Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Respiratory System > Pathologies > Flashcards

Pathologies Flashcards

1
Q

Effects of smoking on the respiratory system

A

Significantly increases risk of lung diseases
Cigarettes contain carcinogens that can cause cancer
Damages the delicate ‘cilia’ which can cause the mucous & particles to build up in the lungs causing a ‘smokers cough’
15 cigs = 1 genetic mutation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Common symptoms that could indicate a respiratory pathology

A 
Congestion
Runny nose 
Sneezing/cough/wheezing
Sputum (phlegm)
Chest pain
Dyspnoea (difficulty breathing)
Orthopnea - breathless when lying down
Hyperventilation
Cyanosis (inadequate oxygenated blood in an area of the body)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Examples of respiratory pathology investigations

A

Blood test (white blood cell count, inflammatory markers)
Biochemistry tests
Sputum analysis & microbiology
Imaging - xray, MRI, CT
Percussion (tapping thoracic cage) & auscultation (listening with a stethoscope)
Respiratory function tests - measure inspiration/expiration of lungs & gaseous exchange in the lungs
Finger clubbing (no window between nail beds)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is rhinitis

A

Inflammation of the nasal mucosa

Leads to swelling & increase in volume & viscosity of nasal secretions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Causes of rhinitis

A 
Immune compromise (leading to infections) ie stress, meds, diet etc
‘Allergic rhinitis’ eg pollen, spores, mites etc (IgE - immunoglobulin antibodies, stimulates mast cells to release histamine)
Non-allergic rhinitis eg environmental & lifestyle changes pollution, drugs etc
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Rhinitis symptoms & treatment

A

Itchy runny nose, sneezing
Could lead to nasal polyps (extra growths), ear infections, loss of smell etc

Treatment- antihistamines, decongestants, steroid nasal sprays
Natural treatment- nutrition (immune modulation, anti-inflammatory) raw honey, apple cider vinegar, quercetin (red pigments in foods) probiotics, herbs echinacea, nettle, homeopathy, acupuncture

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Common cold symptoms & treatment

A

Infection of the upper respiratory tract, those with compromised immunity become infected with virus
Gradual onset, lasting 2-7 days ‘rhinorrhoea’ (runny nose), sneezing, sore throat, mild fever

Treatment- painkillers, decongestants
Natural- immune support! Vitamin c, D, zince, steam inhalations with mint, thyme, eucalyptus, rest, nutrition medicinal mushrooms, acupuncture, aconite, herbs echinacea, elderberry

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Influenza signs&symptoms

A

Acute respiratory disease, associated with various strains of flu virus
Incubation period 1-4 days (time for first symptoms)
Symptoms tend to be systemic, more severe & last longer
Fever, shivering, malaise, muscle/joint pain, rhinitis, sore throat

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Influenza treatment

A

Allopathic- antiviral drugs, has to be taken within 48 hours but poor effectiveness & side effects!
Antibiotics- prevent secondary bacterial infection (side effects lowered immunity, diarrhoea, poor digestion etc)
Flu vaccine - not highly effective due to mutations & side effects

Natural - herbs echinacea, immune support & anti-viral
Nutrition, garlic, vitamin c, d, zinc, quercetin, steam inhalations mint, thyme, eucalyptus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Flu complications

A

Secondary infections while the immune system is depleted
Post viral syndrome eg chronic fatigue
Morbidity/mortality - influenza pandemic of 1918 killed more than twice that in the first world war it followed..
Pigs as ‘mixing reservoirs’ host both himan & non-human viruses, potentially mixing of viral genes to create new virus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Sinusitis symptoms

A

Inflammation of membranous lining of one or more of the sinuses
Acute or chronic
Often associated with immunocompromise, follows respiratory infections or infected tooth
Pain over affected sinus & congestion
Sinus headaches
Fever, nasal drip, change in voice tone, loss of smell etc

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Sinusitis treatment

A

Allopathic- painkillers, decongestants
Natural- nutrition, vitamin c, d, zinc, steam inhalations
Herbs immune system support echinacea, acupuncture, netty pot drainage

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are Nasal polyps

A

Soft, non-cancerous “benign” masses of oedematous nasal mucosa
End product of chronic inflammation
Caused the blood vessels in the lining of the nose & sinuses to become more permeable, allowing water to accumulate. Over time as gravity pulls on the waterlogged tissues, the may develop into polyps

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Nasal polyps symptoms & treatment

A

Difficulty breathing, smell, runny nose, chronic sinus infections, headaches, snoring, mouth breathing, sleep apnoea (stop breathing)

Allopathic- intranasal steroids, side effects! Antihistamines, surgery
Natural- treat cause! Nutrition & herbs for immune modulation/support, acupuncture

