Lung diseases

Question 1

What are obstructive lung diseases?

Answer 1

a group of respiratory conditions characterized by airflow obstruction, making it difficult to exhale all the air from the lungs. This difficulty breathing out is due to damage to the lungs or narrowing of the airways.

Question 2

Examples of obstructive lung diseases?

Answer 2

• asthma
• bronchitis
• emphysema

Question 3

Clinical features of asthma

Answer 3

• thorax enlarged, detected by x-ray and confirmed by LFTs
• reduced FEV1 and VC
• increased RV
• FEV1 usually responds to bronchodilator by 15% or more

Question 4

Clinical features of bronchitis

Answer 4

• excessive mucus secretions in the bronchial tree, usually associated with a chronic cough and cigarette smoking

1) Thorax may be enlarged - detected by X-ray, confirmed by lung function tests.
2) Reduced FEV1 due to interference with the function of the lower airways
less than 2mm in diameter.
3) Increased residual volume.

Question 5

EMPHYSEMA clinical features

Answer 5

Characterised by an increase beyond normal in the size of the airspaces distal to
the terminal bronchioles due to loss or reduction in the elastic fibres and ruptured
alveolar septa. There is often a decrease in the pulmonary capillary bed.
Clinical features in the lung:
1) Thorax enlarged - detected by X-ray, confirmed by lung function
tests.
2) Reduced Vital Capacity and FEV1.
3) Increased residual volume and Total Lung Capacity.
4) Air trapping.
5) Decrease in gas transfer across alveolar membrane.
6) Increase in lung compliance.

Question 6

What is a restrictive lung disease?

Answer 6

Disease which reduces the expansion of the lungs.

Question 7

INTERSTITIAL FIBROSIS

Answer 7

Characterised by the space between the alveolar wall and blood capillary
becoming infiltrated with fibrous tissue formed from epithelial cells
Clinical features in the lung:
1) Reduced lung volumes.
2) Reduction in lung compliance.
3) Decrease in gas transfer across alveolar membrane.

Question 8

SARCOIDOSIS

Answer 8

Characterised by the presence of granulomatous tissue having a characteristic
histologic appearance. It often occurs in several organs. It may be occur in the
lymph nodes, skin, lungs, eyes, liver, spleen and elsewhere.
Clinical features in the lung:
1) Reduced lung volumes.
2) Reduced lung compliance.
3) Decrease in gas transfer across alveolar membrane.
4) X-ray may show fibrosis predominantly in the mid and upper zones.

Question 9

OBESITY

Answer 9

Chest wall movement and diaphragm movement are compromised due to
excessive weight on the chest and abdomen.
Clinical features in the lung:
1) Reduced lung volumes
2) Decrease in gas transfer across alveolar membrane, however specific
diffusing capacity (KCO) may be elevated.