malfunctions

• Asthma


  Symptoms and effects:

  • Recurring episodes of breathlessness, tightness of the chest and wheezing.
  • Asthma 'attacks' - episodes of wheezing that require the use of an inhaler to open the airway.
• asthma


  Biological explanation:

  • Inflammation of the bronchi, which carry air in and out of the lungs, causing the bronchi to be more sensitive than normal.
  • Contact with allergens, something that irritates the lungs - known as a trigger (e.g. cigarette smoke, dust or pollen) - makes airways become narrow, the muscles around them tighten, and there is an increase in the production of sticky mucus (phlegm).
• astma


  Cause:

  • The exact cause of asthma is not known and is likely to be a combination of factors.
  • It may be genetic, as it often runs in families and people who have allergies are at higher risk. A number of environmental and social factors are thought to play a role in the development of asthma and allergies, however. These include:
  • exposure to tobacco smoke as a child
  • triggers such as dust, air pollution and chemicals such as chlorine in swimming pools
  • exposure to smoking while in the womb
  • Modern hygiene standards — 'too hygienic', don't build up resistance.
• Emphysema


  Emphysema is also known as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and used to be known as COAD (chronic obstructive airways disease).

  Symptoms and effects:

  • Shortness of breath, wheezing
  • Yellow sputum
  • Persistent cough that never seems to go away
  • Frequent chest infections
  • Symptoms get worse over time.
• Emphysema


  Biological explanation:

  • The airways of the lungs become inflamed and narrowed. As the air sacs (alveoli) get permanently damaged, it becomes increasingly difficult to breathe out.
  • There is currently no cure for COPD, but the sooner the condition is diagnosed and appropriate treatment begins, the less chance there is of severe lung damage.
• emphysema 


  Cause:

  • The lifestyle choice of smoking is the main cause of COPD and is thought to be responsible for around 90 per cent of cases.

  • Some cases of COPD are caused by certain types of fumes, dust and chemical exposure at work and so have an occupational cause.

  • there can also be genetic tendency, but this is extremely rare
• Cystic fibrosis


  Symptoms and effects:

  • Lung problems - recurring chest infections, persistent inflammation of the airways, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath.
  • Digestive system - diarrhoea, diabetes and malnutrition because the body struggles to digest and absorb nutrients; jaundice.
  • May have a serious bowel obstruction in the first few days of life (meconium ileus), which requires an operation to remove the blockage.
• Cystic fibrosis


  A genetic condition present at birth due to a defect in a gene on chromosome 7 that controls the movement of salt and water in and out of the cells in the body
• Cystic fibrosis


  • The protein produced by the defective gene causes mucus-secreting cells to make a very sticky type of mucus instead of a normal runny type
  • The sticky mucus builds up in the lungs and digestive system, along with recurrent infections
• Sticky mucus build-up in lungs and digestive system

  Lungs become increasingly damaged and may eventually stop working properly
• There is no cure for cystic fibrosis
• Average life expectancy is reduced for people who have cystic fibrosis
• Most individuals with cystic fibrosis lead fulfilling lives with successful careers, family life and leisure activities
• Cystic fibrosis


  Cause:

  • Both parents must have a copy of the faulty (mutated) gene. If only one copy of the faulty gene is inherited a child will be a carrier but will not have the condition themselves.
• Monitoring treatment and care


  A variety of techniques can be used to check, test, monitor and treat an individual's lung functions and to diagnose and assess their condition
• Spirometry


  1. Individual has a clip placed on their nose

  2. Individual has to blow into a mouthpiece having inhaled

  3. Individual has to repeat this at least three times

  4. Test lasts around 30-90 minutes
• Spirometry


  • Measures the volume of air expired (breathed out) in total
  • Measures the force of the expiration in the first second of breathing out
  • Used to diagnose and monitor a range of lung conditions such as asthma, COPD and cystic fibrosis
• MRI and CT scans

  1. Provide high-resolution detailed images of the chest

  2. Can be repeated over time to monitor changes in the condition
• High-resolution CT scan


  • Most sensitive method of detecting emphysema
• Peak flow meters


  1. Used to measure the rate of exhalation

  2. Measurements are taken regularly over time and compared with norms

  3. Indicate dilation/constriction of airways
• Peak flow meters


  • Used for asthma
• Physiotherapy


  Used to help restore or improve movement, mobility or function of the body. Consists of exercises, manipulation and massage techniques that can be for specific parts of the body, or for movement of the whole body, or for lungs and breathing. Used for a wide variety of conditions including COPD and cystic fibrosis. Massage is also used to improve quality of life for those with long-term conditions by reducing anxiety levels and improving sleep quality.
• Types of inhalers


  • Preventative inhalers (blue) - used regularly to reduce inflammation and sensitivity of airways
  • Reliever inhalers (brown/red) - muscle relaxants for immediate relief of symptoms
• Inhalers


  • May be used with a spacer device, which gets drugs deeper
  • Nebulisers may be required if constriction is too great, as these get drugs deeper into the lungs
• Medication


  • Antibiotics to treat infections
  • Corticosteroids, steroid treatments to relieve symptoms
  • Anti-inflammatory medication reduces swelling and inflammation
• Identification of triggers


  If asthma is caused by allergens, treatment may involve tests to identify triggers and then de-sensitising injections can be given
• Oxygen therapy (mainly for COPD)

  • Pulmonary rehabilitation - a special programme of exercise and education
  • Ambulatory oxygen therapy - the use of portable oxygen when walking or other activity
  • Long-term oxygen therapy - the use of oxygen at home from a portable oxygen tank. Taken through a mask or nasal tubes, should be used for 16 hours a day
• Surgery


  To remove damaged section of lung, or lung transplant. Only suitable when symptoms are not controlled by medication.
• lifestyle changes and care needs

  receiving appropriate treatment and making lifestyle changes can help individuals remain mobile and active, by managing their symptoms and minimising the effects of their condition