Pneumonia and Related Conditions Review

A collection of flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to pneumonia, lung cancer, and ARDS.

Pneumonia

An inflammation process affecting gas exchange in the lungs, characterized by symptoms such as chills, fever, chest pain, and a dry cough.

Community-acquired Pneumonia

Pneumonia acquired from normal social contact, mostly caused by bacterial or viral infections.

Hospital-acquired Pneumonia

Pneumonia that occurs 48 hours or more after hospitalization, typically caused by pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and MRSA.

Aspiration pneumonia

Pneumonia that occurs when food, liquid, or vomit is inhaled into the lungs, often due to loss of gag or cough reflex.

Chronic pneumonia

A localized lesion in patients with or without regional lymph node involvement, often seen in tuberculosis or fungal diseases.

Pleural Effusion

Accumulation of fluid in the pleural space which may cause lung compression and atelectasis.

Transudative pleural effusion

Fluid accumulation that is thin and watery, with low protein content, often caused by conditions like congestive heart failure.

Exudative pleural effusion

Fluid accumulation that is high in protein and cellular debris, typically caused by inflammation, infection, or malignancy.

Lung Cancer

A progressive, uncontrolled multiplication of new tissue cells in the lungs, often associated with smoking and other carcinogens.

Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

A rapid-growing type of lung cancer associated with cigarette smoking, often metastasizing early.

Non-small cell carcinoma

The most common type of lung cancer, generally slower-growing and can often be surgically removed.

ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome)

A severe lung condition characterized by intra-alveolar edema, consolidation, and reduced pulmonary surfactant, often due to various causes like sepsis and trauma.

Management of ARDS

Includes the use of intravenous corticosteroids, mechanical ventilation strategies, and oxygen therapy.