WEEK 3

Question 1

Chronic bronchitis complications

Answer 1

(Daily cough and sputum production lasting at least 3 months, 2 years in a row)
- COPD
- Frequent respiratory infections (eg pneumonia),
- Respiratory failure
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Heart problems

Question 2

Major pathological features of emphysema and complications

Answer 2

Emphysema is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath.

MAJOR PATHOLOGICAL FEATURES:
The air sacs in the lungs are damaged and over time,
- the inner walls of the air sacs weaken and rupture — creating larger air spaces which causes swelling
- This reduces the surface area of the lungs and, in turn, the amount of oxygen that reaches the bloodstream.

COMPLICATIONS
- Collapsed lung (pneumothorax),
- Heart problems (hypoxic cor pulmonale)
- Large holes in the lungs (bullae),
- Severe shortness of breath = lung transplant.