Lower Respiratory Airflow Disorders

Nasal Cavity

Filters, warms, and humidifies air before it reaches the lungs.

Pharynx

Part of the throat that helps in filtering and conducting air to the trachea.

Trachea

The windpipe that connects the pharynx to the bronchi, lined with cartilage.

Bronchi

Two large tubes that branch from the trachea and carry air to the lungs.

Bronchioles

Smaller branches of bronchi that lead to the alveoli.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Surfactant

A substance secreted by Type II alveolar cells to reduce surface tension.

Inspiration

The active process of drawing air into the lungs.

Expiration

The process of expelling air from the lungs.

Tidal Volume (TV)

The volume of air moved in and out of the lungs during normal breathing (~500 mL).

Residual Volume (RV)

The air remaining in the lungs after maximum exhalation (~1,200 mL).

Total Lung Capacity (TLC)

The maximum volume of air the lungs can hold (~6,000 mL).

Asthma

A chronic inflammatory disease characterized by episodic bronchoconstriction.

COPD

A group of lung diseases that obstruct airflow and make breathing difficult.

Chronic Bronchitis

A form of COPD characterized by persistent inflammation and excessive mucus production.

Emphysema

A form of COPD that involves the destruction of alveolar walls.

Pneumonia

An infection of the alveoli leading to fluid consolidation.

Tuberculosis

A bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, affecting the lungs.

Acute Respiratory Failure

Inability to maintain adequate gas exchange in the lungs.

Beta2-Adrenergic Agonists

Medications that stimulate beta2 receptors to promote bronchodilation.

Short-Acting Beta Agonists (SABAs)

Used for acute relief of bronchospasm (e.g., albuterol).

Long-Acting Beta Agonists (LABAs)

Used for maintenance therapy in asthma and COPD (e.g., salmeterol).

Anticholinergics

Medications that block muscarinic receptors to prevent bronchoconstriction.

Methylxanthines

Medications that inhibit phosphodiesterase leading to bronchodilation.

Glucocorticoids

Anti-inflammatory medications that suppress inflammatory mediator release.

Mast Cell Stabilizers

Prevent degranulation of mast cells, thereby reducing inflammation.

Leukotriene Modifiers

Block leukotrienes to reduce inflammation and bronchoconstriction.

Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDIs)

Devices delivering a specific amount of medication via inhalation.

Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs)

Devices that require a forceful inhalation of the powdered medication.

Nebulizers

Devices that aerosolize liquid medication for delivery to the lungs.

Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS)

Medications that reduce airway inflammation in asthma and COPD.

SABA/SAMA

Combination of a short-acting beta agonist and short-acting muscarinic antagonist.

LABA/LAMA

Combination of a long-acting beta agonist and long-acting muscarinic antagonist.

ICS/SABA

Combination of an inhaled corticosteroid and short-acting beta agonist.

ICS/LABA

Combination of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonists.

ICS/LABA/LAMA

Combination of inhaled corticosteroid, long-acting beta agonist, and muscarinic antagonist.

Bronchodilation

The relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle, increasing airflow to the lungs.

Anti-Inflammatory

A property of medications that reduces inflammation in the airways.

Sympathetic Stimulation

Activation that can cause increased heart rate and bronchodilation.

Paradoxical Bronchospasm

Worsening of bronchospasm after use of bronchodilators, though rare.

Patient Education

Teaching patients about inhaler techniques and recognizing symptoms.

Inhaler Technique

Proper method for using inhalers to ensure correct medication delivery.

Monitoring

Assessing vital signs and therapeutic drug levels in patients.

Clinical Interventions

Actions taken to assess and improve patient therapeutic outcomes.

Adverse Drug Reactions

Unintended side effects caused by medications.

Contraindications

Conditions in which a drug should not be used.

Precautions

Steps to minimize risk when administering medications.

Safety Alerts

Warnings or notifications regarding serious adverse effects.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter that can mediate bronchoconstriction.

Ciliary Motility

Movement of cilia that clears mucus from the airways.

Histamine

A mediator released during allergic reactions, contributing to inflammation.

Edema

Swelling caused by fluid accumulation in the bronchial walls.

Hypersecretion

Excessive secretion of mucus that can obstruct airflow.

Corticosteroid Side Effects

Adverse effects like oral candidiasis and adrenal suppression.

Respiratory Volumes

Measurements of different amounts of air exchanged in the lungs.

Accessory Muscles

Additional muscles used during breathing under increased demand.