Respiratory - Breathlessness: Airflow Obstruction Flashcards
Overview of mechanical respiration
Inspiration & expiration
Gas conduction
Gas transfer
Exhalation
What does inhalation and exhalation require
Organised MSK function (diaphragm, IC muscles and rib cages) of the thorax to draw in air and return it to atmosphere
Function of pleural space to enable the expansion of the lung
What kind of things compromise inhalation and exhalation
Muscle wasting and neurodegenerative disease
Pleural disease - fibrosis, PTX
Where is the conducting zone
From nose to bronchioles
What is found in conducting zone
Resp type mucosa
Function of conducting zone
Passage of air from environment to lungs Airways protection Air humidification and warming Smell Speech
How does the conducting zone protect the airway
Through mechanical and immunological removal of pathogens
How does the conducting zone allow the passage of air
Made of cartilage and muscle
Allows rigidity but flexibility of airways
Resistant to compression and collapse
Allows expansion during breathing
Why is the trachea C shaped
To allow swallowing
Mechanical (cellular) mechanisms of airway protection by the conducting zone
Cilla and mucus (mucocilliary escalator)
Physical barrier between external environment and tissue
Immunological mechanisms of airway protection by the conducting zone
Identification and removal of pathogens
Mechanical (anatomical) mechanisms of airway protection by the conducting zone
Reflex protection
How does nasal hair protect the airway
Remove larger particulate material
Movement of mucocilairy escalator
Moves mucus up the airways to pharynx to remove particles
What is cilia action independent of
Nervous control
May persist for several hrs after death
What is cilia rate dependent on
Temp (falls when colder)
Mucus secreting cells
Seromucinous glands within submucosa
Goblet cells within epithelium
Comparison of mucus produced by different cells
Seromucinous glands produce more watery, thin mucous whereas the goblet cells and mucous cells produce thicker mucous
When are neuroendocrine cells involved in the growth and envelopment of the airways
In utero
MALT
Mucosa Associated lymphoid Tissue
When is MALT acquired
In response to antigenic stimuli
Why can immunological identification and removal of pathogens occur in the nasopharynx
Dense lymphoid tissue
Serous cell secretions that destroy potential pathogens
Lysosome Lactoferrin Antiprotease IgA Epithelial peroxidase
Examples of reflex airway closure and removal of foreign bodies
Cough reflex
Swallow reflex
Gag reflex
What are pulmonary irritant receptors stimulated by
Both mechanical (light touch) or chemical stimuli
Swallow reflex
Enables epiglottis to cover larynx to prevent aspiration
What nerve is involved in the cough reflex
Vagus nerve
Gag reflex (pharyngeal reflex or laryngeal spasm)
Reflex contraction of back of throat
Prevents foreign bodies entering upper wiarways
Stimulus of gag reflex
Touch from back of throat, tonsils, uvula, roof of mouth or base of tongue
Mucous involvement in smell
Dissolve odours to allow detection
Phases of speech
Respiration - lung function
Phonation - laryngeal function
Articulation - vocal tract (upper airways)
Where does the laryngeal cavity extend from
The tip of the epiglottis to the lower edge of the cricoid cartilage
False vocal cords vs true vocal cords
Resp epithelium vs squamous epithelium
Why do the true vocal cords adjust to a more robust epithelium
True vocal cords are subject to more mechanical trauma from phonation
Barriers to tumour spread in the larynx
Intrinsic and extrinsic connective tissue bands
Thyroid and cricoid cartilage
Intrinsic connective tissue bands in the larynx
Quadrangular membrane
Conus elastics
Extrinsic connective tissue bands in the larynx
Thyroid membrane
Cricothyroid membrane
What is the interstitium
Lungs connective tissue scaffolding
What does interstitial comprise of
Collagen Elastin fibres Fibroblasts Myofibroblasts Pericytes Histiocytes Mast cells Neuroendocrine cells
Where are Clara cells (bronchiolar exocrine cells) most numerous in
Terminal bronchioles
What are Clara cells important in modulating
Bronchiolar infl
What can Clara cells secrete
Endothelin - powerful broncho and vasoconstrictor
Protease inhibitors
Cells found in alveoli
Type 1 pneumocytes Type 2 pneumocytes Alveolar macrophages Pores of Kohn Lambert's canal
Pores of Kohn
Small gaps between alveoli
Lambert’s canal
Tubular connections which connect terminal and resp bronchioles w. adjacent peri bronchial alveoli
