Respiratory Malfunctions-possible Causes And Effects On Individual Flashcards
what are the respiratory malfunctions??
Asthma
Emphysema/COPD
Cystic fibrosis
What is the symptoms and effects of asthma??
Breathlessness, tightness of the chest and wheezing.
Asthma ‘attacks’ - episodes of wheezing that require and inhaler to open the airway.
What is asthma??
A condition that causes shortness of breath and coughing; it affects both adults and children. It is caused by the inflammation of the bronchi tubes located within the lungs that carry air in and out of the lungs. Common triggers pollen and animal fur.
Causes of asthma??
May be genetic. Exposure to tobacco as a child. Triggers such as dust, air pollution and chemicals such as chlorine in swimming pools. Exposure to smoking while in the womb. Being born prematurely.
What are the symptoms and effects of emphysema/COPD??
Shortness of breath, wheezing. Yellow sputum. Persistent cough that never goes away. Frequent chest infections. Symptoms get worse over time.
What is emphysema/COPD??
The airways of the lungs become inflamed and narrowed. As the alveoli get permanently damaged, it becomes increasingly difficult to breathe out.
Causes of emphysema/COPD??
Smoking is the main cause, responsible for around 90% of cases.
Certain types of fumes, dust and chemical exposure at work.
Genetic, but extremely rare.
What are the symptoms and effects of cystic fibrosis??
Lung problems - chest infections, persistent inflammation of airways, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath.
Digestive system - diarrhoea, diabetes and malnutrition because body struggles to digest and absorb nutrients.
Bowel obstruction.
What is cystic fibrosis??
Genetic condition that is present at birth, it causes the lungs and digestive system to become clogged with mucus.
Cause of cystic fibrosis??
Both parents must had a copy of the faulty gene. If only one copy of the faulty gene is inherited a child will be a carrier but will not have the condition themselves.
