Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology Study Guide

©2018 of 131 Chronic Bronchitis Bronchitis is the swelling in the lining of the bronchial tubes, responsible for the circulation of air from and to the lungs. Chronic bronchitis is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in which this circulation of air from and to the lung becomes difficult. It is caused by cigarette smoke and breathing of fumes and dust over a long period. It is not possible to cure it and generally treatment is done to relieve the symptoms. Chronic bronchitis leads to difficulty in breathing, as much mucus is produced in the lungs. Symptoms include worsening shortness of breath, wheezing, a whistle-like sound while breathing, cyanosis, and edema in the legs, abdomen, and ankles. It can lead to complications like right-side heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and chest pain. Emphysema Emphysema is the condition in which the air sacs called alveoli in the lungs are damaged, causing shortness of breath. The most significant causes of emphysema are tobacco smoking, marijuana smoking, manufacturing fumes, and air pollution. In this case, weakening and rupturing of the inner walls of the air sacs occurs, such that a larger air space is created instead of several smaller ones. The consequence is the reduction of the surface area of the lungs, causing restricted circulation of oxygen to the blood. The main symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath, even at rest. One should seek immediate treatment if it becomes difficult to climb stairs, if there are signs of cyanosis, or reduced mental alertness. Bronchiectasis Bronchiectasis occurs when the bronchial tubes are either enlarged or permanently damaged, and development of bacteria and mucus occurs in the lungs. The consequence of bronchiectasis is the occurrence of infections in the lungs and blockage in the airways. This disease cannot be cured permanently but can be treated so that the affected person can lead a normal life. Bronchiectasis is caused by viral and bacterial infections, inhaling foreign food substances, breathing in stomach acid, GERD, and a weak immune system. The symptoms of bronchiectasis are chronic cough, blood while coughing, a wheezing sound from the chest while breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing mucus, bad breath odor, cyanosis, unintended weight loss, fatigue, and thickening of skin under nails and toes. Cystic Fibrosis Cystic fibrosis is the genetic disorder characterized by severe damage to the lungs and digestive system. This disease affects the mucus producing cells, sweat, and juices of the digestion system, so that these become thick and sticky. The function of these secretions is to act as a lubricant, but instead they plug up tubes, ducts, and passageways in the lungs and pancreas. It is caused by a mutated gene that alters the protein regulating the movement of salt in the cells. It leads to enhanced salt in the sweat. Symptoms of cystic fibrosis include persistent cough with thick sputum, wheezing, breathlessness, exercise intolerance, repeated lung infections, and stuffy nose. It also leads to inadequate absorption of nutrients in the food by the intestines, leading to foul, greasy stools, poor weight gain and growth, blockage in the intestines, and severe constipation. Achieve Page 66

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