Asthma Overview Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Besides mucus production, what two other physiological actions occur to airways during an asthma attack that make breathing difficult?

The airways narrow and swell.

List three common triggers of allergy-induced asthma.

Pollen, mold spores, and pet dander.

Besides shortness of breath, what are two other common symptoms of asthma listed in the text?

Chest tightness/pain and wheezing when exhaling.

What type of asthma is triggered by workplace irritants such as dusts, gases, or chemicals?

Occupational asthma. Signup and view all the answers

Name three common medications, as listed in the text, that can trigger asthma symptoms.

Beta blockers, aspirin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Signup and view all the answers

Besides strong emotions and stress, what are two other common causes for asthma?

Sulfites/preservatives in food and beverages, and GERD. Signup and view all the answers

Name three risk factors associated with developing asthma.

Having a blood relative with asthma, having another allergy, being overweight, smoking, or exposure to pollution. Signup and view all the answers

Besides spirometry, give two other tests doctors might use in diagnosing asthma.

Bronchodilator tests, Bronchoprovocation tests, Peak expiratory flow (PEF) tests, Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) tests, Allergy skin or blood tests. Signup and view all the answers

What are two potential complications of having asthma?

Permanent narrowing of bronchial tubes, emergency room visits/hospitalizations, medication side effects. Signup and view all the answers

What are two things a patient can monitor to help prevent asthma attacks?

Breathing and warning signs such as slight coughing. Signup and view all the answers

Besides an asthma action plan, what is one more method listed to prevent asthma flare-ups?

Vaccination, identifying/avoiding triggers, monitoring breathing, or taking medication properly. Signup and view all the answers

What is inflammation of the lungs called?

Pneumonia. Signup and view all the answers

How long does it typically take for a person to recover from pneumonia?

2 to 4 weeks Signup and view all the answers

Besides a cough, name two other common symptoms of pneumonia.

Fever, shortness of breath, or fatigue Signup and view all the answers

What color might the mucus be when someone has pneumonia?

Greenish, yellow, or bloody Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common type of pneumonia?

Bacterial or pneumococcal pneumonia Signup and view all the answers

How does viral pneumonia typically develop compared to bacterial pneumonia?

Gradually, over several days Signup and view all the answers

What are two early symptoms of viral pneumonia, similar to the flu?

Fever, dry cough, headache, or muscle pain. Signup and view all the answers

What might happen to an older adult's mental state when they contract pneumonia?

They may become confused or have changes in mental awareness. Signup and view all the answers

In people with chronic health problems or weakened immune systems, which specific type of pneumonia is more common?

Fungal pneumonia Signup and view all the answers

What is HAP, regarding pneumonia?

Hospital-acquired pneumonia. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and hospital-acquired pneumonia?

CAP is acquired outside of a medical setting, while hospital-acquired pneumonia is contracted during a hospital stay. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of aspiration pneumonia?

Aspiration pneumonia is caused by inhaling bacteria into the lungs from food, drink, or saliva. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'walking pneumonia' and how does it often present?

Walking pneumonia is a milder case of pneumonia where symptoms might feel more like a mild respiratory infection. Signup and view all the answers

List three common symptoms associated with walking pneumonia.

Common symptoms include mild fever, dry cough lasting longer than a week, and shortness of breath. Signup and view all the answers

Besides a physical exam, list two diagnostic tests used to diagnose pneumonia.

Two diagnostic tests include blood tests and chest X-ray. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a sputum test when diagnosing pneumonia?

A sputum test helps identify the source of the infection, by analyzing mucus coughed up from the lungs. Signup and view all the answers

Why might an arterial blood gas test be preferred over pulse oximetry?

An arterial blood gas test provides a more accurate measurement of oxygen levels in the blood compared to pulse oximetry. Signup and view all the answers

Name two groups of people who have a higher risk of getting pneumonia.

Infants from birth to 2 years old and people ages 65 and older are at higher risk. Signup and view all the answers

Besides pregnancy and HIV, name another cause of a weakened immune system that could increase the risk of contracting pneumonia, as stated in the text.

The use of certain medications, such as steroids or certain cancer drugs. Signup and view all the answers

Besides diabetes and COPD, list two other chronic medical conditions that can increase a person's risk of developing pneumonia, according to the text.

Heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease. Signup and view all the answers

Why are antibiotics ineffective against viral pneumonia?

Antibiotics do not work on viruses. Signup and view all the answers

What are two potential severe complications of pneumonia, as described in the text, related to the lungs or breathing?

Lung abscesses and impaired breathing, including acute respiratory distress syndrome. Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential cause of kidney, heart, and liver damage resulting from pneumonia?

Not receiving enough oxygen, or an overreaction of the immune system to the infection. Signup and view all the answers

Name three different preventative measures one can take to reduce the risk of getting pneumonia, as stated in the text.

Vaccination, healthy lifestyle, hand hygiene, face masks. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main routes by which pyogenic organisms can reach the lung, causing a pulmonary abscess?

Aspiration from the oral cavity and through the bloodstream from a distant focus of suppuration. Signup and view all the answers

Which is considered the more severe condition: pulmonary abscess or pulmonary gangrene?

Pulmonary gangrene Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical structure is primarily affected by a pulmonary abscess?

Lung parenchyma Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of a pulmonary abscess that can be visualized on imaging?

Air-fluid level inside the cavity Signup and view all the answers

Prior to the widespread use of antibiotics, what was considered the primary treatment method for pulmonary abscess?

Surgery Signup and view all the answers

How is the duration of a pulmonary abscess categorized as either acute or chronic?

Less than 6 weeks is acute, more than 6 weeks is chronic Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common initial cause of primary lung abscess, as mentioned in the text?

Aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions Signup and view all the answers

Besides aspiration, name one other cause, indicated in the text, of a primary lung abscess.

Necrotizing pneumonia or immunodeficiency Signup and view all the answers

Name one condition that can cause a secondary lung abscess, due to bronchial obstruction.

Tumor, foreign body, enlarged lymph nodes, or congenital malformation Signup and view all the answers

What is a common way a lung abscess might occur via hematogenous dissemination, as described in the text?

Abdominal sepsis, infective endocarditis, intravenous drug abuse, infected cannula or central venous catheter, or septic thromboembolisms Signup and view all the answers

What are two common physical sensations associated with an asthma attack, not including shortness of breath?

Chest tightness or pain, and wheezing when exhaling. Signup and view all the answers

Besides cold air, what is another common environmental cause of asthma symptoms?

Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common sleep disturbance caused by asthma, as described in the text?

Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing. Signup and view all the answers

What is one type of exercise-related condition that can worsen asthma?

Exercise-induced asthma can be worse when the air is cold and dry. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common indoor allergen, besides dust mites, that can trigger allergy-induced asthma?

Mold spores, pet dander or particles of cockroach waste. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the test that involves a patient breathing into a device to measure air flow and capacity as part of asthma diagnosis?

Spirometry Signup and view all the answers

Besides an infection, what other disease is listed as a common cause of pneumonia?

Pulmonary Embolism Signup and view all the answers

Besides family history, what other allergic condition is considered a risk factor for developing asthma?

Atopic dermatitis or hay fever Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the test used to measure lung inflammation by analyzing the concentration of nitric oxide in exhaled breath?

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) tests Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a narrowing of the bronchial tubes that can result from ongoing asthma?

Permanent narrowing of the bronchial tubes Signup and view all the answers

Which type of test uses a bronchodilator to see how much it improves a patient's lung function?

Spirometry with bronchodilator tests Signup and view all the answers

Besides monitoring one's breathing, what is another self-management strategy to help prevent asthma attacks?

Identification and avoidance of asthma triggers Signup and view all the answers

How are asthma flare-ups potentially reduced through vaccinations?

Vaccinations can prevent flu and pneumonia from triggering asthma flare-ups Signup and view all the answers

What might cause lips and nail beds to appear bluish in patients with bacterial pneumonia?

Lips and nail beds may appear bluish due to a lack of oxygen in the blood. Signup and view all the answers

What are some symptoms that may indicate pneumonia in infants?

Infants may show symptoms such as vomiting, fever, cough, or appear restless or tired. Signup and view all the answers

How can pneumonia symptoms differ in older adults compared to younger patients?

