CCMA Mod 2 Diseases of the Respiratory System

acute respiratory distress (ARDS) sx

shortness of breath, low blood pressure, and rapid breathing (following an injury)

acute respiratory distress 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

acute respiratory distress dx

arterial blood gas analysis, chest x-ray

acute respiratory distress tx

oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, and antibiotics

asthma sx

wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing

asthma etiology

airway inflammation causes 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

asthma dx

pulmonary function tests

asthma tx

medications, both inhaled and taken orally

bronchitis sx

shortness of breath, fever, chills, fatigue, coughing, and production of mucus

bronchitis etiology

caused by viral illnesses such as colds and flu, caused by smoking

bronchitis dx

physical exam where lungs are listened to via stethoscope, chest x-ray, pulmonary function tests

bronchitis tx

resolves without intervention, respiratory therapy

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) sx

chest tightness, productive cough, wheezing, shortness of breath with activity

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 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

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) dx

patient history, pulmonary function tests, chest x-ray, CT scan

chronic pulmonary disease (COPD) tx

smoking cessation, medication, oxygen therapy

rhinitis sx

sneezing, coughing, runny nose, watering eyes, pressure in ears

rhinitis etiology

irritation and inflammation of the mucous membrane in the nose, along with excessive production of mucus, allergens

rhinitis dx

physical exam, allergists

rhinitis tx

antihistamines and corticosteroids