Understanding Respiratory Diseases

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

• Rapid onset of severe inflammation in the lungs leading to respiratory failure.
• Common causes include pneumonia, sepsis, and trauma.
• Characterized by low oxygen levels in the blood and bilateral infiltrates on chest X-ray.

Acute Respiratory Failure

• A condition where the lungs cannot supply adequate oxygen or remove carbon dioxide.
• Can be classified into two types: Type 1 (hypoxemic) and Type 2 (hypercapnic).
• Symptoms include shortness of breath, confusion, and increased heart rate.

Asbestosis

• Chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.
• Leads to scarring of lung tissue and reduced lung function.
• Symptoms include persistent cough and difficulty breathing, typically appearing decades after exposure.

Asthma

• Chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus production.
• Triggers include allergens, pollutants, and respiratory infections.
• Symptoms consist of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

Atelectasis

• Partial or complete collapse of a lung or lobe due to blocked airways or pressure on the lung.
• Common in postoperative patients and those with lung conditions.
• Can lead to reduced oxygenation and increased risk of pneumonia.

Bronchiectasis

• Condition involving permanent dilation and damage to the bronchial tubes.
• Often results from chronic infections or other lung diseases.
• Symptoms include chronic cough, sputum production, and recurrent respiratory infections.

Bronchitis

• Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, leading to increased mucus production.
• Can be acute (often viral) or chronic (usually from smoking or pollution).
• Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and chest discomfort.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• Progressive lung disease that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
• Major risk factor is long-term smoking.
• Characterized by airflow limitation and difficulty breathing.

Cor Pulmonale

• Enlargement and failure of the right side of the heart due to lung disorders.
• Often a complication of COPD or pulmonary hypertension.
• Symptoms may include shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in ankles.

Emphysema

• Type of COPD where alveoli are damaged, leading to decreased surface area for gas exchange.
• Typically caused by long-term smoking or exposure to lung irritants.
• Symptoms include shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.

Influenza

• Viral infection affecting the respiratory system; can lead to pneumonia or worsening of chronic conditions.
• Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Vaccination is a key prevention strategy.

Lung Cancer

• Malignant growth in the lungs, can be primary or metastatic.
• Smoking is the leading risk factor; other risks include exposure to radon and asbestos.
• Symptoms include persistent cough, weight loss, and coughing up blood.

Pleural Effusion

• Accumulation of fluid in the pleural space surrounding the lungs.
• Can be caused by infection, heart failure, or malignancy.
• Symptoms may include chest pain, cough, and difficulty breathing.

Pneumonia

• Infection of the lungs that inflames alveoli; can be bacterial, viral, or fungal.
• Symptoms include cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
• Vaccination can help prevent some types of pneumonia.

Pneumothorax

• Air accumulation in the pleural space causing lung collapse.
• Can occur spontaneously or due to injury.
• Symptoms include sudden sharp chest pain and shortness of breath.

Pulmonary Embolism

• Blockage in a pulmonary artery, often from blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis).
• Symptoms include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough.
• Can be life-threatening and requires immediate treatment.

Pulmonary Acidosis

• Occurs when lungs cannot remove enough carbon dioxide, leading to increased acidity in the blood.
• Common in respiratory diseases such as COPD or severe asthma attacks.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

• Viral respiratory illness caused by coronavirus, characterized by severe pneumonia.
• Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
• Requires isolation and strict control measures to prevent spread.

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Bacterial infection mainly affecting the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body.
• Symptoms include persistent cough, weight loss, night sweats, and fever.
• Treatment involves long-term antibiotic therapy.