Respiratory Disease 1: Evaluation and Anatomy

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic sound associated with bronchial disease?

Vesicular breath sounds

Crackles

Bronchovesicular sounds

Wheezes (correct)

What does decreased resonance during percussion indicate?

Presence of fluid (correct)

Presence of air

Normal lung function

Excessive gas exchange

Which respiratory sound is described as intermittent and non-musical?

Crackles (correct)

Vesicular sounds

Wheezes

Stridor

Which sign is more commonly associated with lower respiratory tract (LRT) disease?

Coughing Signup and view all the answers

What could be indicated by a harsh, drier cough?

Tracheal collapse Signup and view all the answers

In what situation would you expect to hear bronchovesicular sounds?

Over large airways during inspiration Signup and view all the answers

What is nasal discharge often characterized by in respiratory disease?

It can be unilateral or bilateral Signup and view all the answers

Which technique is used to assess resonance of air-filled structures in larger animals?

Percussion Signup and view all the answers

Which anatomical structure is NOT part of the upper respiratory tract?

Bronchioles Signup and view all the answers

What does orthopnoea refer to?

Inability to breathe unless in an upright position Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a symptom to note during the initial history taking for a respiratory assessment?

Body temperature Signup and view all the answers

In a clinical examination, what is essential to differentiate between upper and lower respiratory tract issues?

Initial observation from a distance Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the absence of respiration?

Apnoea Signup and view all the answers

Identifying respiratory sounds is an important part of the examination process. What is the recommended approach?

Conduct a full examination from nose to tail Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly represents an increased respiratory rate?

Tachypnoea Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes dyspnoea?

Difficulty breathing Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Respiratory Disease 1: History and Clinical Examination

Learning Objectives:
- Apply anatomical and physiological knowledge to respiratory system evaluation.
- Detail a thorough respiratory system clinical assessment.
- Differentiate upper and lower respiratory tract disorders based on presentation.
- Understand diagnostic modalities and rationale for selection.

Anatomy of the Upper Respiratory Tract

Nares/Nasal Cavities
Paranasal Sinuses
Nasopharynx
Larynx
Conduction zone

Anatomy of the Lower Respiratory Tract

Trachea
Bronchi
Bronchioles
Lungs
Alveoli
Respiratory Zone (gas exchange)

Physiology of Respiration

Hypercarbia: Increased CO₂ in blood; caused by hypoventilation.
Hypoventilation: reduced breathing.
PaCO₂: Partial pressure of carbon dioxide in blood.
PaO₂: Partial pressure of oxygen in blood.
Blood pH: Measure of acidity/alkalinity in the blood.
Hypoxia: Decreased oxygen in blood.
Chemoreceptors: Sensors detecting CO₂ and O₂ levels.
Central Chemoreceptors: Located in brainstem detecting CO₂.
Peripheral Chemoreceptors: Located in the carotid and aortic bodies detecting O₂.
Brainstem Respiratory Centers: Regulate breathing.
Muscles of Breathing: Diaphragm, intercostal muscles.
Alveolar Ventilation: Process of air exchange in the alveoli.

Terminology

Eupnea: Normal respiration.
Tachypnea: Increased respiratory rate (not necessarily depth); not panting.
Dyspnea: Difficult breathing (incorrectly used for breathing sound evaluation).
Orthopnea: Inability to breathe unless in an upright position.
Apnea: Absence of respiration.
Hypoventilation/Hyperventilation: Alterations in ventilation at the alveolar level.

History

Signalment (age, breed, predispositions)
Time of onset
Progression
Previous occurrences (e.g., similar incidents in the past)
Vaccinations
Recent travel/management changes
Other clinical signs (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea)
Pre-existing conditions
Medications
Trauma/toxin ingestion
Affected animals

Observation

Initial observation from a distance (history taking)
Location (upper or lower respiratory tract) determination
Respiration changes upon examination start
Posture
Respiratory rate
Respiratory effort and pattern (normal inspiration, normal expiration)
Secondary muscles participation

Auscultation: Respiratory Sounds

Full nose-to-tail examination: Systematic evaluation of airways
Hilus: Location over large airways to listen to respiratory sounds
Bronchial: Loud, high-pitched sound, near hilus, over large airways
Vesicular: Heard throughout the lungs, especially during inspiration; subtle "breeze-through-the-trees" sound.
Bronchovesicular: Mixture of bronchial and vesicular sounds; similar duration during inspiration and expiration.
Abnormal/Adventitious sounds:
- Wheezes (narrowed airways)
- Crackles (fluid in lungs)
- No sound (no air movement)

Percussion

Adjunct to auscultation:
Easier for larger animals
Assess resonance of air-filled structures
Hand percussion on chest wall
Less resonant with fluid; more resonant with air
Sinus percussion (horses): Detect fluid/masses

URT vs LRT

URT signs: -Obstruction/inflammation of upper airways
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Noisy breathing (stridor, stertor)
- Altered breathing patterns (usually inspiration)
LRT signs:
- Gas exchange areas involve
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Altered breathing patterns (obstructive, restrictive, paradoxial)
- Respiratory distress

Nasal Discharge

Types:
- Serous (viral inflammation)
- Mucoid (chronic disease)
- Purulent (bacterial infection)
- Haemorrhagic (trauma, vascular disorder)
Can be intermittent
May be mixed
Unilateral or Bilateral

Noisy Breathing/Altered Respiratory Patterns

URT Obstruction: Causes marked inspiratory effort; dynamic collapse of soft tissues due to negative pressure; inspiratory stridor or stertor.

Coughing

Cough receptor activation (inflammation, secretions, or compression)
Distinguish from gagging, choking and retching
Degree of cough varies; location and respiratory area involvement. (e.g., tracheal collapse vs. bronchopneumonia)
Breed and age useful to evaluate cause.

Altered Respiratory Patterns

LRT Obstruction:
- Thickening/inflammation/mucus
- Increased expiratory effort
- Airways held open during inspiration
- Early collapse during expiration
Restrictive Respiratory Pattern:
- Thorax expansion restricted
- Decreased tidal volume
- Tachypnea/short, shallow breaths
- Hypoventilation (Causes include interstitial disease, pleural disease, or chest wall trauma)
Paradoxical Respiratory Pattern:
- Paradoxical chest wall movement ("flail chest")
- Terminal respiratory failure (muscle fatigue)
- Chest wall trauma involved.

Respiratory Distress

Stabilize animal before clinical examination if in respiratory distress
Priorities in acute respiratory distress:
- Establish an airway
- Provide oxygen
- Gain IV access

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the key elements of respiratory disease through its history, clinical examination, and anatomy. This quiz focuses on the differentiation of upper and lower respiratory tract disorders, as well as the physiological principles underlying respiratory function. Test your understanding of diagnostic modalities and their application in clinical settings.