Flashcards: Fundamentals of Respiratory and Endocrine Disorders — 24 cards

Acute bronchoconstriction — definition?

Sudden airway narrowing from inflammation and smooth muscle contraction.

Mast cells — role?

Release mediators causing airway hypersensitivity.

Eosinophils — role?

Contribute to airway inflammation and allergic responses.

Airway inflammation — result?

Swelling, mucus, hyperresponsiveness, bronchoconstriction.

Bronchoconstriction — cause?

Smooth muscle tightening from inflammation.

Hypersensitivity — mechanism?

Exaggerated immune response to allergens.

Asthma — characteristic?

Reversible airway obstruction triggered by irritants.

Diagnosis tools — include?

History, physical, pulmonary tests, allergy skin tests.

Wheezing — sign of?

Airflow limitation in asthma.

Pulmonary function test — purpose?

Assess airflow obstruction severity.

Peak flow monitoring — use?

Quantifies airway narrowing over time.

Accessory muscle use — indicates?

Respiratory distress.

Allergy skin test — purpose?

Identify allergen triggers.

ABG — assesses?

Oxygen and CO2 levels, gas exchange.

Asthma — management?

Inhaled corticosteroids, beta-agonists, trigger avoidance.

Long-term meds — examples?

Fluticasone, montelukast.

Rescue meds — examples?

Albuterol, ipratropium.

COPD — main types?

Emphysema ('pink puffer') and chronic bronchitis ('blue bloater').

Emphysema — features?

Alveolar destruction, hyperinflation, minimal cough.

Chronic bronchitis — features?

Cough, mucus, cyanosis.

Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency — role?

Genetic risk factor for emphysema.

Pneumonia — alveolar change?

Filling with fluid, pus, mucus.

Signs of pneumonia?

Fever, chills, tachypnea, crackles, infiltrates.

Diagnosis tools?

X-ray, cultures, ABG, inflammatory markers.