Respiratory Conditions Flashcards
What respiratory changes take place in pregnancy?
- Elevation of diaphragm
- Enlarged capillaries
- Increased tidal volume and oxygen consumption
What are the 2 types of breathlessness in pregnancy?
- Physiological
- Pathological
What is physiological breathlessness?
- Only when supine
- Normal Hb and RR
- SATS >95%
- In 2nd/3rd trimester
What is pathological breathlessness?
- Always present
- Anaemia
- RR <12 or >24
- Chest pain
- Hypertension
- SATS <95%
What are the signs and symptoms of asthma?
- Tight chest
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing/ wheezing
What are some of the risk factors for asthma?
- Smoking
- Allergies
- Exercise
- Medical conditions
How can asthma attacks be avoided by the mother?
- Use inhaler
- Check before taking medication
- Vaccines
- Identify and avoid triggers
- Keep warm and dry
What medications are used to treat asthma?
Bronchodilators:
- Salbutamol, Terbutaline
Inhaled corticosteroids
- Albuterol, Chromogylcate, Beclomethasone
What is Tuberculosis?
Bacterial infection of the lungs
What are the risk factors for Tuberculosis?
- HIV
- Malnutrition
- Ethnic minorities
- Diabetes
- Smoking/ alcohol
How is Tuberculosis treated?
Antibiotics and corticosteroids
What are the signs and symptoms of Tuberculosis?
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- High temperature
- Loss of appetite
What complications does Tuberculosis cause in pregnancy?
- Epidural contraindicated
- BCG needed for baby
- BF NOT contraindicated
What is cystic fibrosis?
- Genetic disorder that clogs internal organs with thick, sticky mucus
- Recessive
What are the signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis?
- Malnutrition
- Recurrent chest infections
- Respiratory failure
- Persistent cough
- Loose stools
