Pulmonary Emergencies Flashcards
(17 cards)
Define COPD
A group of diseases such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema that results in a decreased ability to inhale and exhale adequately.
Dyspnoea on minimal exertion and chronic cough.
What is emphysema?
A condition whereby the alveoli has been severely damaged or destroyed, results in reduced elasticity and air trapping (increased residual volume).
Why do emphysema patients often present with a ‘barrel chest’?
Emphysema patients are chronically short of breath and therefore have a greater work of breathing. Increased work requires use of accessory muscles- this leads to a muscular rigid ‘barrel chest’.
Why are emphysema patients nicknamed ‘pink puffers’?
Skin often presents pink in colour due to the C02 retention. There is minimal cyanosis.
What is chronic bronchitis? How is it caused?
Chronic inflammation of the bronchioles, causes excessive production of mucous and hypertrophy of mucous producing glands.
Caused by prolonged exposure to irritants
What defines chronic bronchitis as ‘chronic’?
A persistent cough for 3 months or more
What is the nickname for chronic bronchitis sufferers? Why?
‘Blue Bloaters’
Often present cyanosis, digital clubbing, cardiac enlargement.
Why is a thin basement membrane needed at the capillary/ alveolar interface?
As inflammation or thickening of the alveolar or capillary wall will impede has exchange
What is pulmonary oedema?
Fluid accumulation in the lungs caused by increased capillary hydrostatic pressure and decreased oncotic pressure = which results in fluid build up in the alveoli.
What is Pneumonia and how is it spread?
- An infection of the lung, may be viral, bacterial or fungal.
- The alveoli fill with sputum and fluid and spreads to different lobes of the lung.
• Spread by contact with infected persons or aspiration of bacteria from nasopharynx.
What is a Pneumothorax?
When air escapes into the pleural space not allowing the lung to fill adequately.
What is Pleurisy?
Inflammation of the parietal pleura.
What are the signs and symptoms of Pleurisy?
Chest pain
Dyspnoea, breathing is restricted
Friction rub on auscultation
What are the causes of pleurisy?
- pneumonia
- pulmonary infarction
- Tuberculosis
- abscess on lung or chest
What is pleural effusion?
An accumulation of fluid or exudate in the plural space
What is tuberculosis?
Common infectious bacterial disease that creates tubercles of pus in the lungs.
Historically known at ‘the consumption.’
What is an Pulmonary Embolism?
It is when the pulmonary artery is blocked by a blood clot or other foreign material (commonly from lower extremities).
