Nose and Larynx Pathologies: Rhinitis, Sinusitis, Laryngitis

• The most frequent pathologies are of the nose, larynx, bronchi and lungs

Nose and Larynx Pathologies

Rhinitis

• Superficial inflammation of the pituitary mucosa
• Produces a mucopurulent secretion
• Caused by etiological agents, especially viruses
• Requires external factors like a sudden cold, humidity, irritants, or allergens to appear
• Frequent symptoms include chills, headaches, sneezing, runny nose, nasal obstruction, and anosmia

Sinusitis

• Inflammation of the nasal sinus mucosa (anterior and posterior)
• Causes suppuration of the paranasal cavities with intense headaches
• Affects the anterior sinuses, causing pain with pressure in the forehead and maxilla
• Affects the posterior sinuses, with pain in the nape area

Laryngitis

• Also known as "laryngeal catarrh"
• Inflammation of the laryngeal mucosa due to infection (typically viral)
• Characterized by aphonia, hoarseness, itching, cough, pain, and stridor
• Can lead to glottis spasms and asphyxia, typically at night

Bronchi and Lung Pathologies

Bronchitis (Tracheobronchitis)

• Inflammation of the bronchial mucosa, often preceded by rhinitis, laryngitis, or pharyngolaryngitis, and accompanied by tracheitis
• Common triggers: infectious agents (pneumococcus, staphylococcus, flu viruses, etc.), smoking, climate, air pollution, and dust exposure
• Clinically presents with dry cough evolving into productive cough with expectoration, ronchi, and wheezing
• Advanced stages cause cyanosis and dyspnea
• Considered chronic if experienced for at least three months a year for a minimum of two consecutive years

Bronchial Asthma

• Generalized, intermittent, or reversible obstruction affecting the lower respiratory tract
• Caused by airway constriction, leading to dyspnea
• Asthmatic episodes vary in duration: crisis (low intensity, short duration), attack (one hour to one day), or status (over 24 hours)
• Generally results from allergies or respiratory infections, with dyspnea, wheezing, cough with sputum, fever, and tachypnea

Bronchiectasis

• Irreversible dilation of bronchi with chronic inflammation and ciliary mucosa atrophy
• Occurs secondarily from viral infections (such as whooping cough or measles), toxic inhalations, bronchitis, fibrosis, and tuberculosis
• Presents with foul-smelling sputum that may contain blood, moist rales, fever, and clubbed fingers

Pulmonary Emphysema

• Irreversible distension or enlargement of alveolar air spaces
• Destruction of interalveolar septa leads to pulmonary elasticity loss
• Main triggers: tobacco, bronchial infections, and inhaled chemicals
• Symptoms: dyspnea on exertion (due to airway obstruction), cough, tachypnea, prolonged exhalation, barrel chest, and cyanosis (in advanced stages)

Atelectasis

• Decreased lung tissue volume because of air deficiency in the alveoli
• Affects a lung lobe or part of it, mainly due to tuberculosis or bronchial tumors
• Can cause respiratory insufficiency

Acute Respiratory Insufficiency

• Lungs' acute inability to maintain adequate blood oxygenation
• Can cause ventilation disorders
• Symptoms associated with hypoxia (disorientation, confusion, impatience, tachypnea, tachycardia, and dyspnea) and hypercapnia (headache, confusion, irritability, loss of consciousness, drowsiness, and dizziness)

Pneumonia

• Acute or chronic lung inflammation affecting the alveolar cavity or interstitium
• Triggered by germs like pneumococci, staphylococci, and streptococci
• Symptoms include high fever, chills, chest pain and cough

Pulmonary Tuberculosis

• Infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Koch's bacillus), typically affecting the lungs, bronchi, and pleura
• Often goes unnoticed due to lack of symptoms
• May present with dry cough, fever, infectious state, respiratory insufficiency, chest pain, scant expectoration, dyspnea, asthenia, and anorexia

Explore common pathologies of the nose and larynx including rhinitis, sinusitis and laryngitis. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and characteristics of each condition, such as inflammation, secretion, and pain. Understand the etiological agents and external factors involved.