Page 1

• Respiratory Distress

  • Definition: Breathing difficulty with associated mental distress.

  • Causes: Infection, respiratory disorders, trauma, physical or emotional stress.

  • Common diseases: Asthma and COPD (chronic bronchitis and emphysema).

  • Symptoms:

    • Respiratory rate abnormalities (Tachypnea, Bradypnea, Apnea).

    • Skin color changes (Paleness or cyanosis).

    • Nostril flaring, muscle retraction, diaphoresis.

    • Audible breathing indicating airway issues.

• Asthma

  • Definition: Chronic inflammation of bronchi and bronchioles.

  • Causes: Allergic reaction triggered by inhaled substances.

  • Symptoms: Wheezing, chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath.

Page 2

• Chronic Bronchitis

  • Definition: Inflammation of bronchi and bronchioles, leading to irreversible damage.

  • Causes: Smoking (85-90%), dust/fumes exposure, infections.

  • Symptoms: Productive cough, excess mucus, dyspnea, wheezing, fatigue.

• Emphysema

  • Definition: Destruction of alveoli elasticity, reducing gas exchange.

  • Causes: Primarily smoking, air pollution, dust inhalation.

  • Symptoms: Dyspnea during activity, complications like cor pulmonale.

• References

  • Sources: CSU Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, WebMD, Medscape, Textbook of Respiratory Medicine.

  • Images: Illustrations of asthma and chronic bronchitis/emphysema symptoms.

Pneumonia Facts

• Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in the lungs.

  • Caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

• Severity ranges from mild to life-threatening, more serious for infants, young children, elderly, and those with health issues.

• Symptoms vary from mild to severe, similar to cold or flu but lasting longer.

  • Symptoms include chest pain, confusion, cough, fatigue, fever, nausea, shortness of breath.

Tuberculosis Facts

• TB is a contagious airborne infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

• Inactive TB infection and active TB disease exist.

  • Latent TB infection: TB bacteria live in the body without causing sickness.

  • Active TB disease: TB bacteria multiply and cause sickness.

• Symptoms of TB disease include a bad cough, chest pain, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.

Asthma Facts

• Asthma is a condition where airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus.

• Symptoms vary from person to person, including shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, wheezing.

• Triggers differ among individuals, such as airborne substances, respiratory infections, cold air, stress.

COPD Facts

• COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung disease caused by long-term exposure to irritants.

• Emphysema and chronic bron