Altered Respiratory Function and Symptoms

This set of flashcards covers vocabulary and key concepts regarding altered respiratory functions, including the physiological and psychological aspects of coughs, sputum, dyspnea, and chest pain.

Cough

A reflexive response to irritation in the airways that serves to clear substances and act as a warning signal.

Histamine

A mediator released from inflamed tissues that irritates the airways and can trigger a cough.

Sputum

Respiratory mucus that functions as a protective feature of the airways.

Nonproductive cough

A dry cough from a healthy person that raises no mucus because it is produced in very small amounts.

Productive cough

A cough that raises mucus, indicating that the lungs are attempting to clear away irritants.

Hemoptysis

The coughing up of blood, which may indicate serious conditions such as lung cancer or tuberculosis.

Dyspnea

A subjective feeling of labored breathing and breathlessness.

Increased work of breathing

The most common cause of dyspnea, which occurs in the presence of lung disease.

Bronchitis-related pain

A burning sensation occurring with each cough, caused by inflammatory mediators stimulating hypersensitive nerve endings.

Pneumonia-related pain

Pain experienced during deep breathing because each breath increases pressure on receptors irritated by swollen, inflamed lung tissue.

Psychosocial impacts of chronic respiratory problems

Feelings of self-consciousness, embarrassment, isolation, frustration, irritability, and eventual depression.