Respiratory Diseases Flashcards
what is asthma
reversible airflow obstruction
what is the pathogenesis of asthma
overreaction to seemingly harmless stimuli such as allergens triggering IgE production which causes B and T cell interaction and degranulation of mast cells
leading to narrowing of airways, oedema and mucous
name symptoms of asthma
cough
wheeze
SOB
diurnal variation (worse at night)
how is asthma monitored
PERF tests airway resistance
skin prick testing can be used to determine atopy
what does treatment using inhaled short acting B2 agonist as required produce
no effect on mucus or oedema
relaxes bronchial smooth muscle
what is the purpose of inhaled steroids in asthma treatment
reduces mucosal oedema
reduces production of inflammatory mediators that cause smooth muscle constriction
when are inhaled steroids given
if the short acting B2 agonist is needed more than 3x per week
when are long acting B2 agonists (LABA) used
as a preventor drug
used in conjunctional with inhaled steroid
what is COPD
condition with mixed airway reversible obstruction and destructive lung disease
what is bronchiectasis
recurring damage to the airway due to recurring infection
causes scarred and thickened airway wall and damage to surrounding muscles
airways less reactive
what is emphysema
destruction of alveolar sacs
dilation of other alveolar sacs to fill space
what are symptoms of emphysema
cough, mucus, fatigue, SOB, dyspnoea, chest discomfort
what is the treatment for COPD
non-drug based - inhaled therapy started if nothing works
what is type 1 respiratory failure
failure of oxygenation - poor alveolar ventilation and diffusion abnormality
can be due to thickening of alveolar mucosal barrier
what usually occurs in patients with type 1 respiratory failure
pink puffers
hyperventilate to compensate
