Lung Diseases

Lung Diseases

1. Pulmonary Tuberculosis

   • immune system build wall around TB bacteria in lungs - TUBERCLES
     • infected tissue dies, reducing SA and Tidal Volume
       • Fibrosis further reduces TV
   • Symptoms
     • Ventilation Rate increases
     • blood and mucus coughed up
     • chest pains and fatigue

2. Fibrosis

   • scar tissue forms due to infection or exposure to asbestos, dust etc.
     • scar tissue is thicker and less elastic
       • diffusion is slower across so less oxygen is available to the body
       • can't expand so well, reduces Tidal Volume
   • Symptoms
     • increased Ventilation Rate
     • dry cough
     • weakness and fatigue
     • chest pains

3. Asthma

   • airways become inflamed/irritated usually because of allergic reaction
     • smooth muscle lining Bronchioles produces lots of mucus, causing constriction of airways and reduction of air flow
   • Symptoms
     • wheezing and shortness of breath
     • tight chest
   • can be treated with inhalers which relax Bronchiole muscles

4. Emphysema

   • trapped foreign particles cause inflammation
     • Phagocytes attracted to area
       • release enzyme that breaks down Elastin (protein in alveoli walls which helps them return to usual shape after in/exhalation)
         • Alveoli can't Recoil so well, so some air is trapped
           • Alveoli Walls destroyed, reducing gas exchange
   • Symptoms
     • wheezing and shortness of breath
     • increased Ventilation Rate
   • caused by smoking or long-term exposure to air pollution