Respiratory and Lung Disorders Flashcards
Asthma
Recurring attacks of dyspnea (labored breathing) and wheezing. Extrinsic asthma, result of allergen, usually seen in kids. Intrinsic asthma, no allergens, begins in adulthood. Also presents as tight chest, sweating, anxiousness. Treated w/ medications to control it, and inhalers containing bronchodilators for attacks.
Berylliosis
Pneumonia caused by Beryllium (metal) poisoning. Presents as dry cough, nasal congestion, tachycardia, dyspnea, weight loss, low oxygen. Dx w/ chest xray. Treated w/ corticosteroid drugs and ventilators.
Bronchiectasis
Bacterial infection or lung injury causes mucus/fluid build up in lungs, and damaged bronchial tubes. Presents as a chronic cough, hemoptysis, pleuritic pain, shortness of breath. Antibiotics for any infection, bronchodilators to clear airways, drugs to thin mucus, expectorants to cough up phlegm. No cure, only manage.
Silicosis aka Grinder’s Disease aka Potter’s Rot
When inhalation of silica from sand/rocks causes damage to the air sacs in the lungs. Presents as dyspnea, dry cough, tachypnea, pulmonary hypertension. Treated by removing patient from silica environment, antibiotics to prevent TB, bronchodilators, and in extreme cases lung transplant.
Pulmonary Emphysema
When air irritants (smoke, pollution) cause damage to the alveoli. Lungs lose elasticity causing shortness of breath. Antitrypsin deficiency is distinguishing symptom. Treated by removing patient from environment w/ pollutants, and bronchodilators to reduce symptoms.
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic inflammation of bronchial tubes causing a chronic productive cough, and damage to bronchial cilia. Presents as fatigue, chest tightness, dyspnea. Treated w/ antibiotics to manage any infections to prevent further inflammation, bronchodilators to open airways, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
General term for the group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing problems (including Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, and Pulmonary TB.). Treated w/ bronchodilators and corticosteroids.
Pneumonia
Inflammation and fluid build up in lungs. Caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Presents as bad cough, pleuritic pain, fever, chills, crackling sound in lungs, dyspnea, weakness. Treated w/ antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals to clear infections, fluid removal, ventilation.
Legionella Infection / Legionnaire’s Disease
Bacterial infection/pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. Can be fatal. Presents as malaise, headache, nausea, muscle aches, high fever, non-producing cough. Treated w/ antibiotic for infection, antipyretic for fever, fluid drainage, oxygen therapy.
Laryngitis
Inflammation of your voice box (larynx) from overuse, irritation or infection. Presents as hoarseness, voice loss, and dry cough. Treated w/ rest of voice, acid reduction, and cough suppressants.
Pharyngitis
Inflammation of the throat, caused by bacteria/viruses from common cold, but when chronic are caused by acid reflux. Has classic common cold symptoms, and treated w/ antibiotics and analgesics.
Mononucleosis
Caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)=kissing disease, presents as sore throat, fever, swollen cervical lymph glands, treated w/ bed rest and analgesics.
Upper Vs Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
Upper infections are from the throat up, Lower are from the chest down.
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is the medical term for hay fever or allergies.
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Slowly developing bacterial lung infection causes progressive necrosis of lung tissue & Growths of inflamed, granular tissue that calcify. Dx w/ xrays, treated w/ causes respiratory symptoms, weight loss. Treated w/ a combo of antibiotics an analgesics.
