Lesson 10. From Breath to Life: Understanding Respiratory Pathologies

Respiratory system function

oxygen is delivered to the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is expelled. It is the silent workhorse sustaining our energy, fueling our cognition, and enabling every action we perform.

Nas/o

nose

or/o

mouth

pharyng/o

pharynx

laryng/o

larynx

trache/o

trachea

bronch/o

bronchi

bronchiol/o

bronchioles

alveol/o

alveoli

what are alevoli

clusters of microscopic air sacs; final exchange point where oxygen enters the blood and carbon dioxide is expelled

pulmon/o or pneumon/o

lungs

phren/o

diaphragm

epiglott/o

epiglottis

cyanosis

bluish skin coloration caused by low oxygen

tracheostomy

creating a new opening in the trachea

Asphyxia

oxygen levels plummet while carbon dioxide rises, resulting from scenarios like drowning, choking, or smoke inhalation.

Asthma

chronic condition marked by bronchial narrowing, inflammation, and excess mucus. It can be triggered by allergens, exercise, cold air, or stress.

In an asthma attack

airway resembles a straw being pinched shut, making each breath a struggle

Atelectasis

also known as a collapsed lung, can occur post-surgery or from a blockage in the airways. The air sacs deflate like a balloon losing air, decreasing oxygen exchange.

Emphysema

destruction of alveolar walls and loss of lung elasticity.

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

progressive condition primarily caused by smoking. The lungs become overinflated but ineffective--like bellows that expand but no longer blow air.

Hemoptysis

also known as coughing up blood, may result from infections, lung cancer, or tuberculosis.

Hemothorax

blood in the pleural space--may arise from trauma or ruptured vessels, compressing the lung and requiring emergency intervention.

Pneumonia

infection that inflames the alveoli, filling them with pus and fluid. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

TB affects

lungs

TB is marked by

persistent cough, night sweats, chest pain, and weight loss.

Bronchoscopy

endoscopic procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the nose or mouth into the airways. It is used to collect samples, remove obstructions, and observe tumors, bleeding, or infection.

Chest x-rays

produce images that help detect pneumonia, tumors, collapsed lungs, or fluid accumulation.

Lungs scan (V/Q scan)

measure how well air and blood are reaching different parts of the lungs; used to diagnose PE

pulmonary embolism (PE)

potentially fatal condition where a blood clot blocks blood flow to lung tissue.

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs)

use a spirometer to evaluate how much air a person can inhale and exhale, and how quickly. These tests are essential in diagnosing asthma, COPD, and restrictive lung diseases.

Parameters such as forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) provide

provide objective data to monitor disease progression and response to treatment

Intubation

life-saving measure where a tube is inserted into the trachea to maintain an open airway. It is used in surgery, respiratory failure, or trauma.

Thoracentesis

insertion of a needle between the ribs to drain pleural effusion—a buildup of fluid in the pleural space caused by infections, heart failure, or malignancies.

Thoracotomy

allows surgeons to access the lungs directly, a necessity in cases requiring lobectomy, where a diseased lobe is removed, or pneumonectomy, involving the removal of an entire lung.

Corticosteroids

reducing inflammation and preventing exacerbations

Bronchodilators

facilitate smooth muscle relaxation, easing airflow

Telepulmonology

remote monitoring of patients with chronic lung conditions