Respiratory case examples Flashcards
what happens in severe COPD?
decrease in FVC and FEV1 (more so)
ratio of FEV1:FVC decreases
hyperinflation limits inspiration
airway closure limits expiration
what causes reduced FVC and FEV1 to similar degrees and is treated by corticosteroids?
sarcoidosis
what is sarcoidosis ?
uncommon chronic inflammatory condition which produces granulomata in various tissues and organs, including skin, liver, lung, brain and heart
restrictive lung disease results from extensive deposition of inflammatory infiltrates
what are the symptoms of sarcoidosis?
fatigue and breathlessness and persistent cough enlarged hilar lymph nodes erythema nodosum plaques maculopapular eruptions subcutaneous nodules lupus pernio
diagnosis of sarcoidosis
often difficult and may need lymph node biopsy
severe pulmonary fibrosis
decreased FVC and FEV1 to similar degrees so ratio remains unchanged . this is because the lungs cannot expand normally because of restriction
what is erythema nodosum
swollen fat under the skin causing red bumps and patches
why is asthma particularly troublesome at night?
allergens in bedroom
air is coldest
nasal secretions can drip into the chest
natural cortisol levels are lower
what drugs are in the brown inhaler?
steroid - to reduce inflammation
long acting Beta2 adrenoreceptor agonist - salmeterol
asthma
FVC unchanged
FEV1 decreased
ratio decreased
what are the features of nail clubbing?
softening of nail bed
loss of nail bed angle
increased convexity of nail fold
drumsticking of the finger distally
what conditions cause finger clubbing?
lung cancer bronchiectasis lung abscess hypersensitivity pneumonitis CF sarcoidosis asbestosis TB congenital heart disease Inflammatory bowel disease cirrhosis
how does pulmonary fibrosis appear on a CT scan?
Ground glass/ broken glass appearance which do not clear with coughing
what does asbestos do?
causes fibrosis
and less commonly mesothelioma
what is a mesothelioma?
caused by asbestos exposure
rare and fatal tumour of pleura
