Respiratory Flashcards
What happens in infection of the upper airways?
Acute inflammation process that affects mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Most commonly viral but can get secondary bacterial infections.
Examples of infections of the upper respiratory tract
Rhinitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis and sinusitis
Symptoms of an infection of the upper respiratory tract
Malaise, headache, sore throat & discharge
What is pneumonia?
Inflammation of the lung parenchyma
Causes of pneumonia
Infections, inhalation of chemicals, chest wall trauma.
Clinical features of pneumonia
Fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, purulent sputum and cough.
What is the most common organism that causes community acquired pneumonia?
Strep pneumoniae
Which bacteria are usually the cause of hospital acquired pneumonia?
Staph aureus and gram neg bacilli
Name 3 obstructive pulmonary diseases
Asthma, COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and Bronchiectasis
What is COPD emphysema?
Irreversible enlargement of airspaces in alveoli.
Symptoms of emphysema
Dyspnoea, cough, wheeze, weight loss & limited expiration
What is COPD chronic bronchitis?
Persistent cough with sputum for at least 3 mnths
What is bronchiectasis?
Permanent destruction and dilation of the airways associated with severe infections or obstructions.
What are the clinical features of restrictive lung disease?
Dyspnea, tachypnea, end inspiratory crackcles, eventual cyanosis without wheezing, reduced lung volume & compliance, pulmonary hypertension.
What is a pulmonary embolism?
Blockage of a main pulmonary artery by an emblus
