Respiratory Pathology
Pathology
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Sample Data
| Front | 4.19 - What is asthma & how is it caused (risk factors)? |
| Back | Physiology (OBSTRUCTIVE):- Chronic inflammatory disorder causing reversible airflow obstruction & bronchospasm (constriction of smooth muscle) of the small & large airways - Reduces the rate at which air flows to & from the alveoli, limiting the effectiveness of the lungs - Greatest reduction in air flow during expiration as the pressure in the chest tends to compress rather than expand the airway - Causes dynamic hyperinflation (a little of the air from the previous breath remains in the lungs for the next breath so, when this happens, it increases the volume of air in the lungs) Risk factors: - Exposure to allergens (e.g. hay, pollen, house dust) or irritants (e.g. smoke, pollution) - Exercise / cold induced - Prior eczema or hay fever - Family history of asthma / from maternal smoking |
| Front | 4.19 - How do you test for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) & what treatments (including preventions) can be given to improve it? |
| Back | Tests:- Chest X-ray (hyperinflated lungs)
- Hypoxia (low blood oxygen levels)
- Hypercapnoea (high blood carbon dioxide levels)
- Reduced FEV1 & FEV1/FVC ratio < 70%, not fully reversible & most often progressive
Treatments:
- Beta-2 receptor agonists / anticholinergic bronchodilator therapy
- Long acting beta-2 agonist (e.g. salmeterol)
- Inhaled steroids (e.g. budesonide)
- Oral steroid anti-inflammation therapy for particularly bad episodes of wheezing (e.g. prednisolone)
- Oxygen therapy (low flow)
Prevention:
- Quit smoking / vaping |
| Front | 4.19 - What is cystic fibrosis & how is it caused (risk factors)? |
| Back | Physiology (OBSTRUCTIVE):- Autosomal recessive condition (1 in 2500 live births) - Ciliated airway epithelial cells have a mutation in the gene coding for the CFTR protein which regulates the hydration of sweat & mucus - Hence it leads to airway dehydration & viscous mucus production - Causes bronchiectasis & CF related diabetes due to a loss of Islet of Langerhans cells in the pancreas (these make insulin) - Males are usually infertile due to congenital absence of the vas deferens Risk factors: - Family history of cystic fibrosis - Bowel obstruction - Thick, sticky mucus leading to frequent chest infections |