respiratory malfunctions

Question 1

what is asthma?

Answer 1

it’s a long term inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs

Question 2

what are the causes of asthma?

Answer 2

possible genetic and environmental factors.

Question 3

what are the symptoms of asthma?

Answer 3

breathlessness, wheezing and coughing

Question 4

how is asthma monitored?

Answer 4

peak flow or spirometry and regular checks with a GP or asthma nurse

Question 5

what treatments are available for people with asthma?

Answer 5

1. relieve inhaler (blue) fast acting relaxes muscles in bronchi.
2. preventing inhaler (brown) used daily, reduced inflammation
3. inhalers are portable and unobtrusive but need to be used correctly so not great for children.
4. use of spacers with inhalers or nebuliser improves the uptake of the drug.
5. steroid or other medication may be required.

Question 6

what are other ways to reduce the symptoms of asthma?

Answer 6

1. avoiding triggers (stress, pollution, pollen ect)
2. attending regular check ups
3. flu jab for extra protection, reducing risks
4. exercising regular
5. keeping a healthy weight

Question 7

what is emphysema?

Answer 7

a type of COPDs where your airways are narrowed, and the alveoli are damaged

Question 8

what are the causes of emphysema?

Answer 8

smoking and pollution

Question 9

what are symptoms of emphysema?

Answer 9

breathlessness, phlegm, coughing and wheezing

Question 10

how is emphysema monitored?

Answer 10

peak flow or spirometry/ chest x-ray/ CT scan / regular check ups

Question 11

what are the emphysema treatments?

Answer 11

1. inhalers (bronchodilators) so it widens your airways.
2. corticosteroid drug
3. oxygen therapy (portable or fixed oxygen container)
4. chest drain (removes excess mucus)
5. antibiotics to treat bacterial infections

Question 12

what are other ways of reducing your symptoms of emphyema?

Answer 12

1. getting regular exercise
2. quitting smoking
3. healthy weight and diet
4. drinking more water to make the mucus thinner.

Question 13

what is cystic fibrosis?

Answer 13

the movement of salt and water in and out of cells is effected resulting in A BUILD UP OF THICK, STICKY MUCUS IN THE BODIES TUBES.

Question 14

what are the causes of cystic fibrosis?

Answer 14

it’s a genetic condition caused by a faulty gene.

Question 15

what are the symptoms of cystic fibrosis?

Answer 15

coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath

Question 16

how is cystic fibrosis monitored?

Answer 16

by having regular appointments to check lung infections (peak flow/spirometer test) or antibacterial screening (assays which is mucus collection)

Question 17

what treatment needs to happen for cystic fibrosis?

Answer 17

1. antibiotics (to prevent and teat chest infections).
2. medicines to make the mucus in the lungs thinner and easier to cough it up
3. bronchodilators (inhaler) to widen airways
4. steroid medicines to treat small growths inside the nose.
5. physiotherapy/vibrating jacket
6. lungthrosplant

Question 18

what are other ways to minimise symptoms of cystic fibrosis?

Answer 18

1. regular exercise can help strengthen lungs.
2. airway clearance techniques
3. healthy diet and weight.