Hospital-acquired pneumonia

Emphysema Emphysema, along with other diseases, is collectively known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This disease damages the alveoli, also known as air sacs. Shortness of breath results as the alveoli are gradually damaged. The leading cause of emphysema is smoking, but this disease can also be caused by long-term exposure to other airborne irritants. Emphysema can be present in the body for years without any symptoms. The main symptom of this disease is shortness of breath, which…

What is asthma? Asthma is a respiratory condition marked by spasms in the bronchi of the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing. It usually results from an allergic reaction or other forms of hypersensitivity. Many other respiratory illnesses include; allergies,Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,Chronic bronchitis,Emphysema, and Cystic fibrosis. There are many symptoms of asthma but here are the most noticeable: Coughing, especially at night,wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness,…

In the process of an exacerbation of COPD, the airways become more inflamed causing vasoconstriction, mucous is more heavily produced, and small airways are not exchanging oxygen at baseline function for the patient. This takes the patient into a worsening condition of COPD that drops oxygen levels down, causing a build-up of carbon dioxide in her blood, the pH to drop from the acidity, and possibly bicarb to be not excreted by the kidneys in response. This causes a condition of respiratory…

the first occasion, there was some clear phlegm associated with this and the blood was bright in colour. He believes that it was less than the size of a 5-cent coin. He was not aware of any other symptoms at that time. He presented to Kilmore Hospital that revealed some lower zone abnormalities and he was subsequently commenced on a course of antibiotics for a presumed chest infection. A subsequent CT chest scan has revealed an array of abnormalities, including some upper zone predominant…

In week 1 of clinical, I was assigned to an 82-year-old female who was admitted on February 15th for RFV Acute purpulent bronchitis Leukocytosis. She has multiple secondary diagnoses as well, such as, dementia, pneumonia, throat cancer, stricture of the epiglottis, and more. During my shift she had four types of medications, Cefepime, Heparin, Levothyroxine, and Pantoprazole. She is also a NPO patient and continuously asked for food and water. The nurse pointed out edema on her arm and elbows…

Cystic fibrosis, also known as mucoviscidosis is an extremely common genetic disease in the UK. The genetic defect was identified by a group of scientists in 1989.In the UK it has been found that 1 in 25 people carry the faulty CF allele. CF is caused by deletion of 3 nucleotides in chromosome 7. The amino acid phenylalanine is lost as a result of this mutation. It is autosomal recessive so both the CFTR alleles should be faulty to cause the disease. Many of the epithilial linings of the ducts…

vaccination on virus-associated community-acquired pneumonia among elderly where in the chances of acquiring pneumonia with the vaccination is tested. The objective of this study is evaluate where this vaccination may or may not prevent the incidence of virus-associated community-acquired pnuemonia. Therefore, I have chosen this article to support or rather provide additional information about my patient’s case. My patient was diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia status post pulmonary…

issues exacerbated by coal mines, obesity, and tobacco use. Chronic obstructive Pulmonary disease is the third leading cause of death in the United States ("American Lung Association," 2013). B.H. was a 71-year-old male admitted to Hardin Memorial Hospital for shortness of air related to COPD and pulmonary edema. It was my assignment to gather his relevant medical history, assess his signs/symptoms for seeking healthcare, and provide a thorough physical and psychosocial assessment. B.H. stated…

Asthma is a chronic (lifelong) lung disease that makes it harder to move air in and out of your lungs. With asthma, your airways' lining tends to always be in a hypersensitive state characterized by redness and swelling (inflammation). It's similar to how your skin becomes red, irritated and sensitive after a sunburn. With asthma, the airways in your lungs are often swollen or inflamed. This makes them extra sensitive to things that you are exposed to in the environment every day. When you have…

Blood-Brain Barrier The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a highly specific permeable barrier that separates the blood from the brain extracellular fluid (BECF) in the central nervous system (CNS). The BBB is composed by brain endothelial cells, which is connected by tight junctions with high electrical resistivity . The BBB allows passage of water, gases and lipid soluble molecules by passive diffusion and selective transport of molecules such as glucose and amino acids . The blood–brain barrier…