Chapter 1: Introduction

• Sleep Apnea: A condition causing breathing disruptions during sleep, leading to hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and excess carbon dioxide in the blood.

• Hypoxia: Triggers brain to increase breathing rate to compensate for lack of oxygen.

• Total Lung Capacity (TLC): The maximum amount of air the lungs can hold.

• Vital Capacity (VC): The maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after taking the deepest breath. This is essential for assessing respiratory function.

• Residual Volume (RV): The amount of air left in the lungs after the strongest exhalation.

• Tidal Volume (TV): The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing while at rest.

• Incentive Spirometer: A device used to measure respiratory volumes (TLC, VC, RV, TV), helping in assessing lung function and promoting recovery.

• Respiratory Therapists: Health professionals who use various techniques and equipment to improve lung function. Requires a 2-year associate's degree.

• Work settings include ICUs, where they may assist with intubation and provide mechanical ventilation.

• Tracheotomy: Surgical procedure creating an opening in the trachea to secure airway when breathing is compromised.

Chapter 2: Mucus and Airway Issues

• Brady & Tacky Prefixes:

  • Brady: Refers to slow functions (e.g., bradycardia).
  • Tachy: Refers to fast functions (e.g., tachycardia).

• Asthma: Characterized by narrowed airways due to tightened muscles and mucus build-up, affecting breathing efficiency and leading to wheezing.

• Alveoli's Role: Site for gas exchange between oxygen and carbon dioxide.

• Mucus: Produced as a natural defense against pathogens; builds up when airways are irritated or infected.

Chapter 3: Causes of COPD

• COPD: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, comprising emphysema and chronic bronchitis, wherein airflow is obstructed and lung damage can be irreversible.

• Emphysema: Damage to alveolar walls results in formation of holes that impede respiratory function.

• Chronic Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchi leading to mucus overproduction and persistent cough.

• Key symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, and fatigue.

• Major Causes:

  • Primarily cigarette smoking.
  • Secondhand smoke, environmental pollutants, and chemical exposure.

• Diagnosis: Conducted via special breathing tests that measure lung capacity and function.

• Management: Involves smoking cessation, medication (e.g., inhalers), and sometimes oxygen therapy.

Chapter 4: Pneumonia

• Pneumonia: Infection of the alveoli causing fluid accumulation, reducing gas exchange efficiency.

• Pathogens: Can be viral or bacterial, commonly spread through respiratory droplets.

• Symptoms include difficulty breathing, coughing, and rapid breathing due to carbon dioxide retention.

• Mucociliary Escalator: The body’s defense mechanism using mucus and cilia to trap and expel pathogens.

• Inflammation: Occurs as immune cells react to infection, leading to additional fluid build-up.

• Treatment: May include antibiotics and supportive care, with recovery varying by health status.

• Prevention: Vaccination, proper hygiene, nutrition, and regular exercise.

Chapter 5: Collapsed Lung

• Pneumothorax: Condition where the pleural membrane is punctured, causing lung collapse.

  • Can be traumatic (due to injury) or spontaneous (due to lung diseases).

• Hemothorax: Accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity.

• Symptoms: Difficulty breathing due to loss of negative pressure that facilitates lung expansion and contraction.

• Requires prompt medical intervention if air pressure builds excessively.

Chapter 6: Tuberculosis (TB)

• Tuberculosis: Infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs, caused by bacteria.

• Forms include primary TB, latent TB, and active TB.

• Infectious when the granuloma containing bacteria ruptures, leading to the spread of bacteria via respiratory droplets.

• Transmission: Highly contagious; spread through airborne droplets. Prevention strategies include vaccination and mask-wearing.

• Stages: TB can remain latent without symptoms until an immune compromise occurs, leading to active disease.

Chapter 7: Conclusion

• Key Takeaways: Focus on understanding basic respiratory anatomy, effects of various conditions on lung function, and measures for prevention and management of respiratory diseases.
• Study vocabulary associated with respiratory terms such as tachycardia, bradycardia, and different lung volumes.