Nuclei in pneumoncytes
Type 1 - flattened
Type 2 - larger, darker
What do Type 1 pneumocytes do
Thin for increased gas exchange
Forms a barrier to prevent fluid loss
What do Type 2 penumocytes do
Surfactant protection - reduced surface tension in order to facilitate lung expansion
Pulmonary vasculature
Pulmonary arteries Pulmonary capillaries Pulmonary veins Bronchial arteries Lymphatics
Where do pulmonary veins tend to be found
In the interlobar septa
Blood supply of lungs
Bronchial arteries arising from systemic circulation
Pulmonary arteries
What is the pleura
A pair of serous membrane lining the thoracic wall (parietal) and lungs (visceral)
Structure of pleura
Meosthelial cell lining
Connective tissue sub mesothelium
Elastin layer variation in visceral and parietal layers of pleura
Visceral layer is double and thicker - account for lung movement
Parietal - single layer and thinner
What is the most readily preventable cause of death in humans
Smoking
Which components of tobacco have a carcinogenic effect
Tar
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Nitrosamine
What causes the a/c effects of smoking
Nicotine - increase in HR and BP, CO and elevation of cardiac contractility
Effects of smoking in resp system
Mucosal irritant —> bronchitis & RBILD/ DIP
Destruction of alveolar walls —> emphysema
Carcinogenesis –> lung cancer
RBILD
Resp bronchial ILD
DIP
Desquamative interstitial pneumonia
What diseases are included in COPD
C/c bronchitis
Emphysema
(a/c obstructive bronchiolitis but diff pathology)
Main risk factor of COPD
Smoking - 80% of cases are smokers
Oher risk factors for COPD
Environmental/ occupational pollution
Airway hyper-responsiveness
Genetic factors
Zones affected in COPD
Conducting zone
Gas exchange zone
How is the conducting zone affected in COPD
C/c bronchitis - hypersecretory
Obstructive bronchiolitis - obstructive
These pathological processes may lead to cyanosis
How are large airways affected in c/c bronchitis
Mucus hyper secretion
Infl
How are small airways affected in c/c bronchitis
Peribronchiolar fibrosis
Airway obstruction - infl thickening
Goblet cell hyperplasia
Loss of Clara cells
How is the gas exchange zone affected in COPD
Emphysema - loss of elastic recoil in alveoli
Symptoms of a blue bloater (c/c bronchitis)
C/c productive cough Purulent sputum Haemoptysis Cyanosis (due to hypoxia) Peripheral oedema Crackles, wheeze
Complications of c/c bronchitis
Pulmonary HTN Cor pulmonale (form c/c pulmonary HTN)
Symptoms of a pink puffer (emphysema)
Dyspnoea Minimal cough Pink skin, pursed lip breathing Accessory muscle use Cachexia Hyperinflation (barrel chest) Tachypnoea
Complications of emphysema
PTX (due to bullae)
Wt loss
Change in mucin type in c/c bronchitis
Thicker, more viscous
Increased seromucinous glands
Change to goblet cells in c/c bronchitis
Hyperplasia - reduced capacity to remove mucus (increased susceptibility to infection)
Emphysema
Irreversible abnormal increase in the size of air spaces beyond the terminal bronchioles w/ destruction of air space walls w/ out obvious fibrosis
What do proteases cause
Tissue degeneration
What does elastase do
Break down elastin
Why must there be a balance between proteases and antiproteases
Allows any tissue damage which may have occurred to be removed and repaired in a controlled manner whilst limiting damage to surrounding tissue
Pathogenesis of emphysema
Smoking causes antiprotease inactivation and causes uncontrolled activity of proteases –> destruction of elastin causes alveoli to become brittle preventing deflation on expiration
Process of emphysema development
Harmful particles from smoking trapped in alveoli
Infl response triggered
Infl chemicals dissolve alveolar septum
Large air cavity filled w/ carbon deposits formed
Patterns of emphysema
Centrilobular
Paracinar
Paraseptal
Irregular
Centrilobular emphysema
Central/ proximal alveolar unit involved, distal alveoli spared
Most commonly seen in smokers
More severe in upper lobes
Paracinar emphysema
Whole alveolar unit involved
More commonly in lower lobes
Associated w/ alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency
Paraspetal emphysema
Proximal alveolar unit normal, emphysematous change more evident near the pleura, along septa and margins of lobules
Seen in upper half of lungs
Emphysema histology
Airspace enlargement
Fractured alveolar walls
+/- infl
Smoking related ILD
Resp bronchiolitis
Resp bronchiolitis associated ILD
DIP
Resp bronchiolotis vs resp bronchiolitis associated ILD
