Respiratory conditions Flashcards
What is COPD?
COPD = Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
A progressive lung disease that makes it hard to breathe due to airflow blockage. Includes emphysema & chronic bronchitis.
hat are common causes of COPD?
Smoking (main cause)
Air pollution
Chemical fumes
Genetic factors (e.g., alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency)
What are common symptoms of COPD?
Breathlessness (especially on exertion)
Chronic cough with mucus
Wheezing
Chest tightness
Barrel chest
Pursed-lip breathing
Cyanosis & clubbing
How is COPD diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosis: Spirometry, chest X-ray, medical history
Treatment: Quit smoking, bronchodilators, steroids, oxygen, pulmonary rehab
What is emphysema?
A form of COPD where alveoli are destroyed, leading to air trapping and poor gas exchange.
What causes emphysema and what happens in the lungs?
Caused by smoking or genetic issues → Inflammation damages alveoli → Loss of elastic recoil → Air trapping & hyperinflation → Poor oxygen exchange
Symptoms of emphysema?
Pursed-lip breathing
Barrel chest
Fatigue
Hypoxia
Hypercapnia
Increased breathing effort
What is chronic bronchitis?
A type of COPD with long-term inflammation of airways and excess mucus production.
How is chronic bronchitis diagnosed and what happens in the lungs?
Diagnosed if cough with mucus lasts >3 months/year for 2+ years.
Inflammation → Thick mucus → Narrowed airways → Less air in & out
Symptoms of chronic bronchitis?
Productive cough
Shortness of breath
Frequent infections
Hypoxia & hypercapnia
Fatigue
Difference between emphysema and chronic bronchitis?
Emphysema: Alveoli are destroyed → air trapping
Chronic bronchitis: Airways inflamed & full of mucus
What is asthma?
Chronic airway inflammation triggered by allergens, cold air, exercise, etc. Causes narrowed airways & breathing issues.
Asthma pathophysiology and symptoms?
Inflamed airways → Mucus production & narrowing → Less airflow
Symptoms: Wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath
Treatment of asthma?
Salbutamol: Bronchodilator for quick relief
Fluticasone: Inhaled steroid to reduce inflammation
Use spacer if needed; rinse mouth after steroids
What is cystic fibrosis?
Genetic condition causing thick mucus due to faulty chloride channels. Affects lungs, pancreas, and more.
What happens in cystic fibrosis?
Thick mucus clogs airways → chronic infections & inflammation → damage over time → decreased lung function
Symptoms & treatment of cystic fibrosis?
Symptoms: Cough, frequent chest infections, poor weight gain
Treatment: Chest physio, mucus thinners, antibiotics, enzyme supplements, good nutrition
What is the most common cause of COPD?
smoking
How does alpha-1 anti-trypsine deficiency lead to emphysema?
Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a protein that protects the lungs from damage.
If you don’t have enough of this protein, the balance between harmful enzymes (proteases) and protective proteins (antiproteases) gets disrupted.
This can cause damage to the cells in your lungs, particularly in the tiny air sacs (alveoli), leading to conditions like emphysema.
What are common signs and symptoms of a asthma attack?
Coughing
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Cystic fibrosis:
causes thickening of the pleural fluid
is an autosomal recessive condition
affects potassium (K+) transport through the cell membrane
enhances the release of proteases
is an autosomal recessive condition
This means that an individual must inherit both recessive alleles to develop cystic fibrosis (heterozygous individuals will be carriers)
Briefly describe the pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis for the respiratory & GI systems.
In cystic fibrosis, salt can’t move out of cells properly, so mucus becomes thick and sticky. In the lungs, this blocks airways and causes infections. In the gut, it stops digestive enzymes from working well, which can lead to poor nutrition.
