Common respiratory conditions

• Respiratory Acidosis


  A type of acid-base imbalance caused by hypoventilation, leading to excess CO2 (hypercapnia) in the blood, resulting in a pH imbalance
• Hypoventilation


  A breathing disorder characterized by slow and shallow breathing
• Hypercapnia


  A condition where there is too much carbon dioxide in the blood
• Respiratory


  Related to the respiratory system, which includes the lungs and diaphragm
• Hypercapnia and pH


  Hypercapnia increases the concentration of hydrogen ions, making the blood more acidic and decreasing the pH
• Define parenchyma.


  Parenchyma refers to the functional tissue of the lungs, primarily the alveoli, which are responsible for gas exchange.
• Define hypoxia.


  Hypoxia is a condition characterized by low oxygen levels in tissues, which can lead to cellular dysfunction and organ damage.
• Define hypoxaemia.


  Hypoxaemia is a condition characterized by low oxygen levels in the blood, which can cause hypoxia.
• Define hypercapnia.


  Hypercapnia is an elevated level of carbon dioxide in the blood, which can lead to respiratory acidosis.
• Define acidosis.


  Acidosis is a condition in which the blood pH drops below 7.35, indicating excess acidity in the bloodstream.
• Define alkalosis.


  Alkalosis is a condition in which the blood pH rises above 7.45, indicating excess alkalinity in the bloodstream.
• What are restrictive lung disorders?

  Restrictive lung disorders are characterized by reduced lung volume and decreased compliance, making it difficult to fully expand the lungs. Examples include pulmonary fibrosis and scoliosis.
• What are obstructive lung disorders?


  Obstructive lung disorders involve airway obstruction and difficulty exhaling fully. Examples include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
• Describe the pathology of COPD, focusing on emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

  COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow. Emphysema involves damage to the alveoli, reducing gas exchange surface area. Chronic bronchitis involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes, leading to mucus production and airway obstruction.
• What role does Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) play in COPD?

  AAT is a protein that protects lungs from inflammation caused by infection and irritants. AAT deficiency, a genetic disorder, leads to unregulated enzyme activity that damages lung tissue, predisposing individuals to COPD.
• How is the Reid index calculated, and why is it relevant to chronic bronchitis?

  The Reid index is the ratio of the glandular thickness to the bronchial wall thickness. An increased Reid index indicates chronic bronchitis due to glandular hypertrophy and hyperplasia.
• Describe the key features of asthma pathophysiology.

  Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, causing episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, and coughing due to airway hyperresponsiveness and obstruction.
• Describe the key features of cystic fibrosis pathophysiology.


  Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder affecting the CFTR gene, leading to the production of thick, sticky mucus that obstructs airways and promotes infections.
• What are the key aetiological factors associated with asthma?

  Factors include genetic predisposition, environmental triggers (allergens, pollution), respiratory infections, and lifestyle factors.
• How do CFTR gene variants contribute to cystic fibrosis?

  Mutations in the CFTR gene disrupt chloride ion transport, leading to thick mucus production that blocks airways and causes lung infections.
• List key examples of restrictive lung disorders.

  Examples include diffuse pulmonary fibrosis, pneumothorax, and scoliosis.
• What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic restrictive pulmonary disorders?

  • Intrinsic disorders originate within the lung itself (e.g., pulmonary fibrosis).
  • Extrinsic disorders are caused by external factors affecting lung expansion (e.g., scoliosis, obesity).
• Describe the pathophysiology of diffuse pulmonary fibrosis.

  Diffuse pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by thickening and scarring (fibrosis) of lung tissue, leading to reduced lung capacity, impaired gas exchange, and stiff, non-compliant lungs.
• What are some key effects of aging on the respiratory system?

  Effects include reduced lung elasticity, decreased alveolar surface area, weakened respiratory muscles, and diminished ciliary function.
• Define and describe bronchiectasis.

  Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition characterized by the permanent dilation and thickening of the bronchi due to chronic infection and inflammation, leading to impaired mucus clearance and recurrent infections.