EXSS3070 Week 11 Lecture

Purpose of Breathing

Gas exchange and non-respiratory roles.

Conducting Zone

The part of the respiratory system that includes the airways up to the trachea.

Respiratory Zone

The part of the respiratory system where gas exchange occurs, including the alveoli.

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)

Tests that measure lung function, including spirogram, volume-time, and flow-volume.

Restrictive Disorders

A category of respiratory disorders characterized by reduced lung volume, e.g., pulmonary fibrosis.

Obstructive Disorders

A category of respiratory disorders characterized by airflow limitation on expiration, e.g., asthma and COPD.

Spirogram

A graphic representation of the volume of air inspired and expired over time.

Hallmark Obstructive Symptoms

Cough and dyspnea are common symptoms shared across obstructive disorders.

Alveolar-Capillary Diffusion

The process by which oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between the alveoli and blood.

Ciliated Epithelium

Type of tissue lining the airways that helps move mucus and debris out of the lungs.

Mucociliary Escalator

System in the respiratory tract that moves mucus out of the airways with the help of cilia.

FEV₁

Forced expiratory volume in one second, a key measure in assessing lung function.

FVC

Forced vital capacity, the total volume of air exhaled during a forced expiration.

TLC

Total Lung Capacity, the maximum volume of air that the lungs can hold.

FRC

Functional Residual Capacity, the volume of air present in the lungs at the end of passive expiration.

Asthma

A chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by episodes of bronchoconstriction.

EIB (Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction)

Asthma symptoms triggered by exercise due to airway dehydration and cooling.

Bronchodilator Reversibility Test

Test to assess the reversibility of airway obstruction after administering a bronchodilator.

Dyspnea

Subjective experience of breathing discomfort, including sensations of air hunger and chest tightness.

MRC Dyspnea Scale

A scale for grading dyspnea, ranging from grade 0 (no dyspnea except for strenuous exercise) to grade 4 (too breathless to leave the house).

Modified Borg Scale (CR10)

A scale to measure perceived exertion, useful during incremental exercise tests.

Asthma Triggers

Factors that can exacerbate asthma, such as allergens, cold air, and exercise.

Pulmonary Function Monitoring

Regular assessment of lung function to manage asthma effectively.

Asthma Management Goals

Control symptoms, prevent exacerbations, maintain lung function, and minimize treatment side effects.

EIB Severity Classification

Classifies the intensity of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction based on FEV₁ fall from baseline.

Dry Air Challenge Test

An indirect test for asthma that measures response to dry air inhalation.

Airway Wall Thickening

Increase in the thickness of airway walls due to inflammation and edema in asthma.

Peak Flow Diary

A daily record to monitor peak expiratory flow rates for asthma management.

Cough Physiology

The mechanism of how cough clears secretions, involving high intrathoracic pressure.

Impaired Ciliary Function

Loss of cilia function, leading to retention of secretions and productive cough.

Controlled Asthma Criteria

Conditions under which standard exercise guidelines apply for asthmatic patients.

Respiratory Anatomy Overview

Includes upper and lower airways and their structures.

Asthma Education

Teaching about the disease, inhaler techniques, and developing an action plan for asthma management.

Non-Pharmacological Treatments

Lifestyle modifications, exercise, and education to improve asthma control.

β-Blockers

Medications that may trigger asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals.

Nocturnal Symptoms

Asthma symptoms that occur during the night, indicating poor control.

Environmental Triggers

External factors, such as pollution and allergens, that may worsen asthma symptoms.

Asthma Comorbidities

Conditions that frequently co-occur with asthma, affecting its management.

Exercise Programming Nuances

Adjustments and considerations in exercise planning for people with asthma.

Absence of Symptoms

Indicator of well-controlled asthma, no nocturnal symptoms or rescue inhaler use.

Spontaneous Recovery from Bronchospasm

The body's natural return to normal breathing after an asthma attack.

Gastrogastric Reflux Disease (GORD)

A common comorbidity in asthma that may exacerbate symptoms.

Airway Hyperresponsiveness (AHR)

Increased sensitivity of the airways to various stimuli leading to bronchoconstriction.

ACSM Guidelines

Standardized recommendations for exercise prescription for individuals, including those with asthma.

Exercise Training Benefits

Improvements in quality of life and reduction of symptoms in asthmatic patients through exercise.

Asthma Control Checklist

A questionnaire or tool used to assess the control level of asthma symptoms.

Airway Remodeling

Long-term structural changes in airways associated with chronic asthma.

Alveoli

Small air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Dyspnea Spiral

A cycle where inactivity leads to worsening breathlessness and further deconditioning.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A progressive obstructive respiratory disease including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Epidemiology of Asthma

Study of the prevalence and distribution of asthma in population.

Exercise-Induced Symptoms Timeline

Symptoms may occur during or shortly after exercise in asthmatic individuals.

Bronchoprovocation Testing

Procedure to assess airway sensitivity using specific triggers.

Cough Types

Distinction between acute and chronic cough based on duration and causes.

Mid-Exercise Dyspnea Measurement

Assessing shortness of breath during physical activity for appropriate intervention.

Environmental Awareness for Asthmatics

Being mindful of pollutant exposure and airway irritants to manage asthma effectively.

Spirometry Interpretation

Analyzing results of lung function tests to determine the presence and type of respiratory disorder.

Limits of Cell Function Testing

Understanding the limitations of laboratory tests in managing asthma.