Pts may not be symptomatic w/ resp bronchiolitis and wont always develop RBILD
Pts are symptomatic w/ resp bronchiolitis associated ILD - persistent cough and/ or mild breathless
Lung function test in resp bronchiolitis associated ILD
Normal or mildly restrictive defect
Mx of resp bronchiolitis associated ILD
Resolves completely on quitting smoking
May require corticosteroids
Typical pts of DIP
Middle-aged cigarette smokers who complain of breathlessness and cough of insidious onset
Prognosis of DIP
Responds well to steroid and smoking cessation but can progress to interstitial fibrosis
Effects of tobacco in epthelial lining of resp tract
Metaplasia
Dysplasia
Carcinogenesis
Metaplasia in the resp tract
Noxious tobacco smoke not tolerated by columnar epithelium
Squamous epithelium more resistant to thermal and chemical damage
Consequences of metaplasia in resp tract
Reduced function
Increased propensity for malignant transformation
Is metaplasia in the resp tract reversible
Yes on smoking cessation
What is squamous dysplasia in the resp tract a precursor lesion for
Squamous cell carcinomas
What is squamous dysplasia in the resp tract characterised by
The presence of disordered squamous epithelium w/ loss of pleomorphism
Most frequently diagnosed major cancer in the world
Lung cancer
Also most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide
What % of lung cancers are in active smokers or those who’ve stopped recently
80%
What age is lung cancer most common in
40 and 70yrs w/ peak incidence in 50s/60s
Prognosis of lung cancer
Poor - survival <50%
Other factors affecting lung cancer
Industrial exposure - asbestos, uranium , arsenic, nickel Radiation Air pollution Molecular genetics EGFR mutations
Types of lung tumours
90-95% are carcinomas
5% carcinomas
2% mesenchymal and other types
Classical features of squamous cell carcinomas
Malignant cells w/ keratinisation and intercellular bridges
Pathological feature for lung adenocarcinomas
Gland or duct formation w/ mucin
Lung tumours of seromucinous glands
Salivary type tumours such as mucoepidermoid carcinoma and adenoids cystic carcinoma
Lung tumours of blood vessels
Haemoangiomas
Lung tumours of mesothelium
Mesothelioma
Determining if a lung mass is a metastasis
Lung is a common site
Can see single lesions but often multiple, well circumscribed nodules
Common cancers that may metastasise to lung
Colorectal Renal Breast Melanoma Direct spread from oesophagus
Dx of lung cancer
Bronchial washings and brushings
EBUS TBNA
Lung biopsy
Bronchial biopsy
EBUS TBNA
Endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial (fine) needle aspirations
Reporting of lung excisions - providing prognostic info
Type of tumour Size Margins Pleural involvement Vascular invasion Involvement of adjacent structures e.g. hearts, pericardium, diaphragm Lymph node involvement
Types of air movement in lung
Convection
Diffusion
What part of the conducting zone is most susceptible to collapse during expiration
Bronchioles and alveolar ducts
What does the pulmonary arteries carry
Deoxygenated mixed venous blood from RV to alveoli of lungs
Where does blood drain from the lungs
Pulmonary vein and azygous vein
Minority of blood in bronchial veins
Systems innervating resp tract
Cholinergic
Adrenergic
Peptidergic
Cholinergic effect on smooth muscle of bronchioles
Constrict
Adrenergic effect on smooth muscle of bronchioles
Dilate
Petidergic effect on smooth muscle of bronchioles
Dilate
Spirometry
Method for studying pulmonary ventilation
Tidal volume
Volume of air inspired or expired w/ each normal breath (500ml)
Inspiratory reserve volume
Extra volume of air that can be inspired over and over normal TV (2500ml)
Expiratory reserve volume
Extra volume of air that can be expired by forceful expiration after end of normal TV (1100ml)
Residual volume
Volume of air remaining in lungs after most forceful expiration (1200ml)
Calculating total lung capacity
IRV + TV + ERV + RV
Factors affecting IRV
Current lung volume Lung compliance Muscle strength Comfort Flexibility of the skeleton Posture
Lung compliance
Measurement of lung expandability
Does all the air that is breathed in reach gas exchange area
No - some fills resp passages
Dead air space - 150mls
Intrapulmonary pressure
Pressure in alveoli, which rises and falls during respiration but always equalises w/ atmospheric pressure
Muscles that arise from the rib cage
External IC
Sternocleoimastoid
Anterior serrati (lift many ribs)
Scaleni (lift 1st 2 ribs)
