pathos - respiratory

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) - signs and symptoms

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

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) - 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 Syndrome (ARDS) - diagnosis

Arterial blood gas analysis, chest x-ray

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) - treatment

Oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, and antibiotics

Asthma - signs and symptoms

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 - diagnosis

Pulmonary function tests

Asthma - treatment

Medications, both inhaled and taken orally

Bronchitis - signs and symptoms

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

Bronchitis - etiology

Acute: Caused by viral illnesses such as colds and flu

Chronic: Caused by smoking

Bronchitis - diagnosis

Physical examination in which the lungs are listened to via stethoscope, chest x-ray, pulmonary function tests

Bronchitis - treatment

Acute: Typically resolves without intervention.

Chronic: Respiratory therapy

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - signs and symptoms

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) - diagnosis

Patient history, pulmonary function tests, chest x-ray, and CT scan

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - treatment

Smoking cessation, medication, and oxygen therapy

Rhinitis - signs and symptoms

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

Allergic rhinitis is triggered by allergens in the air.

Rhinitis - diagnosis

Physical exam

Allergists can help determine the cause of allergic rhinitis.

Rhinitis - treatment

Antihistamines and corticosteroids