Smoking and Lung Disease

These flashcards summarize key concepts related to Smoking and Lung Disease, focusing on COPD, asthma, and smoking-related pneumonia.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A progressive disease characterized by shortness of breath and a productive cough, and is a leading cause of death in the U.S.

Pathophysiology of COPD

Includes cilia loss, mucous gland hyperplasia, inflammation, fibrosis, loss of elasticity, and alveolar destruction.

Nrf-2

A transcription factor regulated by antioxidant & anti-inflammatory genes, its activity is decreased in COPD.

Keap-1

A protein that sequesters Nrf-2 and inhibits its activity until released in response to reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)

Molecules that trigger pathways increasing aging and inflammation, contributing to the pathogenesis of COPD.

Toll-like receptors

A type of pattern recognition receptor that recognizes cell damage, leading to the release of interleukins and activation of the innate immune system.

Expiratory Flow Rate (FCR)

A measure of lung function often affected by smoking, indicating bronchial reactivity.

Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1)

A clinical measure of lung capacity that shows correlation with second-hand smoke exposure and asthma diagnoses.

Pneumonia

A respiratory infection more severe in smokers, leading to deeper infections and nearly 2x more pneumonia-related deaths.

Second-hand smoke

Strongly linked to reduced lung function and increased asthma diagnoses, especially in children of smokers.