Muscles moving lower rib cage
Abdominal recti
Internal IC
In which ways can lungs be expanded and contracted
Downward (inspiration) and upward (expiration) movement of diaphragm
Elevation and depression of the ribs to increase the diameter of chest cavity
Transpulmonary pressure
Pressure difference between alveoli and pleura
What is lung compliance determined by
Elastic force of the lung tissue itself
Elastic fibres caused by surface tension of fluid lining alveoli
Lung compliance in pulmonary fibrosis (restrictive lung disease)
Decreased –> smaller changes in lung volume for small changes in trans pulmonary pressure
How does decreased lung compliance affect pts breathing
More shallowly and rapidly
How does decreased lung compliance affect spirometry measurements
Decreases seen in RV, FRC, TLC
How does lung compliance change in emphysema
Increases –> larger changes in lung volume for small changes in trans pulmonary pressures
How does increased lung compliance affect pts breathing
Pts breathe more slowly and deeply
How does increased lung compliance affect spirometry measurements
Increases seen in RC, FRC, TLC
Lung compliance in c/c bronchitis
Normal but will still see increases in RV, FRC and TLC
If 2 alveoli are connected but have diff diameters, where will the air flow
From small to large
Alveolar macrophages and surfactant
Help degrade surfactant
Type II pneumocytes take up rest and recycle or destroy it
Role of lung surfactant
Increased lung compliance so easier to inflate
Reduces pressure and fluid accumulation in alveoli
Helps keep alveoli’s size relatively uniform during resp cycle
How does airway resistance change w/ disease
Increases in disease
At any given lung volume, resistance in COPD is higher
What is the glottis formed by
Vocal cords (folds)
How are food and saliva prevented from entering resp tract
Sphinchteric action of vocal chords and epiglottis
What is the pharynx nerve supply
Nerves from pharyngeal plexus
Innervation of laryngeal muscles
Recurrent laryngeal nerve (except cricothyroid)
Which nerve provides sensation to the glottis and sub glottis
Recurrent laryngeal nerve
Which nerve provides sensation to supra glottis
Superior laryngeal nerve
What is the larynx adapted to act as in phonation
A vibrator
Vibrating element is vocal folds (vocal cords)
Position of vocal cords during normal breathing
Wide open
What happens to the vocal cords during phonation
Cords move together so passage of air between them causes vibrations
What is our pitch determined by
Degree of stretch of cords
Which organs of articulation allows us to change sound
Lips
Tongue
Soft palate
Which organs act as resonators
Mouth
Nose and associated nasal sinuses
Pharynx
Chest cavity
Allergens responsible for asthma
Pets Eosinophils Dust mites Fungus Pollen
Mediators of asthma attack
B lymphocyte produces IgE which causes release of histamine, leukotriene, bradykinins, prostaglandins which cause immediate allergic symptoms
What happens to the airways in asthma
Airways get inflamed and constricted
Pathological changes in asthma
Thickening of basement membrane Mucous gland hyperplasia Desquamation of epithelium Hypertrophy of smooth muscle Oedema of mucosa and submucosa - due to infiltration Mucosal plug
Symptoms seen in asthma
Wheeze
Cough
Breathlessness
Things to look for in the hx of an asthma pt
Fhx of atopy
Samter’s triad
Occupation (work related/ exacerbated asthma)
What might come up in Fhx of atopy for asthma pts
Eczema
Allergic rhinitis
Nasal polyps
Aspirin intolerance
Samter’s triad
Asthma
Nasal polyps
Aspirin sensitivity/ intolerance
Why is occupation important for asthma pts
Could be cause of late onset asthma
Reversibility testing
Way of measuring if pt has asthma or not
Ask pt to stop taking all med and take an FEV1 measurement then give them 2 puffs of salbutamol through a spacer and see if FEV1 improves
FEV1 should improve by 400ml or 12%
What is usually used for reversibility testing
Short-acting beta 2 agonists or ICS for longer reversibility tests (6-8 weeks) Oral steroids (30mg pred for 2/52)
How can we measure airway infl
Sputum differential counts
Exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) > 40
Allergy testing for asthma
Skin prick test
Blood - RAST Total IgE & IgA for seasonal and perennial allergens
Blood eos > 1
Measuring disease control in asthma
RCP
Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ)
Asthma Control Test (ACT)
Mini-asthma QoL Questionnaire (AQLQ)
Things to consider in difficult asthma
If the dx is really asthma?
