respiration Flashcards
(260 cards)
Describe the condition characterized by reversible bronchospasm and chronic inflammation of airway passages.
Asthma is a condition characterized by reversible bronchospasm and chronic inflammation of airway passages.
How has the incidence of asthma changed in recent years?
The incidence of asthma has been steadily increasing in recent years.
Define the genetic aspect of asthma development.
There appears to be a definite genetic predisposition to the development of asthma.
key component of asthma
A key component of asthma appears to be airway ‘hyper reactivity’ in affected individuals.
List some common triggers that can induce bronchospasm in asthma patients.
Common triggers include allergens like pollen, pet dander, fungi, dust mites, cold air, pollutants, cigarette smoke, strong emotions, exercise, and respiratory tract infections.
Describe the role of IgE in asthma.
Individuals with asthma produce large amounts of the antibody IgE that attach to mast cells, which can lead to the release of inflammatory mediators when exposed to triggers.
What happens during the early phase of an asthma attack?
The early phase of asthma is characterized by marked constriction of bronchial airways (bronchospasm), edema of the airways, and production of excess mucus.
Identify the inflammatory mediators involved in the early phase of asthma.
The early phase of asthma involves the increased release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine, prostaglandins, and bradykinin.
What characterizes the late phase of asthma?
The late phase of asthma is characterized by an inflammatory response that occurs several hours after the initial onset of symptoms.
Which white blood cells are primarily involved in the late phase of asthma?
Eosinophils are the primary mediators of inflammation during the late phase of the asthmatic response.
How do neutrophils and lymphocytes contribute to asthma in the late phase
Neutrophils and lymphocytes infiltrate the airway tissues, contributing to the overall inflammatory response in the late phase of asthma.
Describe the manifestations of bronchial asthma.
Coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, rapid shallow breathing, increased respiratory rate, excess mucus production, and significant anxiety.
Define severe acute asthma.
A life-threatening condition characterized by prolonged bronchospasm that is often unresponsive to drug therapy.
How can pneumothorax occur in asthma patients?
Pneumothorax can result from increased lung pressure due to extreme difficulty in expiration during a prolonged asthma attack.
What are the potential complications of asthma?
Severe acute asthma, pneumothorax, and respiratory failure, which may involve marked hypoxemia and acidosis.
Explain chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
COPD is a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Describe emphysema and its characteristics.
Emphysema is characterized by the destruction and permanent enlargement of terminal bronchioles and alveolar air sacs, leading to loss of lung tissue elasticity and decreased surface area for gas exchange.
What role does tissue elasticity play in the lungs?
Tissue elasticity helps keep airways open, acting like a spring, and prevents them from collapsing during expiration.
How does chronic cigarette smoking affect the lungs in emphysema patients?
Chronic cigarette smoking causes inflammation of the alveolar airways, leading to destruction of elastic walls of the alveoli by leukocytes and excess release of protease enzymes.
What is the significance of α-1-antitrypsin in emphysema?
α-1-antitrypsin is a protective enzyme that is often lacking in chronic cigarette smokers, contributing to lung damage.
Identify the two main conditions included in COPD.
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Describe the role of α-1-antitrypsin in lung tissue.
α-1-antitrypsin inactivates destructive protease enzymes, such as trypsin, in lung tissue.
What is chronic bronchitis?
Chronic bronchitis is the long-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which leads to a persistent cough.
Define emphysema and its main cause.
Emphysema is an obstructive respiratory disorder mainly caused by the loss of alveolar elasticity and a decrease in the overall surface area for gas exchange within the lungs.