Pulmonology

What is the difference between the upper and lower respiratory tracts? The upper airways or upper respiratory tract is the parts of the respiratory system lying above the glottis (Vocal cords) • Nose – External breathing organ. • Nasal passages, Inside the nose, the sticky mucous membrane lining the nasal cavity traps dust particles, and tiny hairs called cilia help move them to the nose to be sneezed or blown out • Paranasal Sinuses, - These air-filled spaces alongside the nose help make the…

could indicate that she has type two respiratory failure. The main aims when treating type two respiratory failure is directed at reversing the underlying cause. Non-invasive ventilation with a tight-fitting facial or nasal mask with low levels of oxygen therapy often stabilizes these patients. When a patient is suffering from type two respiratory failure, the effectiveness of a peak flow would not affect the treatment given directly, especially when time critical, however, in none emergency…

The differential diagnoses include COPD (emphysema, cor pulmonale,) and possible stage I hypertension. 4. My diagnosis for Mason is pulmonary emphysema, which is an obstructive disease characterized by the enlargement of airways beyond the terminal bronchioles with destruction of alveolar walls resulting in loss of elastic recoil and airflow limitation. Cigarette smoking is the main cause of pulmonary emphysema with signs and symptoms, including dyspnea on exertion, cough with scant mucus,…

Cilia and the Protection of the Respiratory Tract Introduction Approximately twelve thousand litres of air is inhaled by one person each day containing environmental stimuli including pathogens and particles such as toxic pollutants and allergens. These must be expelled from the body as it may induce airway inflammation and infection, causing airway diseases. Mucociliary clearance acts as an innate defence against these stimuli, where cilia is a part of this mechanism. Cilia, microscopic…

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…

I have chosen the Respiratory Care program to versify my skills, to challenge myself and to help people and save lives. I understand versifying my skills will be both difficult and challenging. For example, in traumatic injuries Respiratory Therapist are needed if the patient has difficulty breathing. The respiratory therapist has to work quickly and precise to help the patient and help the physician to properly treat their patients. I understand that respiratory therapist goes beyond just…

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…

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…

A History of Respiratory Care: Past to Present Respiratory ailments such as asthma, COPD, and bronchitis have been a documented part of human existence for as long as humans have documented their existence. There have always been treatments and remedies for these afflictions. However, in more recent history, these afflictions and new emerging technology have driven the need of a respiratory care professional. Respiratory therapists may be one of the “new kids on the block” in the medical field,…

Distress in Newborn: It is important to understand that illness in the newborns often manifest as respiratory distress. All infants in respiratory distress should be stabilized as quickly as possible, obtaining radiographic/labs/microbiology tests and results must not delay treatment. Most common newborn diseases that present with respiratory distress are following: Meconium Aspiration Syndrome: MAS consists of delivery through meconium stained amniotic fluid with respiratory distress. Neonates…