Respiratory objectives study guide

Upper Airway Disorders

Conditions affecting the upper respiratory tract, often caused by viral infections leading to inflammation.

Rhinitis

Inflammation of the nasal mucosa, commonly presenting with congestion and thick mucus.

Sinusitis

Inflammation of the sinuses, often resulting from obstruction of drainage and causing mucus stasis.

Laryngitis

Inflammation of the vocal cords, characterized by hoarseness and potential loss of voice.

Aspiration

Entry of foreign material into the lower airway, potentially leading to aspiration pneumonia.

Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, typically presenting with a productive cough.

Atelectasis

Collapse of alveoli leading to reduced gas exchange and hypoxemia.

Shunting

Blood passes through the lungs without gas exchange, leading to hypoxemia resistant to oxygen therapy.

Restrictive Disorders

Conditions that limit lung expansion, leading to decreased tidal volume and hypoventilation.

Obstructive Disorders

Conditions that limit airflow due to airway narrowing or obstruction.

Asthma

Chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by bronchoconstriction and wheezing.

COPD (Chronic Bronchitis & Emphysema)

Progressive lung disease, primarily caused by smoking, characterized by airflow limitation.

Pulmonary Hypertension

Elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, often due to chronic lung diseases.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Recurrent obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, leading to sleep fragmentation.

V/Q Mismatch

Imbalance between ventilation and perfusion in the lungs, affecting gas exchange.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs.

Lung Cancer

Malignant tumor of the lung, with smoking as the primary risk factor.