Older adults may have fewer and milder symptoms, and may even experience sudden changes in mental awareness. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how viral pneumonia typically progresses compared to bacterial pneumonia.

Viral pneumonia usually develops gradually over several days, while bacterial pneumonia can develop suddenly and severely. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main preventive measure for pneumococcal pneumonia?

Pneumococcal vaccines are available to help prevent pneumococcal pneumonia. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common situation leading to hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP)?

HAP often occurs in patients during or after hospitalization, particularly those with weakened immune systems. Signup and view all the answers

What are common symptoms associated with mycoplasma pneumonia?

Mycoplasma pneumonia typically presents with symptoms such as a persistent dry cough, fever, and fatigue. Signup and view all the answers

In which population is fungal pneumonia most commonly found?

Fungal pneumonia is most common in individuals with chronic health problems or weakened immune systems. Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) from community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)?

VAP occurs in patients on ventilators, while CAP is acquired outside of medical settings. Signup and view all the answers

How might walking pneumonia present differently compared to more severe forms of pneumonia?

Walking pneumonia typically presents with milder symptoms, resembling a common respiratory infection. Signup and view all the answers

What role does a sputum test play in pneumonia diagnosis?

A sputum test analyzes mucus to identify the bacteria causing pneumonia. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why certain groups, like infants or the elderly, are at higher risk for pneumonia.

These groups have weaker immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of conducting a chest X-ray in diagnosing pneumonia?

A chest X-ray helps visualize the extent and location of lung inflammation. Signup and view all the answers

Describe one potential consequence of untreated pneumonia.

Untreated pneumonia can lead to severe complications such as lung abscesses or respiratory failure. Signup and view all the answers

What diagnostic test might provide a more accurate assessment of oxygen levels than pulse oximetry?

An arterial blood gas test measures oxygen levels directly from a blood sample taken from an artery. Signup and view all the answers

What are two common coexisting lung diseases that can contribute to pulmonary issues?

Bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main types of medications used to treat pneumonia based on its cause?

Oral antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia, antivirals for viral pneumonia, and antifungals for fungal pneumonia. Signup and view all the answers

Identify two symptoms associated with pleuritis.

Sharp chest pain and shortness of breath. Signup and view all the answers

How can pneumonia affect individuals with preexisting conditions like heart failure?

It can worsen their existing health conditions and increase their risk of heart attacks. Signup and view all the answers

What type of therapy should be considered for an abscess larger than 6 cm or persistent symptoms for over 12 weeks?

Surgical therapy. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential complication of pneumonia that involves fluid accumulation in the chest?

Pleural effusion, which may require drainage if infected. Signup and view all the answers

What diagnostic procedure involves injecting anesthetic between the ribs to address fluid accumulation?

Thoracentesis. Signup and view all the answers

Besides respiratory issues, what is one serious consequence of untreated pneumonia related to the bloodstream?

Bacteremia, which can lead to septic shock and organ failure. Signup and view all the answers

Name one infectious cause of pleuritis.

Bacterial infections, such as tuberculosis. Signup and view all the answers

What preventative measure can greatly reduce the risk of pneumonia, particularly in vulnerable populations?

Vaccination against pneumonia. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between dry pleuritis and exudative pleuritis?

Dry pleuritis has little to no fluid, while exudative pleuritis involves fluid buildup around the lungs. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes pulmonary gangrene from pulmonary abscess in terms of severity and cause?

Pulmonary gangrene is more severe and caused by spirochetes and fusiform bacilli, while pulmonary abscess is typically caused by staphylococci. Signup and view all the answers

List two potential complications of untreated pulmonary conditions.

Pneumothorax and respiratory distress. Signup and view all the answers

Name one chronic medical condition that increases the risk of developing pneumonia.

Diabetes or COPD. Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is commonly associated with infections or inflammation in the lungs, as per the content?

Cough and fever. Signup and view all the answers

What lifestyle practice is recommended to prevent pneumonia and maintain respiratory health?

Practicing good hand hygiene. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bronchial Asthma

Asthma is a condition where airways narrow and swell, creating extra mucus.
This makes breathing difficult, triggering symptoms like cough, wheeze, and shortness of breath.
Severity varies, from minor nuisance to life-threatening attacks.
Asthma symptoms are treatable but not curable.

Asthma Signs and Symptoms

Shortness of breath
Chest tightness or pain
Wheezing, especially when exhaling
Trouble sleeping due to breathing issues, coughing, or wheezing
Worsening cough or wheeze triggered by respiratory viruses (like colds or flu)

Asthma Signs and Symptoms Flare-ups

Exercise-induced asthma: Worsened by cold, dry air
Occupational asthma: Triggered by workplace irritants (chemicals, gases, dust)
Allergy-induced asthma: Triggered by airborne allergens (pollen, mold spores, pet dander)

Asthma Causes

Exposure to allergens (pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, cockroach waste)
Respiratory infections (like the common cold)
Physical activity
Cold air
Air pollutants (smoke)
Certain medications (beta blockers, aspirin, NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen)
Strong emotions and stress
Sulfites and preservatives in some foods and beverages (shrimp, dried fruit, processed potatoes, beer, wine)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Asthma Risk Factors

Having a blood relative with asthma
Having other allergic conditions (like atopic dermatitis, hay fever)
Being overweight
Being a smoker
Exposure to secondhand smoke
Exposure to exhaust fumes or other pollution
Exposure to occupational triggers (chemicals in farming, hairdressing, manufacturing)

Asthma Diagnosis Tests

Spirometry (with and without bronchodilator)
Bronchoprovocation tests
Peak expiratory flow (PEF) tests
Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) tests
Allergy skin or blood tests

Asthma Complications

Symptoms interfering with daily activities (sleep, work)
Permanent narrowing of bronchial tubes
Emergency room visits/hospitalizations for severe attacks
Side effects from long-term asthma medications

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is lung inflammation, usually caused by infection.
Most people recover within 2-4 weeks; however, certain groups are at higher risk of severe illness.
Groups at higher risk: infants (0-2 years old), older adults (65+), individuals with weakened immune systems (HIV, cancer treatments, etc.), those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, and pregnant people

Pneumonia Symptoms

Cough (may produce greenish, yellow, or bloody mucus)
Fever, sweating, and chills
Shortness of breath
Rapid, shallow breathing
Sharp or stabbing chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing
Loss of appetite, low energy, and fatigue
Nausea and vomiting (especially in children)
Confusion (especially in older adults)

Types of Pneumonia

Bacterial (pneumococcal): Most common, can be more serious, symptoms develop gradually or suddenly, high fever, profuse sweating, rapid breathing, bluish lips/nailbeds, confusion/delirium.
Viral: Develops over several days, initial symptoms similar to influenza (fever, dry cough, headache, muscle aches), worsens with increasing cough, shortness of breath, often high fever, and sometimes bluish lips/nailbeds. Symptoms vary in different individuals and age groups.
Fungal: Most common in people with chronic or suppressed immune systems, exposed to large doses of certain fungi from contaminated soil or bird droppings.

Pneumonia Classification

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP): Acquired during a hospital stay, often more serious, bacteria involved may be resistant to antibiotics
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP): Acquired outside a medical facility
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP): Acquired by people on ventilators
Aspiration pneumonia: Inhaling bacteria (from food, drink, saliva) into the lungs, more likely if there's a swallowing problem or sedation

Walking Pneumonia

Milder case of pneumonia, symptoms often feel like a mild respiratory infection
Symptoms may include a mild fever, a dry cough that lasts longer than a week, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain, and reduced appetite

Pneumonia Diagnosis Tests

Medical history (recent travel, exposures, previous illnesses)
Physical exam (lung auscultation)
Blood tests (confirm infection, identify the germ)
Chest X-ray (locate and extent of inflammation in lungs)
Pulse oximetry (measure oxygen levels in the blood)
Sputum test (sample of mucus to identify the infection source)
CT scan (better view of lungs, look for abscesses or complications)
Arterial Blood Gas Test (accurately measure blood oxygen levels, more accurate than pulse oximetry)
Pleural fluid culture (analyze fluid to identify bacteria causing the pneumonia)
Bronchoscopy (view inside lungs' airways)

Pneumonia Risk Factors

Infants (0-2 years old)
Adults aged 65+
Weakened immune systems (HIV, cancer, certain medications)
Pregnant people
Conditions involving impaired immune or lung function

Pneumonia Treatment

Bacterial Pneumonia: Oral antibiotics (antibiotic medications may not work on viruses)
Viral Pneumonia: May clear on its own with home care, antiviral medications may be prescribed in some cases.
Fungal Pneumonia: Antifungal medications
Significant cases/complications: Hospitalization may be necessary

Pneumonia Complications

Worsening of pre-existing conditions (heart failure, emphysema)
Bacteremia (bacteria spreading to bloodstream, possible low blood pressure, septic shock, and organ failure)
Lung abscess (cavities containing pus needing drainage or surgery)
Impaired breathing (acute respiratory distress syndrome, a medical emergency)
Pleural effusion (fluid buildup around lungs, potentially needing draining)
Kidney, heart, and liver damage
Death (in severe cases)

Pneumonia Prevention

Vaccination (influenza, pneumonia)
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle

Pulmonary Abscess and Pulmonary Gangrene

Pulmonary abscess: Caused by pyogenic organisms (e.g., staphylococci) reaching the lung through aspiration from the oral cavity or blood stream. More common in children, prognosis is usually good unless complicated by sepsis.
Pulmonary gangrene: More severe, caused by a group of organisms (e.g., spirochetes, fusiform bacilli, vibrios) aspirated from the oral cavity. More common in adults.

Pulmonary Abscess Division and Causes

Acute (less than 6 weeks):
Chronic (more than 6 weeks):
Primary: Aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions, necrotizing pneumonia, immunodeficiency
Secondary: Bronchial obstructions, haematogenic dissemination, direct spreading from mediastinal infection, coexisting lung diseases
Aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions: Dental or peridontal infections, paranasal sinusitis, swelling disorders, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, frequent vomiting, intubation, certain medical conditions (tracheostomy, recurrent paralysis, alcoholism)
Haematogenic dissemination: Abdominal sepsis, infective endocarditis, intravenous drug abuse, infected cannula/central venous catheter, septic thromboembolisms
Coexisting lung diseases: Bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, bullous emphysema, bronchial obstruction, congenital malformations, infected pulmonary infarcts, pulmonary contusion, broncho-oesophageal fistula

Pulmonary Abscess Signs and Symptoms

Fever with shivering
Cough, night sweats
Dyspnea
Weight loss and fatigue
Chest pain
Anemia

Pulmonary Abscess Therapy

Antibiotics
Abscess larger than 6 cm, or symptoms lasting longer than 12 weeks despite appropriate therapy, surgical therapy may be considered

Pleurisy

Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura (membrane lining the lungs and chest cavity)
Characterized by sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing, can also be associated with a dry or wet pleuritis (excess fluid accumulation)

Pleurisy Causes

Infections (bacterial, including tuberculosis, fungi, parasites, viruses)
Inhaled chemicals/toxins
Collagen vascular diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
Cancers (lung cancer spreading to pleura, mesothelioma, sarcoma)
Congestion (heart failure)
Pulmonary embolism
Obstruction of lymph channels
Trauma
Certain medications
Abdominal processes (pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis, gallbladder disease)
Pneumothorax

Pleurisy Symptoms

Pain
Shortness of breath
Dry cough
Extreme weakness
Chills and fever
Respiratory distress (due to pleural effusion)

Types of Pleurisy

Dry pleurisy: Limited fluid buildup, causes pleural friction rub (sounds like a raspy breath)
Exudative pleurisy: Fluid builds up around lungs, making breathing difficult

Pleurisy Diagnosis

Blood tests
Chest X-ray
CT scan
Ultrasound
ECG
Thoracentesis (fluid removal for lab analysis)
Thoracoscopy (camera inserted to look for problems or take a biopsy

Pleurisy Treatment

Treatment focuses on the underlying cause.
Antigibiotic for bacterial etiologies
NSAIDs (pain/inflammation)
Steroid medications may be used

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Description

Test your knowledge on asthma, including its symptoms, triggers, and management. This quiz covers various aspects of asthma, including types, medications, and diagnostic tests. Understand the physiological changes during asthma attacks and the factors affecting asthma management.