RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
PREPARED
BY MR. ABHIJIT DAS
ASTHMA
Definition:
Asthma is a chronic lung condition where narrow airways
make breathing difficult, often triggered by allergens,
irritants, or exercise. It can be life-threatening in severe cases.
Etiopathogenesis:
1. Genetics:
Family history can increase asthma risk.
2. Environmental triggers: Allergens like dust, pollen, smoke, or pollution can
trigger symptoms.
3. Immune response:
Overreaction of the immune system causes airway swelling and narrowing.
Clinical
Manifestations:
- Wheezing: High-pitched whistling sound while breathing.
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, worsens with activity.
- Chest tightness: Pressure or tight feeling in the chest.
- Cough: Persistent, especially at night or in the morning.
- Rapid breathing: Faster than normal, also known as tachypnea.
- Fatigue and anxiety: Due to breathing difficulty.
Non-Pharmacological
Management:
1. Avoid triggers:
Identify and avoid allergens or irritants.
2. Clean environment: Reduce indoor dust and allergens.
3. Healthy weight:
Regular exercise and diet management.
4. Breathing exercises: Diaphragmatic breathing, yoga, and relaxation techniques.
5. Stress management: Use meditation, deep breathing, or gentle exercise.
Pharmacological
Management:
1. Inhaled bronchodilators: Relax airway muscles for quick relief.
2. Inhaled corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation for ongoing asthma control.
3. Combination inhalers: Blend bronchodilators and steroids.
4. Leukotriene modifiers: Block inflammation-causing chemicals.
5. Immunomodulators: Adjust immune response to reduce symptoms.
COPD (CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE)
Definition:
COPD is a long-term lung disease causing persistent breathing
difficulty due to limited airflow,
usually from chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
It's often linked to exposure to harmful particles or gases.
Etiopathogenesis:
1. Chronic inflammation: Irritation from harmful particles leads to inflammation, mucus
buildup, and narrowed airways.
2. Alveolar damage:
Exposure can damage air sacs, leading to emphysema and poor gas exchange.
3. Genetics:
Genetic factors may increase COPD risk.
4. Other factors:
Infections, malnutrition, and comorbidities like heart disease can worsen COPD.
Clinical
Manifestations:
- Shortness of breath: Worsens with activity.
- Chronic cough: Often produces mucus.
- Wheezing: Whistling sound while breathing.
- Chest tightness: Pressure in the chest.
- Fatigue: Low energy, especially during activity.
- Weight loss: Due to poor appetite.
- Frequent infections: Increased risk for pneumonia and bronchitis.
Non-Pharmacological
Management:
1. Quit smoking:
Essential to slow COPD progression.
2. Pulmonary rehab:
Exercise and education to improve breathing.
3. Healthy diet:
Supports energy and prevents malnutrition.
4. Oxygen therapy:
Helps improve oxygen levels.
5. Breathing techniques: Pursed-lip and diaphragmatic breathing ease breathing.
6. Avoid triggers:
Reduce exposure to irritants and infections.
Pharmacological
Management:
1. Bronchodilators:
Relax airway muscles to ease breathing.
2. Corticosteroids:
Reduce inflammation in airways.
3. Combination therapy: Bronchodilators with steroids for added relief.
4. Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors: Reduce inflammation in severe COPD.
5. Antibiotics:
For infections or exacerbations.
6. Oxygen therapy:
For severe cases to aid breathing.