Pts adherence
If both these things are fine, you must increase therapy in a step wise fashion
Ddx for asthma
Vocal cord dysfunction (paradoxical vocal cord movement) Dysfunctional breathing (hyperventilation syndrome) GORD (reflux related cough/ breathelessness)
Types of bronchodilators
SABA
LABA
LAMA
SABA’s
Short acting beta 2 agonists
Examples of SABAs
Salbutomol
Terbutaline
LABA
Long acting beta 2 agonists
Examples of LABAs
Salmeterol
Formoterol
Vilanterol
LAMA’s
Long acting muscarinic antagonist
Examples of a LAMA
Tiotropium
How should drug powder inhalers be taken
Fast and furious
ICS used in asthma mx
Beclomethasone
Fluticasone
Budesonide
Ciclesonide
Aetiology of asthma
Asthma gene complexes - ADAM 33, DPP10
Hygiene hypothesis
Epidemiology of COPD
3rd leading cause off death worldwide
Worldwide prevalence of 10.1%
What is COPD characterised by
C/c resp Symptoms
Structural pulmonary abnormalities (airway and/or alveolar abnormalities)
Lung function impairment (primarily airflow limitation that is poorly reversible)
Host risk factors for COPD
Genetic
Lung growth, low BW, age
Risk factors for COPD - exposure
Tobacco smoke Biomass fuels, open fires Occupational dusts and exposures C/c uncontrolled asthma Lower socioeconomic status
Dx of COPD
Hx and symptoms e.g. SOB/ wheeze, c/c cough, sputum production
Possible risk factors
Spirometry
Measurements in spirometry
FEV1 FVC FEV1/ FVC ratio PEFR FEF 25%-75%
FEV1
Forced expired volume in 1 seconds
FVC
Forced vital capacity
PEFR
Peak expiratory flow rate
FEF 25-75%
Forced expiratory flow between 25-75% of the vital capacity
How does spirometry measures change according to height
Tall people have large lungs
How does spiromtry measures change according to age
Resp function decline w/ age
How do spirometry measures change w/ sex
Lung volumes smaller in females
How does spirometry measures change w/ race
Black people and asians have smaller lung volumes (-12%)
How does spirometry measures change w/ posture
Little difference between sitting and standing
Reduced in supine
How long to wait when giving a SABA for bronchodilatory reversibility testing
20 mins before retesting
How long to wait when giving a LABA for bronchodilatory reversibility testing
2hrs before retesting
Criteria for GOLD 1
FEV1 > 80% predicted
Criteria for GOLD 2
50% < FEV1 < 80% predicted
Criteria for GOLD 3
30% < FEV1 < 50% predicted
Criteria for GOLD 4
FEV1 < 30% predicted
Key indicators for a dx of COPD
Dyspnoea C/c cough C/c sputum production Recurrent LRTI Hx of risk factors Fhx of COPD
Dyspnoea in COPD
Progressive over time
Characteristically worse w/ exercise
Persistent
C/c cough in COPD
May be intermittent and may be unproductive
Recurrent wheeze
Intrathoracic causes of c/c cough
Asthma Lung cancer TB Bronchiectasis Left HF ILD CF Idiopathic cough
Extrathoracic causes of c/c cough
C/c allergic rhinitis
PND Syndrome
GORD
Medication e.g. ACEi
What should be looked for in initial assessment of COPD pts
FEV1 - GOLD 1-4 Exacerbation hx Smoking Alpha1-antitrypsin Comorbidities
Initial mx of COPD pts
Smoking cessation Vaccination Active lifestyle and exercise Initial pharmacotherapy Self-mx education Mnage comorbidities
Self-mx education for cOPD
Risk factor mx
Inhaler technique
Breathlessness
Written action plan
How do we aim to reduce symptoms in stable COPD
By relieving symptoms
Improving exercise tolerance
Improving health status
How do we aim to reduce risk in stable COPD
Prevent disease progression
Prevent and treat exacerbations
Reduce mortality
What needs to be taken into account for mx of COPD
Degree of airflow obstruction
Exacerbation
Symptoms
Initial pharmacological treatment of COPD for those w/ no exacerbation hx
SABA or LAMA
LABA or LAMA if CAT < 10
When would you consider giving a LAMA and LABA for COPD
If highly symptomatic
When would you consider giving ICS and LABA for COPD
If Eos > 100
Effects of LABA/ LAMA combinations in COPD pts
Increases FEV1
Reduces symptoms
Reduces exacerbation rates
Non-pharma mx of COPD
Smoking cessation Pulmonary rehab Nutrition incl vit D supplementation Vaccinations Candidate for long-term oxygen therapy
What is an exacerbation of COPD defined by
Increase in dyspnoea
Increase in cough
Increase in sputum volume/ purulence
WITH or WITHOUT symptoms of an URTI
What % of COPD exacerbations are bacterial
30-50% - H.influenza, strep pneumonia
What % of COPD exacerbations are viral
30% - rhinovirus, influenza
Mx of a/c exacerbations of COPD
Regular nebulisers - bronchodilators
Abx
Steroids (30mg pred for 5/7 - 7/7)
Consider need for non-invasive ventilation in more severe exacerbations
When would you give abx for a/c exacerbations of COPD
Usually for pts w/ hx of more purulent sputum, otherwise only if consolidation on CXR or clinical signs of pneumonia
