Respiratory Diseases and Anemia Review

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to respiratory diseases, asthma pharmacology, and anemia management, aimed at assisting with exam preparation.

Chronic Airflow Limitation

A persistent condition characterized by reduced expiratory air flow, commonly seen in diseases like Asthma and COPD.

Asthma

A chronic condition marked by reversible airway obstruction, inflammation, and airway hyperresponsiveness leading to bronchoconstriction.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

A group of progressive lung diseases including emphysema and chronic bronchitis characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible.

Bronchodilator

Medications used to relax and open the airways in the lungs, thus improving airflow in conditions such as asthma and COPD.

Eosinophilic Asthma

A type of asthma characterized by the presence of eosinophils in the airways, often related to allergic reactions.

Interleukin 5

A cytokine that plays a key role in the growth and activation of eosinophils, which are involved in asthma pathology.

Status Asthmaticus

A severe asthma attack that does not respond to standard treatment and requires immediate medical intervention.

Chronic Bronchitis

A form of COPD defined by chronic inflammation of the bronchi, leading to increased mucus production and airway obstruction.

Emphysema

A severe lung disease characterized by the destruction of the alveoli, leading to reduced gas exchange and shortness of breath.

Corticosteroids

Anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used to manage asthma and COPD by reducing airway inflammation.

Eosinophils

White blood cells that are often elevated in allergic conditions and asthma, contributing to inflammation and airway hyperreactivity.

Hypoxic drive

A mechanism by which breathing is regulated based on low oxygen levels in the blood, particularly important in patients with COPD.

Diaphragmatic Breathing

A breathing technique that emphasizes the use of the diaphragm to enhance lung expansion.

Pneumonia

An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid and affects gas exchange.

Tuberculosis (TB)

A communicable disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs and characterized by persistent cough and weight loss.

Anemia

A condition where there is a deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, leading to reduced oxygen transport.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

A common type of anemia caused by a lack of iron in the body, often due to blood loss or inadequate dietary intake.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

A type of macrocytic anemia caused by insufficient vitamin B12, which impairs red blood cell formation and can affect nerve function.

Folic Acid Deficiency

A condition resulting from insufficient folate levels, leading to impaired DNA synthesis and macrocytic anemia.

Autoimmune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)

An autoimmune disorder characterized by low platelet counts due to the immune system attacking platelets.

Clinical Manifestations of Anemia

Includes fatigue, pallor, tachycardia, and weakness due to decreased oxygenation.