Respiratory Diseases Flashcards
What does COPD stand for?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
What 2 diseases are involved in COPD?
Chronic bronchitis and emphysema
Suggest a genetic cause of emphysema.
Deficiency of alpha1-antitrypsin (inhibits a range of proteases) causes destruction of alveolar walls by elastase.
Why does COPD cause mucus accumulation?
- Goblet cell hyperplasia
- Smaller proportion of ciliated cells
- Hypertrophy of submucosal glands
More mucus and less cilia to move it
How can Clara cell protein act as a disease marker?
- If lowered in BAL fluid - lung damage.
- If raised in serum - leakage across air/blood barrier.
What is a hallmark sign of emphysema?
Pursed-lip breathing
What is a common cause of emphysema?
Smoking
Why is barrelled-chest a common symptom of emphysema?
Destruction of alveolar walls so alveoli can’t hold bronchioles open - bronchioles collapse so air trapped in alveoli.
What is pneumonia?
Lung inflammation caused by bacterial infection (eg Streptococcus pneumoniae) - lung consolidates as alveoli fill with inflammatory cells.
How can lung cancer causes paralysis of 1 side of diaphragm?
If tumour impinges on right or left phrenic nerve
How can a pancoast tumour cause wasting of lower arm muscles?
If impinges on brachial plexus
How can a pancoast tumour cause Horner’s syndrome?
If impinges on sympathetic trunk nerves
What are the symptoms of Horner’s syndrome?
Miosis (constricted pupil), ptosis (weak droopy eyelid) and apparent anhydrosis (localised decreased sweating).
How can a pancoast tumour cause a hoarse voice?
If impinges on left recurrent laryngeal nerve (loops under aorta)
