Pathos (respiratory system)

Acute Respiratory Distress (ARDS)

Signs and Symptoms: Shortness of Breath, low blood pressure, and rapid breathing (following an injury)

Etiology: Fluid buildup in the alveoli blocks oxygen from passing into the bloodstream following an acute injury, typically in those who are already critically ill or have had previous traumatic injuries.

Diagnosis: Arterial blood gas, analysis, chest X-Ray

Treatment: Oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, and antibiotics.

Asthma

Sign and Symptoms: Wheezing, SOB, chest tightness, and coughing.

Etiology: Airway inflammation causing lining of air passages to swell and tighten, leading to a reduction in the amount of air that can pass into and out of the lungs.

Diagnosis: Pulmonary function tests.

Treatment: Medications: both inhaled and taken orally.

Bronchitis

Signs and Symptoms: SOB, fever, chills, fatigue, coughing, and production of mucus.

Etiology: Acute - caused by viral illness such as colds and flu.

Chronic - caused by smoking

Diagnosis: Physical exam in which the lungs are listened via stethoscope, chest x-ray, and pulmonary function tests.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Signs and Symptoms: Chest tightness, productive cough, wheezing, shortness of breath with activity.

Etiology: Disease in which airflow into and out of the lungs is blocked, usually due to a combination of bronchitis and emphysema, primary cause is smoking.

Diagnosis: Patient history, pulmonary function tests, chest x-ray, and CT scan.

Treatment: Smoking cessation, medication, and oxygen therapy.

Rhinitis

Signs and Symptoms: Sneezing, coughing, runny nose, watering eyes, pressure in the ears.

Etiology: Imitation and inflammation of the mucous membrane in the nose, along with excessive production of mucus. Allergic rhinitis is triggered by allergens in the air.

Diagnosis: Physical exam, allergists can help determine the cause of allergic rhinitis.

Treatment: Antihistamines and corticosteroids