Drug treatments used in resp med
Bronchodilators - anti-chilergics, beta-agonists Corticosteroids Leukotriene receptor antagonists Cromones Monoclonal antibodies - asthma Methylxanthines Phosphodiesterase inhibitors Mucolytics
SE of beta-2 agonists
Tremor
Tachycardia. palpitations
Decreased K
Ultra long-acting B2 agonists
Indacaterol (Onbrez) - COPD
Vilanterol
Olodaterol
Examples of short acting anticholinergics
Ipratropium
Examples of long acting anticholinergics
Tiotropium
Glycopyrronium
Alidinium
Role of administration for anticholinergics
Inhaled
Indications for Anticholinergics
COPD
Severe asthma
Beneficial effects of corticosteroids in resp system
Reduce infl mediators
Increases anti-infl mediators
Reduce eosinophils, macrophages, lymphocytes
Examples of combination inhalers
Seretide Symbicort Fostair Relval lepta Anoro elllipta
Components of Symbicort
Budesonide & formoterol
Components of Fostair
Beclomethaosne & formoterol
Components of Flutiform
Fluticasone & formaterol
Examples of leukrotriene receptor antagonists
Montekulast
Zafirkulast
Pranlukast
Indication for leukotriene inhibitors
Aspirin sensitive asthma
Infl effects of leukotrienes in the airways
Increased mucus secretion
Epithelial cell damage
Eosinophil recruitment
Increased release of bradykinins
What are cromones
Mast cell stabilisers
Administration of cromones
Inhaled
QDS
Which group of people are cromones usually given to
Children
Omalizumab
Monoclonal antibody - binds circulating IgE
Given in anaphylaxis and uncontrolled allergic asthma
Mepolizumab
Monoclonal antibody - blocks IL-5
Reduces exacerbations but no change in symptoms
Administration of mepolizumab
4 weekly injections
Administration of Xanthines
Oral or IV
Examples of xanthines
Theophylline
Aminophylline
Effects of xanthines
Inhibit phosphodiesterase
Have bronchodilatory and anti-infl effects
SE of xanthines
Nausea
Drug interactions - low therapeutic range
PDE4 inhibitors
New gen “theophyllines”
Admin of PDE4 inhibitors
Po
Example of PDE4 inhibitors
Roflumilast
SE of PDE4 inhibitors
Nausea
Examples of mucolytics
Carbocysteine
Erdosteine
Mecysteine
Administration of mucolytics
po
Indication for mucolytics
Pts w/ c/c bronchitis
Asthma treatment cascade
Allergen/ irritant exposure – avoidance
Infl – anti-infl
Infl mediator please - mediator blockers
Bronchoconstriction - bronchodilators
Inh vs po drugs
Inhaled drug delivers drugs where required
Reduced systemic exposure
Reduced systemic adverse effects
Types of inhalers - structural
Nebuliser
Metered dose inhaler
Dry powder inhaler
Advantages of spacers
Helps co-ordination
Less oropharyngeal deposition
Improved lung delivery
Comparable efficacy to nebulisers
Disadvantages of spacers
Size
Cost
Assembling - older people
Electrostatic - increased delivery in primed or used spacers
Phases of coughing
Irritation
Inspiration
Compression
Expulsion
Presentation of influenza
Fever Non-productive cough Myalgia Headaches Malaise Sore throat Rhinitis
Mx of influenza
Analgesia Antipyretics Fluids O2 Antivirals Resp isolation
What does alpha-antitrypsin do
Neutralises proteases
What properties do lysosomes and lactoferrin
Bactericidal
Examples of URTI
Pharyngitis A/c laryngitis Bacterial epiglottis Sinusitis Common cold Influenza Croup Pertussis
Pharyngitts
Inflammation of the nasopharyngeal mucosa with reactive inflammation of the lymph nodes and tonsils.
Non infective causes of pharyngitis
Allergic rhinitis
Irritative pharyngitis
Complications of pharyngitis
Abcess formation and tonsil hypertrophy = airway obstruction
A/c rheumatic fever
ReA
Features of pharyngitis
Sore throat - worse when swallowing Neck pain and swelling Fever Headache Swollen tonsils
Symptoms in bacterial vs viral pharyngitis
Bacterial - sudden onset, tonsils exudes and fever
Viral - cough, nasal congestion, coryza, oral ulcers
Symptoms resolve in 3-5days in viral and 5-7 days in bacterial
Symptoms of a/c laryngitis
Flu like: fever, cough, malaise, enlarged lymph nodes, Stridor, hoarseness, pain.
Dx of laryngitis
Laryngoscopy shows swollen, red vocal folds
Biopsy
Blood culture
Mx of laryngitis
Analgesics
NSAIDs
Abx
Voice rest
What is bacterial epiglottis caused by
Caused by inflammatory cell accumulation = airway narrows = airway obstruction
Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staph aureus.
Complications of bacterial epiglottis
Airway obstruction,
Oropharyngeal secretion aspiration
Cardiopulmonary arrest
Death may occur due to occluded airway
Features of bacterial epiglottis
Dysphagia Distress Tachypnoea Cyanosis Sore throat Fever Individual refuses to lie down
Ix for bacterial epiglottis
Laryngoscopy: swollen, red epiglottis
X-ray: shadow of enlarged epiglottis
Lab results: Increased WBC, CRP, Culture.
