Lung Diseases Flashcards
(18 cards)
What experimental evidence is there linking cigarette smoking to disease and early death
observations found the development of tumours in experimental animals exposed to tobacco smoke is similar to that in humans
What epidemiological evidence is there linking cigarette smoking to disease and early death
Observations found an apparent link between the incidence of smoking and incidence of disease
What is epidemiology
The study of patterns of disease and the various factors that affect the spread of disease.
When do correlations occur
when a change in one or two variables (e.g. number of cigarettes smoked) is reflected by a change in the other variable (e.g. lung cancer deaths per million per year).
Do correlations mean causations
No, as other variables may be playing a role
List the factors that increase the risk of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
Smoking
Air pollution – particulates and gases like sulphur dioxide.
Genetic make up
Infections- higher number of cases of COPD in people who get other chest infections
Occupation – people working with harmful chemicals
What type of chemical is tar
A noxious chemical
What noxious chemicals are contained within tobacco smoke
tar
carbon monoxide
nicotine
carcinogens
List the smoking - related illnesses that the noxious chemicals contained within tobacco smoke are responsible for
emphysema
bronchitis
COPD – chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
lung cancer
coronary heart disease
stroke
What does tar do in the body
Accumulates in the airways (especially the bronchi) and irritates them (also increases diffusion distance)
Paralyses cilia so cannot move mucus up trachea
Enlarges goblet cells therefore they secrete more mucus
What are the effects of what tar does in the body
Chronic bronchitis as microbes trapped in mucus
Makes individual more susceptible to Emphysema, bronchitis, pneumonia
Describe long term effects of tar (1)
A long term smokers cough caused by the build up of mucus results in damage to the delicate epithelial lining of the alveoli
Lining is replaced by thick inflexible scar tissue and the smooth muscle thickens.
The lumen of the airway is reduced and airflow is restricted.
Describe long term effects of tar (2)
Frequent infections and damage to epithelium attracts white blood cells to deal with the pathogen.
To reach the infection they release enzymes to break down the epithelial lining of lungs and get to the air spaces.
One enzyme elastase is used and this damages elastic tissue which results in less recoil so less air is exhaled.
The bronchioles collapse trapping air in the alveoli which increases the pressure and can cause alveoli to burst.
What are the symptoms of chronic bronchitis
Inflammation of lining of the airway
Paralysis of cilia and overproduction of mucus
Mucus collects in lungs
Causes continual coughing up of mucus which is filled with bacteria and white blood cells.
Leads to increase risk of lung infection
List symptoms of emphysema
Loss of elasticity in the alveoli.
Results in alveoli bursting
Reduces alveoli surface area
Results in shortening of breath
Harder to exhale as less recoil
Blood less well oxygenated and fatigue occurs.
What diseases is COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) a combination of
the bronchioles (bronchitis/ asthma)
the alveoli (emphysema)
What are the symptoms of COPD
difficulty in breathing
blood is not well oxygenated
blood pressure in the pulmonary artery increases
the right side of the heart enlarges
there is fluid retention in the body
Why does someone with COPD have difficulty breathing
Restricted air flow in the bronchi
Reduced surface area for gas exchange
