in the CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) gene.
What are the common manifestations of cystic fibrosis?
Respiratory symptoms (bronchiectasis, chronic cough), pancreatic insufficiency, malabsorption, and salty sweat.
How is cystic fibrosis managed?
Pancreatic enzyme replacement, respiratory physiotherapy, mucolytic agents, antibiotics for infections
What characterizes sarcoidosis?
Granulomatous inflammation affecting multiple organs, commonly the lungs and lymph nodes.
What are the clinical features of sarcoidosis?
Bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy (BHL), pulmonary infiltrates, skin lesions, eye involvement (uveitis), and hypercalcemia.
How is sarcoidosis diagnosed?
Biopsy showing non-caseating granulomas. Elevated angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and hypercalcemia are supportive but not specific
What is interstitial lung disease (ILD)?
A group of disorders characterized by inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue (interstitium).
What are common causes of ILD?
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), connective tissue diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis), environmental exposures, and drug-induced.
What are the clinical features of ILD?
Progressive dyspnea, dry cough, and fine inspiratory crackles on auscultation.
How is obstructive sleep apnoea diagnosed?
Polysomnography (sleep study) is the gold standard
What is pulmonary hypertension (PH)?
Elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, often leading to right heart failure (cor pulmonale).
What are common causes of pulmonary hypertension?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease, pulmonary embolism, and connective tissue diseases
How can pleural effusion be classified based on pH, protein, LDH, and glucose levels?
pH >7.2, Protein >35g/L, LDH high, Glucose normal → Exudative. pH >7.2, Protein <25g/L, LDH low, Glucose low → Transudative.
What is the significance of the FEV1/FVC ratio in obstructive and restrictive lung diseases?
In obstructive diseases (e.g., COPD), the ratio is reduced. In restrictive diseases (e.g., interstitial lung disease), the ratio is typically normal or increased.
What are common symptoms of lung cancer?
Persistent cough, hemoptysis, chest pain, weight loss, fatigue, and respiratory symptoms.
