L8B: Respiratory system (integrated physiology)

• What type of respiratory disease is asthma classified as?

  Obstructive
• What triggers asthma attacks?

  Allergens in the environment
• What happens to FRC and RV during an asthma attack?

  They are increased
• How does an asthma attack affect FEV1 and peak flow?

  They can be reduced by more than half
• What causes chronic inflammation in asthma?

  Permanent thickening and obstruction of airways
• Why must airways remain clear in asthma?

  To maintain normal expiratory capacity
• What is the primary cause of emphysema?

  Smoking
• What happens to neutrophils in emphysema?

  They invade lung parenchyma and secrete enzymes
• How does emphysema affect the size of alveoli?

  It increases the size of alveoli
• What effect does smoking have on cilia in the lungs?

  It immobilizes cilia
• What is the result of increased mucus secretion in emphysema?

  Chronic inflammation and infection
• How does emphysema affect lung diffusion capacity?

  It reduces diffusion capacity
• What is the primary cause of emphysema?

  Smoking
• What is a multifactorial cause of emphysema?

  Neutrophils invade lung parenchyma
• How do neutrophils affect the lungs in emphysema?

  They secrete enzymes that break down alveoli
• What happens to the size of alveoli in emphysema?

  Increases size of alveoli
• What effect does smoking have on cilia in the lungs?

  Cilia are immobilised by smoke
• What is the consequence of immobilised cilia in the lungs?

  Increased mucus secretion and chronic inflammation
• What is the effect of alveoli destruction on lung function?

  Reduces diffusing capacity of lungs
• What happens to FEV1 and peak flow in emphysema?

  Both are reduced
• What does COPD stand for?

  Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• What are the two main components of COPD?

  Emphysema and chronic bronchitis
• How does COPD affect lung function?

  Reduces peak flow and FEV1
• What is the role of chronic inflammation in COPD?

  Worsens damaged physiology
• What characterizes pulmonary fibrosis?

  Excess fibrous tissue accumulates in lungs
• What replaces lung parenchyma in pulmonary fibrosis?

  Fibrosis tissue
• What are some causes of pulmonary fibrosis?

  Asbestos, smoking, and radiation therapy
• What is asbestosis?

  Pulmonary fibrosis caused by asbestos
• How does the immune system contribute to pulmonary fibrosis?

  Secretes destructive products damaging lungs
• What is the fine point during fibrosis?

  Between healthy immune response and fibrosis initiation
• What does apnoea mean?

  Temporary ceasing of breathing
• What causes obstructive sleep apnoea?

  Physical obstruction of airways
• What happens to the pharynx during obstructive sleep apnoea?

  Pharynx collapses and obstructs airways
• What occurs during airway obstruction in sleep apnoea?

  Partial pressure of oxygen decreases
• What is the effect of airway obstruction on carbon dioxide levels?

  Partial pressure of carbon dioxide increases
• What happens to intrathoracic pressure during obstruction?

  Increases to overcome obstruction
• How long can an apnoea episode last?

  Up to 2 minutes
• What is essential for opening airways during sleep?

  Muscle tone
• What is central sleep apnoea (CSA)?

  Respiratory centres can't initiate breathing
• How long do apnoea episodes last in CSA?

  10-30 seconds