HLTH 335 Chapter 8 1st Edition Exam 3 Study Guide Lectures 12 17 Structure and Function Main Function o To supply blood with oxygen Achieved through breathing Inhale oxygen exhale carbon dioxide Diagnosis of Respiratory Disease Physical Examination o Auscultation listening with stethoscope o Percussion tapping on the chest Vibrations and change in sound can give clues Spirometry o Measures the air capacity of the lungs Peak Flow Tests o Measures the maximum force with which a patient can exhale Bronchial Challenge Test o Detects and quantifies airway hypersensitivity Pulse Oximetry o Measures oxygen saturation in blood Noninvasive Arterial Blood Gases ABGS o Evaluate blood levels of O2 and CO2 and pH levels o Requires blood sample Sputum analysis Biopsy and Imaging Tests o Bronchoscopy o Laryngoscopy o Chest X rays o CT Scans o MRI Scans Respiratory rate One of the four vital signs along with heart rate temperature and blood pressure Respiratory rate is dependent on the level of CO2 in the blood o When the CO2 level is high a person breathes more rapidly to expel the excess o If CO2 levels drop the respiratory rate will also drop Normal respiratory rates for different age groups Newborns 30 60 respirations minute 1 year old 18 30 respirations minute 16 year old 16 20 respirations minute Adult 12 20 respirations minute Common symptoms of respiratory disease Breathing irregularities o Dyspnea labored breathing o Tachypnea rapid breathing o Wheezing Coughs o Dry non productive o Productive produces mucous o Hemoptysis coughing blood Upper respiratory diseases Common cold Sinusitis Nasal polyps Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea Hay fever seasonal allergic rhinitis Tonsillitis pharyngitis laryngitis Influenza The common cold An acute inflammation of the mucous membrane lining of the upper respiratory tract Highly contagious no known cure More than 200 strains of viruses are capable of causing the common cold Metapneumovirus has recently been described as a major virus causing adult colds Infants the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are at risk for severe consequences from a cold Having had a cold provides no immunity to future colds Coughing helps clear irritants or excessive mucus in the nasal and throat areas o Sometimes this abrupt flow of air races by at speeds approaching 200 mph Secondary infections can occur o Infection may be treated with antibiotics when caused by bacteria and therefore cold sufferers may be on antibiotics for a cold Sinuses and Sinusitis In the US 1 person in 7 has sinus problems billion dollars per year is spent on sinus problems Caused by viruses allergens bacteria Environmental conditions play a role o Barometric pressure airplane flight swimming or diving activities tooth extraction and perhaps stale or contaminated indoor air like in sick building syndrome Treatment o decongestants and antihistamines antibiotics surgery Lower respiratory diseases Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD Bronchitis Asthma Emphysema Pneumonia Pleurisy Pulmonary tuberculosis Cancer Cystic fibrosis really is a disease of the pancreas Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD COPD includes a number of conditions in which the exchange of respiratory gasses is ineffective o includes chronic bronchitis emphysema and chronic asthma Is commonly misdiagnosed o Similar to chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia http www youtube com watch v 5l 5obCkf24 Signs Symptoms Dyspnea o Frequent coughing o Wheezing o Tachypnea o Tightness in the chest COPD has a clear cause and a clear path of prevention The 3rd leading cause of death Approx 12 million people in the US and 52 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with COPD Risk factors include o Exposure to tobacco smoke occupational dust and chemicals o genetics Bronchial Asthma Characterized by hypersensitivity to various allergens like dust mold pollen animal dander and various foods 80 of children with asthma and 50 of adult asthmatics have allergies o The allergens trigger constriction of smooth muscle in the walls of the bronchi narrowing the lumen of the tubes o The spasm is a sustained contraction of the musculature making breathing particularly expiration very difficult A wheezing sound results from air passing through the narrowed tubes Psychogenic factors such as anxiety are frequently associated with an asthma attack A tense situation or an emotional experience can trigger an attack Other non allergic causes are overexertion infection bronchitis and environmental irritants o cigarette smoke aerosol sprays perfume There is no cure for asthma but attacks may become less severe with age important to identify triggers Treatment and Prognosis of Asthma Medication and allergy shots can reduce the incidence or severity of asthma attacks To counteract an ongoing attack substances that dilate the bronchi are effective o Ephedrine sprays and epinephrine adrenalin injections o Bronchodilators like albuterol and metaproterenol o Cortisone like drugs and antihistamines are sometimes used but these carry a risk of side effects Emphysema A crippling and debilitating weakening disease with chronic lung obstruction and destruction The word emphysema means inflammation o The lungs become filled with air that is high in carbon dioxide o This air cannot be adequately exhaled to allow oxygen to enter o The person experiences a suffocating feeling and great distress from the inability to breathe Severe pain accompanies the difficult breathing The cause of emphysema is not known but it is most frequently associated with heavy cigarette smoking An inherited form has been identified also Individuals with a deficiency in alpha 1 antitrypsin are prone to alveolar destruction characteristic of emphysema Air pollution and long term exposure to irritants of the respiratory tract also seem to be factors of its etiology Living with COPD There is hope for improving quality of life after being diagnosed with COPD o Exercise Reduces flare ups episodes May reduce need for meds Are programs available for help with exercise motivation and maintenance http www youtube com watch v wPg7h4N9Xnc Conclusion Lifestyle factors can influence respiratory health o Avoiding pathogens Viruses bacteria allergens o Avoiding environmental irritants pollutants o Aerobic exercise to enhance respiratory function and structure TED Talk Charity Tillemann Dick Pulmonary Hypertension http www ted com talks charity tilleman dick singing after a dou ble lung