Respiratory Physiology Flashcards
what is Centri-acinar emphysema?
It is characterized by the destruction of the respiratory bronchioles and surrounding structures.
it is primarily associated with smoking and affects the upper lobes of the lungs
what is emphysema?
a condition in which air sacs of the lungs are damaged and enlarged, causing breathlessness
what is compliance?
refers to the ease with which the lungs can be expanded (stretched)
what is spirometry?
the measure of breaths to assess lung function
what do you measure in spirometry?
the speed and amount of air going into and out of the lungs
what 2 machines are used to cary out spirometry?
peak flow meter
vitalograph machine
what does FEV stand for?
Forced Expired Volume
what does FVC stand for?
Forced Vital Capacity
what is FVC?
the total volume of air expelled from the lungs after 6 seconds
what are the main symptoms of COPD?
Shortness of breath (SOB)
Sputum
Chronic cough
what are the risk factors for COPD?
Smoking
Occupation
Indoor/outdoor pollution
what is COPD?
an airway disease where there is irreversible obstruction of airflow that usually deteriorates over time
give examples of COPD diseases
chronic bronchitis
emphsema
what is cystic fibrosis and bronchiactasis?
obstructive lung diseases
*but NOT COPD
describe the characteristics of COPD
- major cause of death and disability
- associated with abnormal inflammatory response
- characterised by airway limitation/obstruction that is not fully reversible
-involves progressive, frequent exacerbations of increasing severity
-breathlessness (dysponea) on exertion
why does hyperinflation occur?
due to the destruction of supporting tissue in emphsema
this causes airways to collapse (due to lack of support), and there is increased resistance to expiratory flow, therefore increased likelihood of air remaining in the lungs.
where is the obstruction in chronic bronchitis?
within the airway leading to reduced amount of air leavig lungs
what 2 things can lead to hyperinflation?
decreased elastic recoil
airway obstruction
why does chronic bronchitis usually develop?
in reponse to irritation by smoking or inhaled particles and airway inflammation develops
what does inflammation of airways in chronic bronchitis cause?
- hypertrophy of muscle glands
-hypertrophy of smooth muscle lining the airway
- increased numbers of neutrophil, macrophages and lymphocytes (inflammatory cells)
-increased number and size of goblet cells (mucus producing glands)
-increased mucus increases rise of infection
-odemea (swelling) of the lining of the airway
what contributes to a decreased lumen diameter in chronic brochitis?
-excess mucus
-impaired ability to clear airways
-inflammatory changes
-smooth muscle hypertrophy
-contraction
what occurs in emphysema?
destruction of the aveolar walls so there are fewer larger aveoli (air spaces) that are permanently inflated
in emphysema what causes aveolar damage?
is caused by protease breaking down alveolar components
in emphysema what structures are damaged?
alveolar walls, alveoli, capillaries
what happens when capillaries are damaged?
there is loss of perfusion with blood and less diffusion of respiratory gasses
what are the consequences of capillary destruction?
can lead to:
pulmonary hyoertension increase stress on RHS of the heart
development of cor pulmonary
what is VO2 max?
a measure on an individuals maximal oxygen uptake (aerobic capacity)
