respiratory pathology pt2 L13pt4

Respiratory Pathologies

• Diseases affect either the upper or lower respiratory tract.
  • Upper: nose, pharynx, larynx.
  • Lower: trachea, bronchi, alveoli.
• Respiratory diseases vary in severity.
  • Example: Common cold (mild) to pneumonia and pulmonary edema (severe).

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• Comprises chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
• Characterized by chronic airflow obstruction.
• Mainly caused by smoking; also influenced by environmental factors.
• Significant childhood respiratory infections may contribute to COPD.

Chronic Bronchitis

• Symptoms: productive cough, wheezing, cyanosis.
• Due to airway inflammation, mucus accumulation.
• Patients are often referred to as "blue bloaters".

Emphysema

• Symptoms: shortness of breath, chest tightness.
• Loss of healthy alveoli; decreased gas exchange.
• Chest becomes barrel-shaped, hence "pink puffers".

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

• Common cold caused by various viruses.
  • Terms: Upper Respiratory Infection (URI), nasopharyngitis.

Medical Terminology

• Rhinitis: inflammation of the nose.
  • Symptoms include increased mucus flow.
• Rhinorrhea: runny nose.
• Epistaxis: nosebleed.
• Croup: viral infection in children; characterized by barking cough.

Influenza (Flu)

• Highly contagious viral infection; spreads via droplets.
• Four types: A, B, C, and D.
  • A and B cause seasonal epidemics.
  • C causes mild illness; D does not affect humans.
• Type A viruses categorized by proteins H (hemagglutinin) and N (neuraminidase).
• Symptoms: cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever, muscle aches.
• Annual flu shot recommended for prevention.