Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Systems

This set of flashcards covers the concepts and details from the lecture on respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, focusing on obstructive and restrictive lung diseases.

What are the two main types of lung diseases based on their effect on lung function?

Obstructive and Restrictive lung diseases.

What is obstructive lung disease characterized by?

Problems in expelling air from the lungs.

What is restrictive lung disease characterized by?

Problems in drawing air into the lungs.

What condition is characterized by airflow obstruction due to inflammation, mucus, and airway tightening?

Asthma.

How does Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) rank in terms of global mortality?

It is the 4th most common cause of death globally.

What measurement indicates the volume of air expelled in the first second of a vital capacity test?

Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1).

What is the normal FEV1/FVC ratio?

80%.

What happens to the FEV1/FVC ratio in obstructive lung diseases?

It is reduced to <0.7.

In restrictive lung diseases, what is the typical FEV1/FVC ratio?

Around normal, typically >0.7.

What physiological changes occur in asthma?

Inflammation, mucus plugging, and smooth muscle hyper-responsiveness.

What are common triggers for asthma attacks?

Irritants and immune system stimulation.

What leads to airway obstruction in chronic bronchitis?

Thick mucus production and airway narrowing due to chronic irritation.

What cells' function is inhibited by irritants in chronic bronchitis?

Cilia on epithelial cells.

What causes emphysema in chronic lung diseases?

Proteolytic enzymes released by macrophages digesting lung tissue.

In cystic fibrosis, what does the CFTR gene mutation affect?

The chloride channel protein.

What is the effect of CFTR mutation on mucus in the lungs?

It prevents proper hydration, leading to thick, dehydrated mucus.

What are CF patients particularly vulnerable to due to their lung pathology?

Opportunistic infections.

What causes lung stiffness in restrictive lung diseases?

Damage to lung tissue or musculoskeletal abnormalities.

What is fibrosis in the context of lung diseases?

Excess scar tissue formation due to an imbalance in the healing process.

What chronic infection is known to cause lung fibrosis?

Tuberculosis (TB).

How does tuberculosis primarily spread?

In the air by people with an active infection.

What damage can TB cause to lung tissue?

Cavitation, fibrosis, and irreversible bronchiole dilation.

What condition can obesity lead to that affects breathing?

Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome (OHS).

How can obesity impact lung function?

By compressing the diaphragm and lungs, leading to restrictive effects.

What are muscular dystrophies?

Defects in proteins that maintain muscle structure.

What causes the progressive loss of muscle fibres in muscular dystrophy?

Replacement by fibrous tissue.

What role does dystrophin play in muscular dystrophy?

It links muscle cell cytoskeleton to membrane proteins.

What is the most common cause of muscular dystrophy?

Mutations in the dystrophin gene.

What is the typical effect of muscular dystrophy on respiratory function?

Progressive restrictive breathing problems.

What is the role of forced vital capacity (FVC) in lung function testing?

It measures the total volume of air expelled.

What is a key measurement in diagnosing obstructive lung disease?

FEV1/FVC ratio.

How is lung compliance affected in restrictive diseases?

Lungs become less compliant due to stiffness.

What type of lung diseases are asthma, COPD, and chronic bronchitis classified as?

Obstructive lung diseases.

What characterizes the airway changes in asthma?

Narrowed airways due to inflammation and mucus.

How do patients with obstructive lung disease cope during breathing?

They must work harder to breathe.

What is the definition of chronic bronchitis?

A long-term inflammatory condition resulting from irritant exposure.

What is a symptom of cystic fibrosis related to mucus?

Thick and sticky mucus obstructing airways.

In restrictive lung disease, how are FEV1 and FVC affected?

Both are reduced.

What is a notable genetic disease that affects lung function in children?

Cystic Fibrosis.

What do patients with myasthenia gravis experience that affects breathing?

Weakened diaphragm and chest muscles.

What are the risks associated with chronic infections in relation to lung fibrosis?

Chronic inflammation and scarring.

How does chronic exposure to irritants affect lung function?

It causes inflammation and airway narrowing.

What does asthma typically result from when considering environmental triggers?

Exposure to allergens or irritants.

In emphysema, what happens to the air sacs in the lungs?

They break down resulting in reduced surface area for gas exchange.

What condition arises from a lack of muscle stimulation affecting lungs?

Myasthenia Gravis.

Name an autoimmune disorder that affects lung inflation.

Myasthenia gravis.

What impact does obesity have on tidal volume during breathing?

It results in lower tidal volume.

How does tuberculosis affect lung architecture?

It results in cavitation and may lead to fibrosis.

What finding characterizes the lung pathology of cystic fibrosis?

Dehydrated and thick mucus obstructing airways.