Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology Study Guide

Intrinsic The following are disorders related to lung parenchyma. These are characterized by the inflammation, scarring of the tissues of the lungs, or the air spaces becoming filled with exudate and debris. The etiological factors of these disorders include idiopathic fibrosis, connective tissue disorders, primary lung diseases, and drug induced lung disorders. Some intrinsic restrictive lung disorders are explained below. The signs and symptoms of this disorder are shortness of breath and chest pain. One should seek immediate care if these symptoms get worse. Sarcoidosis Sarcoidosis is characterized by the formation of tiny collections of granulomas in the lungs, lymph nodes, eyes, and skin. Granulomas are the inflammatory cells that can be formed in different organs of the body and impair the normal functioning of those parts. It is an autoimmune disease but the exact cause of this disorder in not known. It is, however, thought to be genetic and may be triggered by bacteria, virus, chemicals, and particles. The immune system over reacts so that the immune cells collect in an inflammatory pattern in the affected part of the body. Signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis include tender red colored bumps and patches on the skin; red watery eyes; blurred vision; swelling and pain in the joints; elongated and tender lymph glands in the chest, neck, armpits, and groin area; hoarse voice; painful cyst formation in the hands and feet; kidney stones; enlarged liver; hearing loss; meningitis; seizures; psychiatric disorders; arrhythmias; and heart failure. Pulmonary Fibrosis Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease characterized by damaging and scarring of the lung tissues situated around and between the alveoli, such that the tissues become thick and stiff and influence the normal functioning of the lungs. This damage can be caused by a variety of factors including airborne toxins and pollutants like silica dust; asbestos fibers, grain dust, and droppings from birds; lung diseases; radiation; and medications like chemotherapy drugs, heart medicines, and certain antibiotics. Signs and symptoms of this respiratory disease are shortness of breath, dry cough formation, fatigue, unintended weight loss, and pain in the joints and muscles. 4.3 Cardiovascular Diseases of the Lung Pulmonary Embolism Pulmonary embolism is the cardiovascular disease of the lungs inwhich one of the pulmonary arteries in the lung is blocked. It can be fatal if not treated in a timely manner. It is usually caused upon the wedging of a blood clot in the arteries in the lung. These clots can form in and travel from any part of the body, but usually originate in the deep veins of the legs. Apart from blood clots, the substances that can cause pulmonary embolism are tumor part, air bubbles, and fat from within the marrow of a broken long bone. Major symptoms of this disease are shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, swelling and pain in the calf and legs, cyanosis, fever, excessive sweating, tachycardia, and dizziness.

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