Respiratory disorders

Question 1

Asthma

Answer 1

Causes
Chronic, long-term inflammation of the lining of bronchi & bronchioles
Lining of airway swells reducing airflow to lungs
Overproduction of mucus contributes to reduced airflow
“Triggers” 🡪 cigarette smoke, dust, cold air, exercise, allergens (i.e. Pollen, animal dander)

Symptoms
Coughing
Wheezing
Tightness in chest
Shortness of breath

Treatment(s)
Not curable
Avoiding triggers
Inhalers (“puffers”) provide medications that dilate (open up) bronchi & bronchioles

Question 2

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Answer 2

Causes
- Mostly caused by cigarette smoke
Other causes include long-term exposure to pollution, dust, or fumes
Genetic disorders can cause emphysema

Symptoms
Similar to asthma

Treatment(s)
Not curable
medications, lifestyle changes
oxygen therapy
lung transplants in extreme cases

Question 3

Influenza (“the flu”)

Answer 3

Causes
- Flu virus

Symptoms
fever
dry cough
sore throat
runny nose
muscle & joint aches

Treatment(s)
Antiviral drugs if diagnosed within first 24-48 hrs

Question 4

Tuberculosis (TB) Arthur Morgan

Answer 4

Causes
Bacterial infection

Infects lungs first, but if not treated can affect nervous system, bones, joints, & spine

Most cases occur in developing countries

Symptoms
coughing
chest pain
weight loss
night sweats
coughing up blood
sometimes no symptoms

Treatment(s)
Vaccination for prevention

6 month course of antibiotics if you get infected

Question 5

Pneumonia

Answer 5

Causes
Lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi

Inflammation of lining of bronchi, bronchioles, & alveoli

Pus & mucus accumulates in alveoli preventing gas exchange

Symptoms
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
yellow & green phlegm

Treatment(s)
Antibiotics treat bacterial pneumonia

Infants & elderly especially susceptible due to weakened immune systems

Question 6

Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

Answer 6

Causes
Genetic disorder
Gene that controls mucus production is defective
Thick & sticky mucus clogs airways reducing airflow
Also affects digestion (pancreatic function)

Symptoms
Persistent cough
Excess mucus
More susceptible to lung infections (i.e. Pneumonia)

Treatment(s)
Not curable
Clearing excess mucus (percussion)
Antibiotics treat other infections
Ongoing physiotherapy
Lung transplants