Respiratory

Question 1

Lung function test Asthma

Answer 1

PEF - peak expiatory flow - similar

FEV1 and FVC - are reduced

Can also do allergy tests

Astha - onset early in life

• symptoms vary
• family history
• allergy, eczema or rhinitis also present
• reversible airflow limitation

Question 2

Asthma treatment - relievers

Answer 2

Relievers - rapid onset, short duration of action

1. beta adrenergic receptor agonists (relax smooth muscle) e.g theophylline, fenotero, pirbuterol, salmetrol (long lasting, slow duration)
2. anticholinergic agents - can block acetyl choline - slow onset, short duration e.g tiotropium bromide
3. xanthine drugs - theophylline - bronchodilator , cortisone, flunisolide

Question 3

Asthma treatment - Preventers

Answer 3

Preventers - long term control medications, to prevent attack

Glucocorticoids - supress inflammatory mediator cells to reduce inflammatory response

side effects - crushing syndrome

Question 4

Pneumonia

Answer 4

Lung infection , air sacs filled with fluid or puss
-normally in immunocompromised people

Symptoms include a cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills and difficulty breathing.

Question 5

Respiratory distress syndrome

Answer 5

breathing disorder in new borns caused by immature lungs
-common in premature babies

Symptoms - rapid shallow breathing

Treatment - medication to keep the lungs open, breathing support

Question 6

Emphysema

Answer 6

Condition that gradually damages the air sacs, making you short of breath
Smoking can cause this , also allergens
-inner walls of sac rupture, and form bigger alveoli - reduce surface area for breathing

Symptoms - short of breath, lips and fingernails grey

May require a bronchodilator

Question 7

Pneumothorax

Answer 7

air in the plueral space, can get rupture of lung

Question 8

Restrictive vs Obstructive lung disease

Answer 8

Restrictive - reduce lung compliance , requires larger pressure to overcome the reduced compliance e.g pulmonary fibrosis
-more breaths per minute is better

Obstructive - increase resistance, harder to breath

• e.g asthma,
• COPD
• less breaths which are deeper

Normal 15 breaths per min

Question 9

Pulmonary fibrosis

Answer 9

Scaring of lung tissue

Question 10

Pleural effusion

Answer 10

excess fluid around the lungs

Question 11

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Answer 11

• Emphysema
• Chronic bronchitis (increased mucous and inflammation)
• very hard to breathe
• shortness of breathe, wheezing or a chronic cough

Risk factor - smoking

• onset midlife
• irreversible airflow limitation

Treatment- inhalers, or steroids