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Tonsillitis symptoms

A

Inflammation of the tonsils, common between 5-25 years
Viral/bacterial
Short incubation period
Sore throat
Fever over 38
Coughing, headache, red/inflammed tonsils

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Significance of the tonsils on the body

A

They are immune/lymphoid tissue positioned in the oral & nasal passageway as a first line of immune defense

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Tonsillitis treatment

A

Could lead to middle ear infections/ abscesses (quinsy)
Allopathic- painkillers, antibiotics (side effects) surgery
Natural- support immune system & reduce inflammation lozenges, echinacea, acetine, colloidal silver, herbs calendula/sage etc

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Quinsy (peritonsillar abscess) signs&treatment

A

Abscess that has formed around the tonsils, occuring as a result of tonsillitis
Severe unilateral throat pain, dysphagia, earache, trismus (limited mouth opening), fever, swelling

Treatment
Antibiotics, pus drainagr, surgery
Herbal med, nutrition, gargles, acupuncture

19
Q

Pharyngitis signs&treatment

A

An acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx (not always infectuous eg over-use)
Usually accompanies colds/tonsillitis

Same as tonsillitis treatment

20
Q

Laryngitis signs

A

Inflammation of the larynx
Acute - viral/bacterial
Chronic - overuse eg singers, irritants like smoke, acid reflux
Hoarseness, weak voice/lost, sore throat, dry cough, difficulty breathing

21
Q

Laryngitis treatment

A

Allopathic- antibiotics, avoid smoke/maintain oral hygiene
Natural- herbs antimicrobial/immune boosting eg turmeric, echinacea, boswelia, ginger, sage, nutrition garlic, onion, steam inhalations, acupuncture

22
Q

What is asthma

A

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease with reversible narrowing of the bronchi & bronchioles
Bronchial hyper-responsiveness with varying degrees of immune cell infiltration
Airflow obstruction due to oedema, mucous build-up & smooth muscle proliferation (problem exhaling)
Develops at any age but most common affects children under 10 & peak in the elderly

23
Q

What possible reasons could be why the prevalence of asthma is increasing

A

Early weaning -puts babies immune systems under unnecessary stress

Inadequate exposure to pathogens in childhood

Inherited dysbiosis (imbalance of gut flora)

Food additives

Nutritional deficiencies i.e vitamins c,d,e,magnesium

24
Q

2 types of asthma classification

A

Extrinsic (atopic) asthma- allergens, immunologically mediated with an increase in IgE antibodies, typically affecting children

Intrinsic asthma- bronchial reaction that is not due to antigen-antibody stimulation. Triggers include anxiety, chemicals, exercise, cold air, drugs (betablockers) stress, dust etc. Typically adult onset

25
Q

Asthma symptoms

A

Recurrent episodes of breathlessness & chest tightness
Wheezing when exhaling
Nocturnal coughing, thick clear or yellow sputum
Accessory muscles of ventilation are overused & can cause aching in neck & upper back

26
Q

What is spirometry

A

Testing of breathing & ventilation through a tube

27
Q

Asthma treatment

A

Allopathic - blue inhaler is bronchodilator -relief
Brown inhaler is corticosteroids -try to prevent but many side effects

Natural-
Nutrition fruit&veg, antioxidants eg vitamin c,e, quercetin, onions & garlic, omega3s antiinflam, magnesium is bronchodilator, eliminate food allergens eg gluten dairy proinflammatorys
Herbs, boswelia, turmeric, astragalus, gingko, licorice
Homeopathy, acupuncture
Avoid irritants dust, smoke etc, allergy treatment, manual therapy

28
Q

Asthma attacks

A

Can be life-threatening
Do not hesitate to call for help - severe if patient cannot speak & has more than 25 breaths a minute
Encourage sitting, slow & steady breaths
Use bronchodilator inhaler if available every 30-60 seconds max 10 puffs

29
Q

What is bronchitis

A

Inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Can be acute or chronic
Viral or bacterial infections can result from compromised immunity/environmental irritants
Goblet cells secrete mucous to remove irritants but if mucous is overproduced the respiratory tract struggles to clear it which can increase airway resistance & thus breathing difficulty

30
Q

Bronchitis symptoms&treatment

A

Chronic cough - hacking unproductive cough which can become productive
Fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, headache, runny nose, muscle pain
Crackles on auscultation, tachypnoea, cyanosis

Treatment
Antibiotics (side effects)
Herbs antimicrobial, immune support, nutrition, homeopathy, avoid irritants, find root cause

31
Q

What is COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

A

Causes airflow limitation that is not fully reversible & is progressive. Airflow limitation is due to airway & functional lung tissue damage
Chronic inflammatory response of the lungs
Oxiditave stress & excess mucous

