Respiratory system Flashcards
Exam 1
What is the pathology of asthma?
A narrow lumen in people with asthma which means air restriction flow
An increase in goblet cells (hyperplasia) so more mucus is secreted
Smooth muscle is thicker and increase in blood vessels which have oedema and become leaky
An increase in collagen makes it thicker
What is the early phase of asthma?
– Hypersensitivity
– Spasm of airways smooth muscle
– Hyper secretion of mucus
– Bronchoconstriction
What is the late phase of asthma?
– Cellular infiltration – injury of airway epithelium – hypersensitivity – loss of ciliary function –bronchoconstriction
What are the symptoms of asthma?
– Wheezing (especially on expiration)
– Breathlessness (not enough O2)
– Coughing
– Chest tightness
What is bronchitis?
Inflammation of bronchioles
What is emphysema?
The membranes in the alveoli which hold them are broken down which leads to large holes in air spaces
Not efficient gas exchange
What are symptoms of chronic bronchitis?
– Excess mucus production – bronchospasm – wheezing dyspnea – hypoxia and hypercapnia – productive cough – overweight
What are the symptoms of emphysema?
– Increase dyspnoea even at rest – Minimal cough – hyperventilation – thin pursed lips to compensate for lack of elastic recoil
What does hyperplasia mean?
An enlargement due to the increase in production of cells
What does hyper trophy mean?
An enlargement due to the cell size increase
Why is there an increase in luminal mucus with asthma and COPD?
Goblet cells hyperplasia and metaplasia
Submucosal gland hyper trophy
What is the name given when cilia can’t clear mucus?
Abnormal mucociliary clearance
Is it common to have COPD if under 35?
No it is rare
Is a chronic productive cough present in asthma symptoms?
No more of a dry cough
Where are the guidelines for asthma treatment and diagnosis?
BTS/ SIGN 2019
Where are the guidelines for COPD treatment and diagnosis?
NICE NG115
What does atopic history mean?
Strong links with other allergies for example eczema
What can be some triggers of asthma?
Allergen exposure, infection, cold air, exercise, some medication (NSAID’s)
What is included in a high diagnosis probability of asthma?
Typical symptoms, wheeze, no suggestion of alternative
Record likely asthma, start treatment for six weeks with inhaled corticosteroid reassess symptoms
What is included in a medium diagnosis probability of asthma?
Some but not all typical features or do not respond to initial treatment
Carry out reversibility test with Bronco dilator repeat after ICS
What is peak expiratory flow and give the benefits?
Measurement of volume of air expelled from lungs
Cheap and easy to use
Can keep a diary
Useful diagnosis and monitoring
Give red flags in asthma diagnosis:
– Unexpected clinical features (crackles)
– Persistent breathlessness
– X-ray shows shadows
– Chronic sputum production
If over 35, what other symptoms are likely to be COPD?
- Excertional breathlessness
- Chronic cough
- Regular sputum production
- Freq winter bronchitis
- Wheeze
What are two red flag symptoms of COPD?
Chest pain and haemoptysis- coughing up blood