Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Quiz

Study Notes

The most common chronic lung diseases include asthma and COPD.
Obstructive pulmonary diseases are defined as those that increase airflow resistance due to airway obstruction or narrowing.

A chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways.
Characterized by airway hyper-responsiveness.
Triggers include allergens, exercise, respiratory infections, nasal and sinus problems, medications and food additives, cold, dry air, stress, hormones and menses, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and occupational exposure.

The hallmarks of asthma are airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness.
Two types of asthmatic responses occur: early phase and late phase.
The early phase response is triggered by allergens, irritants, or cold air, and results in bronchoconstriction and increased mucus production.
The late phase response is more severe and is characterized by sustained inflammation, infiltration of eosinophils and neutrophils into the airways, and increased airway hyperresponsiveness.

The characteristic clinical manifestations of asthma are wheezing, cough, dyspnea, and a sensation of chest tightness after exposure to a precipitating factor or trigger.

Diagnosis is based on characteristic symptoms, variable airflow obstruction, and pulmonary function tests.

Interprofessional approach to management, including medication therapy and lifestyle modifications.
Medications include relievers and controllers.
Relievers include short-acting and long-acting β2-adrenergic agonists, anticholinergic medications, and methylxanthines.
Controllers include corticosteroids, antileukotrienes, and biological therapies such as anti-immunoglobulin E therapy.

A respiratory disorder primarily caused by smoking.
Characterized by persistent airflow limitation, usually progressive, often associated with an enhanced chronic inflammatory response in the airways and lung due to noxious particles or gases.
Symptoms include dyspnea, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath, usually insidious in onset and progressive.
Past definitions of COPD included chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Chronic inflammation found in the airways, lung parenchyma, and pulmonary blood vessels.
Often have characteristics of emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Airflow limitation, air trapping, gas exchange abnormalities, mucus hypersecretion, pulmonary hypertension, and systemic abnormalities are among the various disease processes that occur in COPD.