Respiratory – asthma/COPD/Pneumonia Flashcards
What systemic changes can occur due to COPD?
Muscle weakness and weight loss.
What inherited deficiency is associated with some cases of COPD?
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
What white cells are involved in the inflammatory response in COPD?
Neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes.
What common irritant contributes to the development of COPD?
Tobacco smoke.
List four common symptoms of COPD.
Dyspnea (shortness of breath), chronic cough, hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels), and hypercapnia (elevated blood carbon dioxide levels)
What changes occur in the airway due to COPD?
Airway obstruction, air trapping, and loss of surface area for gas exchange.
How does increased protease activity affect the lungs in COPD?
It breaks down elastin in the connective tissue of the lungs, leading to emphysema.
Define emphysema in the context of COPD.
Emphysema is the destruction of alveolar walls and loss of lung elasticity, resulting in difficulty exhaling air.
What characterizes chronic bronchitis in COPD?
Chronic bronchitis involves bronchial oedema, excessive mucus production, and bacterial colonization of the airways.
What leads to frequent exacerbations in COPD patients?
Infections and bronchospasm
How does continuing bronchial irritation contribute to COPD progression?
It sustains inflammation and further airway damage, perpetuating the disease cycle.
What is the catalyst for carbon dioxide transport in erythrocytes?
Carbonic anhydrase
Name the three main types of chemoreceptors involved in respiratory regulation.
Central chemoreceptors, peripheral chemoreceptors, carotid bodies, and aortic bodies
What factors influence respiratory regulation besides chemoreceptors?
Higher centers (eating, talking, temperature, pain) and reflexes (irritant and stretch)
Define respiratory acidosis and its cause.
Respiratory acidosis is the lowering of blood pH due to increased hydrogen ion generation
What is the normal pH range of arterial blood?
7.35–7.45
What is the normal HCO3- range of arterial blood?
19-29mmol
What is the normal PaCO2 range of arterial blood?
4.7 - 6kPA
What steps are involved in arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis?
- Check pH
- Check 𝑃𝑎𝐶𝑂2
3. Check 𝐻𝐶𝑂3−
How do you detect respiratory acidosis?
Low Ph + High 𝑃𝑎𝐶𝑂2 + Normal 𝐻𝐶𝑂3−
How do you detect metabolic acidosis?
Low Ph + normal 𝑃𝑎𝐶𝑂2 + low 𝐻𝐶𝑂3−
How do you detect respiratory alkalosis?
High Ph + Low 𝑃𝑎𝐶𝑂2 + Normal 𝐻𝐶𝑂3−
How do you detect metabolic alkalosis?
High Ph + Normal 𝑃𝑎𝐶𝑂2 + High 𝐻𝐶𝑂3−
What are some signs and symptoms of altered respiration?
Sounds (stridor, wheeze)
Cough
Sputum (colour, type, smell)
Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
Chest pain
Cyanosis
Pursed-lip breathing (like blowing out a candle)
Finger clubbing (Swelling of fingertips)
What is the characteristic feature of COPD?
Airflow limitation that is not fully reversible and is progressive
Name two genetic or environmental contributors to COPD.
- Chronic particulate inhalation
- α1-antitrypsin deficiency
How does smoking contribute to COPD pathophysiology?
Smoking inhibits α1-antitrypsin, leading to inflammation and damage to airway and lung tissues
Describe the lung function test equation to calculate the Forced Expiratory Ratio (FER).
What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
COPD is a progressive and chronic lung disease characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation due to airway and/or alveolar abnormalities. It is commonly caused by exposure to harmful particles or gases (e.g., smoking) and involves an abnormal lung inflammatory response.