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What is the third most common cause of death in Zambia?
What is the third most common cause of death in Zambia?
Respiratory diseases
What is the key to diagnosing any disease?
What is the key to diagnosing any disease?
A clear and carefully recorded history
Which of the following are the most common symptoms of respiratory problems? (Select all that apply.)
Which of the following are the most common symptoms of respiratory problems? (Select all that apply.)
Breathlessness that occurs at rest is called dyspnea.
Breathlessness that occurs at rest is called dyspnea.
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What are the possible causes of dyspnea? (Select all that apply.)
What are the possible causes of dyspnea? (Select all that apply.)
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Where are the cough receptors mainly located?
Where are the cough receptors mainly located?
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Cough receptors are abundant in the distal airways.
Cough receptors are abundant in the distal airways.
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What nerve carries impulses from the cough receptors to the brain?
What nerve carries impulses from the cough receptors to the brain?
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The cough centre in the brain has been definitively located.
The cough centre in the brain has been definitively located.
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What are the two main nerves involved in transmitting signals back from the cerebral cortex and medulla during the cough reflex?
What are the two main nerves involved in transmitting signals back from the cerebral cortex and medulla during the cough reflex?
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Which muscles contract during a cough? (Select all that apply)
Which muscles contract during a cough? (Select all that apply)
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The glottis opens during the forceful expulsion of air in a cough.
The glottis opens during the forceful expulsion of air in a cough.
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A cough can be either dry or productive.
A cough can be either dry or productive.
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What is the term used to describe a cough that produces a large amount of sputum, exceeding one cupful?
What is the term used to describe a cough that produces a large amount of sputum, exceeding one cupful?
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What is the medical term for coughing up blood?
What is the medical term for coughing up blood?
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Which of the following could be potential causes of haemoptysis? (Select all that apply.)
Which of the following could be potential causes of haemoptysis? (Select all that apply.)
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What happens to the airways during wheezing?
What happens to the airways during wheezing?
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What are some common causes of wheezing? (Select all that apply.)
What are some common causes of wheezing? (Select all that apply.)
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What respiratory condition can be caused by inflamed pleura?
What respiratory condition can be caused by inflamed pleura?
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Which of the following are potential causes of chest pain? (Select all that apply.)
Which of the following are potential causes of chest pain? (Select all that apply.)
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Which of the following are relevant to upper airway history in a respiratory evaluation? (Select all that apply.)
Which of the following are relevant to upper airway history in a respiratory evaluation? (Select all that apply.)
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Smoking history is an important factor to consider in a respiratory assessment
Smoking history is an important factor to consider in a respiratory assessment
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Family history is irrelevant to respiratory evaluations.
Family history is irrelevant to respiratory evaluations.
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Occupational history can be a valuable tool for diagnosing respiratory problems.
Occupational history can be a valuable tool for diagnosing respiratory problems.
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Study Notes
Respiratory System History
- Respiratory diseases are the third leading cause of death in Zambia.
- A clear and carefully recorded history is key to diagnosis for any disease.
Essential Components of a Respiratory Evaluation
- History taking
- Physical examination
- Differential diagnosis
- Laboratory investigations
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Discharge/Death
- Follow up
History Details
- Presenting complaint (symptoms)
- History of presenting complaint
- Past medical history
- Drug history
- Smoking and alcohol history
- Social history
- Immunization history
- Occupational history
- Health status of guardian/parents
- Review of systems
Common Respiratory Symptoms
- Breathlessness
- Cough
- Excessive sputum
- Haemoptysis
- Wheeze
- Chest pain
Breathlessness (Dyspnea)
- Strenuous exertion-related breathlessness
- Breathlessness inappropriate to the level of physical exertion or that happens at rest is called dyspnea
- Causes include:
- Hypoxia (low blood oxygen)
- Hypercapnia (high blood carbon dioxide)
- Cardiac disease
- Anemia
- Thyrotoxicosis
- Metabolic acidosis
- Primary respiratory disease (e.g., pneumonia)
Cough Reflex (Cough-1)
- Cough receptors are mostly located on the posterior wall of the trachea, pharynx, and carina.
- Receptors are less abundant in the distal airways and absent in the bronchioles.
Cough Reflex (Cough-2)
- Impulses travel via the internal laryngeal nerve (branch of the superior laryngeal nerve, which branches from the vagus nerve) to the medulla of the brain.
- This is the afferent neural pathway.
- No definitive cough center in the brain has been identified.
Cough Reflex (Cough-3)
- Efferent neural pathway follows after the afferent pathway signals.
- Signals are transmitted from the cerebral cortex and medulla via the vagus and superior laryngeal nerves to the glottis, external intercostals, diaphragm, and other major inspiratory and expiratory muscles.
Cough Reflex (Cough-4)
- Coughing mechanism:
- Diaphragm and external intercostal muscles contract, creating negative pressure in the lungs.
- Air rushes into the lungs to equalise pressure.
- The glottis closes, and vocal cords contract, thus closing the larynx.
Cough Reflex (Cough-5)
- Actions of the abdominal and other expiratory muscles increase the pressure in the lungs.
- Air is released at over 100 mph through the bronchi and trachea slits, clearing any irritants from the respiratory lining.
Cough Characteristics in History Taking
- Nature (dry or productive)
- Duration
- Time of onset (day or night)
- Aggravating factors
Sputum Characteristics in History Taking
- Color (yellow, green—purulent)
- Amount (small amounts, very thick, or jelly-like—suggestive of asthma; large amounts exceed one cupful—suggestive of bronchiectasis).
Haemoptysis
- Coughing up blood in the sputum.
- Check for epistaxis (nosebleed)
- Inquire about melena (black, tarry stool).
- Possible causes include tuberculosis, carcinoma, and injury.
Wheezing
- Wheezing occurs when airways are constricted, blocked, or inflamed, producing a whistling or squeaking sound during breathing.
- Possible causes: cold, asthma, allergies; or more serious conditions like COPD.
Chest Pain
- Possible causes: inflamed pleura, pneumonia, cancer, pneumothorax, pulmonary embolus, myocardial ischemia.
Relevant History for Respiratory System
- Upper airway problems
- Rhinitis
- Postnasal drip
- Change in voice
- Ear, nose, and throat problems
- Smoking history
- Family history
- Occupational history
Examination of the Respiratory System
- (Specific details of examination procedures are not provided in the uploaded document)
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Description
Test your knowledge on the critical components of a respiratory system evaluation. This quiz covers history taking, physical examination, common respiratory symptoms, and more. Gain insights into the importance of a thorough assessment in diagnosing respiratory diseases.
