Respiratory Disorders1 Flashcards by Andrea M

What is Diabetes Insipidus (DI)?

A condition where the body has trouble regulating water due to problems with antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

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Which hormone is involved in Diabetes Insipidus?

ADH (antidiuretic hormone), also called vasopressin.

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What happens in the body with Diabetes Insipidus?

The kidneys can’t retain water, causing excessive urination and dehydration.

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What are the two main types of Diabetes Insipidus?

Central DI – Not enough ADH is made

Nephrogenic DI – Kidneys don’t respond to ADH.

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How does Central DI differ from Nephrogenic DI?

Central = brain problem (low ADH production)
Nephrogenic = kidney problem (resistance to ADH).

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What are the main symptoms of Diabetes Insipidus?

Extreme thirst (polydipsia)

Frequent urination (polyuria)

Very dilute urine

Risk of dehydration.

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How to remember Diabetes Insipidus symptoms?

Think ‘Dry Inside’ — ADH is missing or ignored → you pee out too much water → dehydration.

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What would you find in a urine test for DI?

Very dilute urine with low specific gravity.

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How is Diabetes Insipidus different from Diabetes Mellitus?

DI = water imbalance due to ADH issues

DM = sugar imbalance due to insulin issues.

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What is the main issue in DI repeated another way?

The body loses too much water because ADH is either not there or not working.

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What is hypoventilation?

It’s when not enough air reaches the alveoli, leading to increased CO₂ (hypercapnia) and low oxygen levels (hypoxemia).

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What happens to blood gases during hypoventilation?

PaCO₂ increases, and oxygen levels drop, causing respiratory acidosis.

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What is hyperventilation?

Breathing too fast or deep → too much CO₂ is exhaled → leads to hypocapnia (low CO₂).

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What blood gas change is caused by hyperventilation?

It causes low PaCO₂, leading to alkalosis.

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What is the difference between hypoxemia and hypoxia?

Hypoxemia = Low oxygen in the blood

Hypoxia = Low oxygen in the tissues

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Can you have hypoxia without hypoxemia?

Yes, if blood flow is impaired, tissues may not get oxygen even if blood oxygen is normal.

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What are the key blood gas values in acute respiratory failure (ARF)?

PaO₂ < 60 mmHg (hypoxemia)

PaCO₂ > 50 mmHg (hypercapnia)

pH < 7.3

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What defines acute respiratory failure?

Inadequate gas exchange → low oxygen, high CO₂, and acidic blood pH.

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What is the hallmark of obstructive lung diseases?

Increased resistance to airflow, especially during exhalation.

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What are 3 major features of asthma?

Reversible airway obstruction

Airway inflammation

Hyperreactive airways

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What triggers extrinsic asthma?

Allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander → stimulate mast cells to release inflammatory mediators.

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What cells are activated in allergic asthma?

Mast cells → release histamine, leukotrienes → cause bronchoconstriction & inflammation.

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How is intrinsic asthma different from allergic asthma?

Not caused by allergens. Triggered by exercise, cold air, infections, meds, etc.

How is chronic bronchitis diagnosed?

Productive cough >3 months/year for 2 consecutive years.

What color is the patient often described as in chronic bronchitis?

"Blue bloater" – due to cyanosis and fluid retention.

What happens to alveoli in emphysema?

Alveoli are permanently enlarged and their walls are destroyed, reducing gas exchange.

What leads to the loss of alveolar walls in emphysema?

Proteolytic enzymes (e.g., elastase) from inflammation break down lung tissue.

What is a typical sign of emphysema?

Barrel chest, pursed-lip breathing, and thin body habitus → “Pink puffer”

What is a pneumothorax?

Air enters the pleural space, causing the lung to collapse.

What are key signs of pneumothorax?

Sudden chest pain, decreased breath sounds, and tracheal shift in tension pneumothorax.

What causes pneumonia?

Infection (bacterial, viral, fungal) → inflammation and fluid-filled alveoli.

What happens in the lungs during pneumonia?

Alveoli fill with exudate and immune cells, impairing gas exchange.

What are the hallmark features of asthma?

Reversible airway obstruction, inflammation, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

What triggers extrinsic (allergic) asthma?

Allergens causing mast cell degranulation and release of histamine, leading to inflammation and bronchoconstriction.

What are common symptoms of an asthma attack?

Wheezing, chest tightness, dyspnea, cough, and increased sputum production.

What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic asthma?

Intrinsic is non-allergic and often affects middle-aged adults; extrinsic is triggered by allergens and more common in youth.

What are the two main conditions under COPD?

Chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

What defines chronic bronchitis?

Productive cough lasting ≥3 months for ≥2 consecutive years with excessive mucus.

What is the main pathophysiological feature of emphysema?

Destruction of alveolar walls, leading to air trapping and impaired gas exchange.

Signs of advanced emphysema?

Barrel chest, thin appearance, prolonged expiration, clubbing of fingers.

What is aspiration?

Inhalation of oropharyngeal or gastric contents into the lungs, causing inflammation or infection.

Who is at high risk for aspiration?

Patients with impaired swallowing, unconsciousness, or tube feeding.

What causes pneumonia?

Infection from bacteria, viruses, or fungi; often due to aspiration or inhaled pathogens.

How does pneumonia affect the lungs?

Inflammation and fluid accumulation in alveoli impairing oxygen exchange.

Common pneumonia symptoms?

Fever, cough, chest pain, dyspnea, fatigue, crackles on auscultation.

Viral vs. bacterial pneumonia?

Viral typically lacks exudate; bacterial involves consolidation and fluid-filled alveoli.

What is pulmonary edema?

Fluid buildup in alveoli and interstitial lung tissue.

Causes of pulmonary edema?

Left-sided heart failure, ARDS, fluid overload, or lung injury.

Symptoms of pulmonary edema?

Dyspnea, pink frothy sputum, orthopnea, crackles, and restlessness.

What is atelectasis?

Collapse or closure of alveoli causing decreased gas exchange.

Causes of atelectasis?

Mucus plugs, shallow breathing, tumor, or post-operative immobility.

Signs of atelectasis?

Diminished breath sounds, dyspnea, low-grade fever, hypoxemia.

What is influenza?

A viral respiratory infection marked by systemic and respiratory symptoms.

Key symptoms of influenza?

Fever, chills, myalgia, dry cough, fatigue, sore throat.

Why is influenza dangerous for the elderly or immunocompromised?

It can lead to complications like pneumonia or worsen chronic conditions.