Risk factors for sinusitis
Allergies
Dental infections spreading to maxillary sinus
Tumours
Genetic disorders (Kartagener’s CF)
Complications of sinusitis
Meningitis
Cavernous sinus thrombosis
Abcess
Features of bacterial sinusitis
Fever Headache Pain when leaning forward Voice change Lasts > 10 days
Features of viral sinusitis
Self limiting Painful sinus on leaning forward Discharge Lasts <10 days PND irritate larynx and causes cough
Croup
Laryngobronchitis
Usually seen in children
Viruses causing croup
Parainfluenza virus RSV Influenza A and B Rhinoviruses Adenovirus Measles
Px of croup
Child develops harsh, barking cough w/ URTI which may progress to stridor
Mx of croup
Often no treatment required but some children develop more severe LRTI —> intubation and ventilation
Oral pred can be used
Duration of acute cough
<3/52
Duration of subacute cough
3/52 - 8/52
Duration of c/c cough
8/52 +
Diurnal variation of asthma symptoms
Worse at night/ early morning
Stridor vs wheeze
Stridor comes from upper airway (obstruction) and is heard on inspiration
Wheeze comes from lower airways and is heard on expiration
Examination findings for asthma
Use of accessory muscles Tracheal tug Expiratory wheeze High RR Tremor, tachy (salbutamol) Subcostal and IC recession
How to take a peak flow measurement
Ask pt to stand up
Take a deep breathe in and out
Take another deep breath in
Purse lips around peak flow meter and breathe out as fast as they can
CXR findings of COPD
Extra long lungs Flattened diaphragm (hyperinflation) Prominent vascular markings
Stages of lung maturation and development
Pseudoglandular (5-17 weeks)
Canalicular (16-25 weeks)
Saccular (terminal sac) (24 weeks to birth)
Alveolar (late foetal period to ~8yrs)
Clinical problems w/ lung surfactant production
Adequate amounts of surfactant not produced until ~32nd week Premature infants (up to prenatal 7 months) – respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) = insufficient surfactant Resulting in increased surface tension = collapse of alveoli (atelectasis)
Types of movement of air in resp system
Conduction in larger airways
Diffusion in smaller airways
Calculating minute ventilation
Tidal volume x RR
Alveolar ventilation
(Tidal volume - dead volume) x RR
Determine O2 and CO2 conc in blood
Functional residual capacity
Volume of air already in lung before inspiration
Vital capacity
Air that can be drawn in from residual volume
Hysteresis
Difference in compliance between inspiration and expiration
If lungs fill w/ water, the gradient increases as lungs will be more compliant and hysteresis disappears
What happens when the vagus nerve is stimulated
Bronchoconstriction - parasympathetic fibres
What does sympathetic innervation of beta2 adrenergic receptors cause in smooth muscle
Bronchodilation
Oxygen content vs oxygen saturation
Content - amount of O2 carried by 1L of blood
Sat - % of O2 carrying sites on Hb occupied by O2 (should be 100%)
Drugs exacerbating asthma
NSAIDs
BB
What is the physiological mechanism of breathlessness in COP
Increased Residual Volume - all the air cannot be expelled due to hyperinflation and gas trapping
How does Total Lung Capacity change in emphysema
Increases
How does Forced Vital Capacity change in lung diseases
Normal COPD
Decreased in ILD
How many measurements should be taken on a peak flow meter
3
Peak flow diary
Usually kept for 2+ weeks
Aim to take measurements QDS
Look for diurnal variation
Calculating PEF variability
(PEFmax - PEFmin)/ (1/2 (PEFmax + PEFmin))
Variability > 20% - asthma
FEV1/FVC ration in obstructive lung disease
<70%
Why is Asthma worse at night
Low cortisol at night
Asthma mx algorithm
SABA - reliever and low dose ICS (preventer)
Add LABA to ICS (combi inhaler)
Increase ICS to medium dose or add LTRA
When are LABA/ LAMA inhalers most used
COPD
Characteristics of moderate a/c asthma
Increasing symptoms
Increasing PEF >50-75% best or predicted
Characteristics of a/c severe asthma
Any one of: PEF 33-50% best or predicted RR > 25 HR > 110 Inability to complete sentences in one breath
Clinical signs of life-threatening asthma
Altered conscious level Exhaustion Arrhythmia Hypotension Cyanosis Silent chest Poor resp effort
Measurements in life-threatening asthma
PEF < 33% best predicted
PaO2 < 92%
