Conditions of the Respiratory System

Respiratory Conditions Pulmonology – study of diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract Hypoxia – inadequate oxygen delivery to body tissues, causes cyanosis (bluish-tone of skin)

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Includes things like the common cold, sinusitis, tonsillitis, and laryngitis Symptoms include nasal congestion, cough, running nose, sore throat, fever, facial pressure, and sneezing

http://video.about.com/coldflu/Upper-Respiratory-Infection.htm http://video.about.com/coldflu/Sinusitis.htm

Lung Cancer 1/3 of all cancer deaths in the US Very low survival rate, because usually not caught until very advanced Growth usually occurs in the bronchial tree Problem with smoking… Kills off cilia that cleans & moves mucus out of airway Mucus collects Traps carcinogens from cigarettes

COPD Characterized by limited airflow Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Characterized by limited airflow Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath (dyspnea) Usually have a history of smoking, but can also be caused by other inhalants (coal, asbestos, air pollution)

COPD Patients retain carbon dioxide, meaning blood becomes slightly acidic Usually results in respiratory failure Two major types (there are other types, but these are the most common)…

Emphysema Characterized by breakdown of elastin in connective tissue of lungs Leads to destruction of alveolar walls Lungs become less elastic, which makes it difficult to exhale

Chronic Bronchitis Characterized by inflammation of the bronchi Mucosa lining of lower respiratory passages become inflamed and produces excess mucus, which leads to blockage Symptoms include persistent coughing with sputum, cyanosis very common

Acute Bronchitis Caused by virus or bacteria Only last days/weeks Symptoms same as chronic bronchitis

http://video.about.com/asthma/Bronchitis.htm

Pneumonia Characterized by: Inflammatory illness of the lungs, alveoli become filled with fluid Varied causes, including bacteria, virus, fungi, chemical, & physical Often diagnosed with chest x- ray

Asthma Characterized by airways constricting due to trigger (exposure to allergens, pollutants, cold air, warm air, moist air, exercise, or emotional stress) Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing Scientists believe cause is combination of genetics and environment Inhalers act as bronchodilator

Sleep Apnea Characterized by pauses of breathing during sleep 5 or more events, lasting at least 10 seconds each Caused by blockage of the airways due to causes such as decreased muscle tone, increased soft tissue around airway (obesity), and structural features (deviated septum, enlarged tonsils)

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Competes with oxygen for same binding sites on hemoglobin Binds VERY easily, and so it pushes out oxygen Leading cause of death from fire Victim usually becomes confused, has headache, and blushing of skin

1 in 20 people are unaffected carriers! Cystic Fibrosis Cystic Fibrosis is a recessive genetic disease that effects both the digestive and respiratory system. Abnormally thick mucus gets stuck in many places. Most commonly in the lungs & pancreatic duct Symptoms can include persistent coughing, shortness of breath and frequent upper respiratory infections. 1 in 20 people are unaffected carriers!

Cystic Fibrosis Easily diagnosable with a sweat test Treatment for the GI tract involves taking digestive enzymes before eating. Treatment for the lungs is called CPT, Chest Physiotherapy. A light clapping of the chest, back, and under the arms to loosen mucus in the lungs