Respiratory Disorders Flashcards
What are the respiratory disorders studied?
- drowning
- carbon monoxide poisoning
- tonsilitis
- common cold
- pneumonia
- pleurisy
- emphysema
- cystic fibrosis
- asthma
- lung cancer
What are the two respiratory disorder classifications?
restricitve and obstructive
What is a restrictive respiratory disorder?
the lung volume is decreased
What is an obstructive respiratory disorder?
when lung volumes are normal but flow rates are blocked
What is a laryngospasm?
a closing of the larynx
What are 10% of drowining caused from?
a laryngospasm
When do fresh water drowinings occur?
when the water washes away the caoting of the alveoli, causing them to collapse
How do salt water drowning occur?
salt water drownings cause a hypertonic environment for the alveoli and therefore fluid enters the lungs which prevents oxygen from entering the bloodstream
What is carbon monoxide (CO)?
a colourless, odourless, high density gas.
What is carbon monoxide the result of?
incomplete combustion for example, from an improperly working furnace
What does carbon monoxide do in the body?
it binds to the RBCs 200x better than oxygen
Is carbon monoxide poisoning fatal?
yes, if not treated immediately
What is tonsillitis?
an infection (viral) of the tonsils
What happens if a child has many infections of the tonsils?
the tonsils are surgically removed
It is believed the tonsils help prevent bacteria and other pathogens from entering the body - therefore a removal may increase the number of illnesses later in life
What is infectious rhinitis?
an upper respiratory tract infection of the common cold
What kind of infection is the common cold? What causes it?
It is a viral infections caused by the rhinovirus
How is the common cold spread?
through respiratory droplets in the air or direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surface (1 day before symptoms appear and up to 5 days after)
What are signs of the common cold?
- nasal congestion and watery discharge
- mouth breathing
- change in tone of voice
- sore throat
- headache
- slight fever
- cough
What are treatments for the common cold?
rest, fliuds, NOT anitbiotics - it is a virus.
Is there a cure or vaccine for the common cold?
no
The common cold is highly contagious. Initially, mucous membranes of nose, pharynx swell and increase secretions.
What is the best way to reduce the chances of getting a cold?
to wash your hands
What is bronchitis?
an infection of the bronchi
What are the two types of bronchitis?
acute and chronic