Normal PaCO2 (4.6-6.0kPa)
Characteristics of near-fatal asthma
Raised PaCO2 and/or requiring mechanical ventilation
Medications for a/c asthma
SABA (nebuliser) 5mg - 2 puffs QDS as well as prn
Ipratropium 500 microgram QDS
Corticosteroids (IV or po)
Oxygen (if sats below 94%)
Continue w/ usual asthma drugs
Corticosteroid dosage for a/c asthma
40mg Pred (give in the AM) - 0.5/kg of bw IV hydrocortisone 100mg
FEV1/ FVC ratio in restrictive lung disease
> 70%
Example of primary concordance
Pt doesn’t redeem prescription
Example of secondary concordance
Pt not taking medication as prescribed
What does adherence and compliance look at
Pts behaviour and attitudes
Concordance
Process entertaining pt views on medication-taking; agreement btwn patient + clinician
Triggers for asthma
Viral infections SMoking Pets Occupation GORD Drugs - NSAIDs and BB OSA Pregnancy Anapylaxis
How do we quantify breathlessness
MRC dyspnoea scale
Grades 1 - 5
Not troubled by breathlessness except on strenuous exercise to too breathless to leave the house/ breathless when dressing
When is it suggested to measure alpha1 antitrypsin in pts
Younger pts w/ COPD (<40)
Why might you see elevated Hb (polycythemia) in COPD
Hypoxia stimulated formation of erythropoietin in kidneys
Inhaled therapies for COPD
SABA or SAMA
LABA + LAMA or LABA + ICS (if features suggest steroid responsiveness)
LABA + LAMA + ICS
What is most likely to kill COPD pts
Hypoxia (resp failure)
Type 1 resp failure
Hypoxaemia only
Treat w/ O2
Type 2 resp failure
Hypoxaemia AND hypercapnia
Treat w/ O2 and NIV
Why does HCO3 rise in resp failure
Attempted compensation by kidneys
Contraindications of lung function tests
Pts who are acutely unwell PTX (until 6/52 recovery) Infection Haemoptysis MI/PE Major surgery
TLCO
Measure of gas transfer
When is TLCO < 80%
Emphysema
How does ILD affect TLC
Reduces it
Conditions w/ an obstructive picture on spirometer
Asthma
COPD
CF
Bronchiectasis
When do we see normal Spiro readings and low TLCO
Early ILD
Pulmonary arterial HTN (PAH)
Acidotic ABG
pH < 7.35
Alkalotic ABG
pH > 7.45
Metabolic acidosis on ABG
CO2 < 4.5 (low)
Bicarb < 22 (low)
Resp acidosis on ABG
CO2 > 6.0 (high)
Bicarb > 26 (high)
Resp alkalosis on ABG
CO2 < 4.5 (low)
BIcarb < 22 (low)
Metabolic alkalosis on ABG
CO2 > 6.0 (high)
Bicarb > 26 (high)
Causes of resp acidosis
Alveolar hyperventilation
Skeletal - kyphoscoliosis
Critical airway obstruction - asthma, COPD
Mechanical/ neuromuscular - musculodystrophy. myasthenia gravis
Causes of metabolic acidosis
M - methanol U - uraemia (CKD)* D - DKA P - propylene glycol I - infection, iron, isoniazid*, inborn errors of metabolism L - lactic acidosis E- ethylene glycol S - salicylates, sepsis*
Anion gap
(Na + K) - (Cl + HCO3) => 16
Cause of normal anion gap depsite deranged ABG
Bicarb losses from gut (diarrhoea)
Renal tubular acidosis
Causes of raised anion gap
Ketoacidosis Renal failure Lactic acidosis Salicylate toxicity Methanol Ethylene glycol
Causes of metabolic alkalosis
Loss of acid e.g. vomiting
Diuretics*
Milk-alkali syndrome
Hyperaldosteronism
When do you see a mixed picture ABG
Cardiac arrest
Resp failure
pO2 in resp failure
< 8.0
What are target sats in type 2 resp failure
88-92%
Loses hypoxic drive if given O2
Will retain more CO2
Timeframe of metabolic compensation on ABG
Takes weeks to change (c/c condn) but CO2 compensation is v quick
When is acute on chronic resp acidosis seen
Seen in exacerbations of COPD
Features of acute on chronic acidosis on ABG
Low pH (acidotic)
Raised CO2
Extremely elevated bicarb
When do we achieve 100% FiO2
15L of oxygen - max that can be given
FiO2
Fraction of inspired oxygen
Why would you given high flow O2 in an emergency despite type 2 resp failure
Hypoxia kills faster than hypercapnia
Redo ABG after
Signs of hyperinflation on CXR
Flattened hemidiaphrgam
Thin heart
Increase in anterior ribs seen (5-7)
Causes of stridor
Upper airway obstruction - croup, epiglottitis, inhalation of foreign body
What pathological changes will occur if asthma is not treated
Thickening of basement membrane due to hypertrophy of smooth muscle
Mucous gland hyperplasia
Desquamation of epithelium
Criteria for LTOT
Pt must be stable and on maximal therapy
PaO2 < 7.3
PaO2 7.3-7.8 w/ co-existing pulmonary disease