Respiratory Physiology in assessment in Clinical Practice Flashcards
What does smoking lead to?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Pneumonia
What can smoking worsen?
Asthma
Respiratory tract infections
How many times has obesity increased in the USA?
Tripled
What is the purpose of respiratory function tests?
Identify the abnormality - Obstructive, Restrictive, Mixed
Indicate location - Airways, Chest wall, Alveoli
Quantitate severity
How can airway function be tested?
Screening - Peak expiratory flow (PEF)
Intermediate - Flow-volume curves, Exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), Bronchodilator response, Steroid trial
What effects airway resistance?
Airway length
Radius of airways
Lung volume
Elastic recoil
Bronchomotor tone
What is a peak flow test?
Measures highest velocity of airflow from total lung capacity
Prescribable under NHS
Supports self-management at home
What does asthma do to the airways?
The airway wall inflames and thickens
What is Spirometry?
Screening disease effects on the airway mechanics
Primary and Secondary care
Used to assess interventions (inhalers)
How is Spirometry used?
Follows course of disease
Assesses bronchodilator, steroid and other intervention response
How often should asthma patients be reviewed?
At least anually
What is COPD characterised by?
Poorly reversible airflow obstruction and inflammatory response
Chronic bronchitis - mucus hypersecretion
Emphysema - Permanent enlargement of the airspaces and destruction of alveolar wall
Do respiratory muscles have inherent rhythm?
No
How do respiratory muscles generate tension?
Rhythmic pattern of neuron-induced action potentials
What position does the thorax assume at rest?
FRC position