Combination of two main pathologies-
Emphysema- walls of alveoli damaged & destroyed, leading to reduced gas exchange
Chronic bronchitis- bronchial lining constantly irritated&inflamed & thick mucous

32
Q

COPD treatment

A

Allopathic- Smoking cessation
Bronchodilators, corticosteroids, oxygen therapy

Natural- address root cause
Herbs, antiinflammatory, immune enhancing echinacea, cats claw mucous membrane support eg eyebright herb
Nutrition eg vitamin c, zinc, quercetin, ginger
Avoid irritants & allergens

33
Q

Pneumonia & symptoms

A

An infection of the alveoli & terminal bronchioles, mostly bacterial
Infiltration of neutrophils with inflammation & oedema
Most common in infants & elderly. Higher risk if patient immune suppressed

Cough & purulent sputum which can be blood stained
Breathlessness, fever, malaise
Tachypnoea, crepitations on auscultation

34
Q

Pulmonary Fibrosis & symptoms

A

Fibrosis = scarring
Gradual replacement of the one layer thick epithelial cell lining in alveoli with fibrotic (scar) tissue which are less able to exchange gases
Idiopathic cause - not specifically known, no one cause, could be genetic, presents in elderly age/environmental factors such as asbestos, chemicals, smoking, autoimmune diseases (eg RA)

Progressive dyspnoea, chronic cough, fatigue, discomfort in chest

35
Q

Pulmonary fibrosis treatment

A

Allopathic- no effective treatments

Natural- herbal antinflamms, bronchodilators, immune boosting
Nutrition, avoid irritants & allergens, acupuncture, homeopathy

36
Q

Obstructive sleep apnoea & symptoms

A

Intermittent & repeated upper airway collapse during sleep leading to interrupted breathing
Causes/risks are obesity, smokers, alcohol, sedatives

Signs- loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, morning headache, morning drowsiness, nocturnal choking, reduced libido
Diagnosed by polysomnography

Treatment with Nasal Continuous Airway Pressure (breathing apparatus on face), lifestyle modifying. Essential to treat the cause

37
Q

What is a Pneumothorax

A

Describes air accumulation within the pleural cavity, causing part or all of a lung to collapse
Air can enter via defect in visceral or parietal pleura (eg rib fracture)
Can be either “simple” where it doesnt affect the heart or “tension” unstable-progressive build up of air shifting the heart out of place

Caused either spontaneously through rupture of a cyst/pocket of air, tuberculosis, emphysema or through trauma/damage to pleura eg fracture, surgical complication

38
Q

Pneumothorax symptoms

A

A medical emergency & typically requires a chest drain (via the lateral ribcage) where accumulated air can be expelled.

Dyspnoea & pleuratic sharp chest pain, cyanosis, loss of consciousness, coma, reduced breath, decreased cardiac output

39
Q

Pleurisy & symptoms

A

Describes pleural inflammation
Pleural surfaces become coated with inflammatory materials & hence roughened, producing friction rub on auscultation
Causes can include a tumour or infection

Dyspnoea, sharp chest pain-aggravated by inspiration&coughing, dry cough, shallow breathing, dullness with percussion

40
Q

Pulmonary embolism signs & symptoms

A 
Results from obstruction within the pulmonary arterial tree
The embolus (mobile clot) often occurs as a result of a thrombosis, travelling up from one of the deep veins in the legs (DVT) fat embolisms can occur following bone fractures

Dyspnoea, pleuritic chest pain, cough blood, calf pain (if DVT), tachypnoea, tachycardia, crackles on chest auscultation

41
Q

Pulmonary embolism treatment

A

Medical emergency, poor prognosis if untreated/life-threatening
Anti-coagulation therapy (dissolve the clot)
Prevention-hydration & antiinflamm diet
Nutrition essential fatty acids, vitamin E
Herbs preveng clotting turmeric, gingko, ginger

42
Q

Cystic Fibrosis

A

Multi-organ genetic disease of exocrine glands
Recessive disease of chromosome 7 that affects chloride channels & alters amount of chloride & sodium secreted
Excesses are absorbed & water from the airways & pancreas & gallbladder
Mucous or secretions are thick & clog up the lungs & some digestive organs

Causes chronic respiratory infections & pancreatic enzyme insufficiency
Lung disease is principal cause of death

43
Q

Cystic fibrosis signs & treatment

A

Persistant cough, sputum production, recurring lung infections, wheezing, chest pain
GIT bloating, obstruction, bleeding, malnutrition

Allopathic treatment-
antibiotics, physiotherapy, bronchodilators
Natural-
Herbs that reduce mucous, support digestion, lung function
Nutrition support immune system, avoid irritants & allergens, acupuncture

Respiratory System (3 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions