Lung Infections and Disorders Quiz

Lung Infections and Disorders

• Chest X-rays can reveal infiltrates in a single lobe or diffuse lung areas.
• Tuberculosis results from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, leading to inflammatory responses that enclose bacteria in tubercles and scar tissue.
• Dormancy of tuberculosis bacteria can occur; if the immune system weakens, the disease may reactivate.

Bronchiolitis and Croup

• Bronchiolitis, primarily seen in children, obstructs small airways due to inflammation.
• Croup is an acute respiratory illness, commonly due to parainfluenza virus, characterized by a seal-like barking cough after initial symptoms of a cold.
• Croup affects children between 6 months to 5 years and results in subglottic region swelling of the trachea.

Cystic Fibrosis

• Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder leading to thick, tenacious airway secretions.
• Chronic infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are common, causing significant lung damage and often leading to respiratory failure.
• Improvements in treatment have increased life expectancy; most cystic fibrosis patients now survive into adulthood.

Other Respiratory Conditions

• Cyanosis indicates poor oxygenation, presenting as a bluish tint in skin and mucous membranes.
• Emphysema is marked by permanent enlargement of airways and destruction of alveolar walls.
• Expectorants help increase mucus secretion, aiding in respiratory function and alleviating discomfort with dry airways.

Breathing Difficulties and Asthma

• Dyspnoea refers to uncomfortable breathing and can indicate underlying respiratory issues.
• Asthma, a common childhood condition, involves bronchospasm, inflammation, and increased mucus production, necessitating careful management of triggers and inflammation.

Chronic Respiratory Issues

• Chronic bronchitis leads to airway obstruction due to muscle hypertrophy and thick mucus.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) encompasses chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and sometimes asthma, posing serious risks for hypoxaemic and hypercapnic respiratory failure.

Management and Care

• Routine assessment for respiratory conditions involves history taking, clinical evaluation, sputum tests, and imaging if necessary.
• Basic care approaches for respiratory issues include physiotherapy, supplemental oxygen, and continuous monitoring of vital signs and fluid balance.