Acyanotic heart defects are congenital cardiac malformations that affect the atrial or ventricular walls, heart valves, or large blood vessels. Common causes include genetic defects (e.g., trisomies), maternal infections (e.g., rubella), or maternal consumption of drugs or alcohol during pregnancy. Acyanotic heart defects are characterized pathophysiologically by a left-to-right shunt, which causes pulmonary hypertension and…
What is a Postural Drainage? Postural Drainage removes mucus from certain parts of the lungs by using gravity and proper positioning to bring the secretions into the throat where it is easier to remove them. The lungs are divided into segments called lobes, the right lung is divided into three lobes (right upper lobe, right…
What is a Nebulizer? A nebulizer is a medical device that converts liquid medication into a fine mist or aerosol, which can then be inhaled directly into the lungs through a mouthpiece or mask. This method of delivery is particularly effective for patients with respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and…
DEFINATION- ”A pneumothorax is an abnormal collection of air in the pleural space between the lung and the chest wall”. Symptoms typically include sudden onset of sharp, one-sided chest pain and shortness of breath. In a minority of cases the amount of air in the chest increases when a one-way valve is formed by an…
DEFINATION- ”A pleural effusion is excess fluid that accumulates in the pleural cavity, the fluid-filled space that surrounds the lungs. This excess fluid can impair breathing by limiting the expansion of the lungs”. Various kinds of pleural effusion, depending on the nature of the fluid and what caused its entry into the pleural space, are…
DEFINATION- Bronchiectasis is an obstructive lung disease that results from the presence of chronic inflammatory secretions and microbes leading to the permanent dilation and distortion of airway walls, as well as recurrent infection . MECHANISM OF INJURY/ PATHOLOGICAL PROCESS- Bronchiectasis is chronic irreversible dilation of the bronchi on the lungs. It follows a severe lung…
What is a Cystic Fibrosis? DEFINATION – CYSTIC FIBROSIS(CF) is a hereditary disorder of the exocrine glands, with a high sodium chloride content in sweat and pancreatic insufficiency, resulting in malabsorption. There is hypertrophy and hyperplasia of mucus-secreting glands, resulting in the excessive mucus production in the lining of the bronchi, which predispose the patient…
What is an Emphysema? Emphysema is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by the gradual damage and deterioration of the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. This condition primarily affects the elasticity of the lung tissue, making it difficult for individuals with emphysema to exhale air efficiently. The main cause of emphysema is long-term exposure to…
Definition of Bronchitis Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi (large and medium-sized airways) in the lungs. Symptoms include coughing up mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort. Bronchitis is divided into two types: acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is also known as a chest cold. Acute bronchitis usually has a cough that lasts around…
What is an Asthma? ”Bronchial asthma is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract, which is characterized by bronchial hyperreactivity and respiratory obstruction which is reversible (spontaneously or under the influence of bronchodilater) marked by wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing”. symptoms may be episodic or chronic but the pattern may vary…
