The pulmonologist is a physician who specializes in diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract. They make diagnoses based on factors like hereditary conditions, exposure to toxins or infections, and signs of issues. Pulmonologists may order various tests and treat diseases affecting the lungs and breathing.
This document discusses nursing management of various respiratory disorders. It provides an overview of nursing assessment including history and physical assessment. It then discusses the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of many respiratory conditions including upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, pneumonia and others. It also reviews anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system and describes common diagnostic tests used to evaluate respiratory disorders.
The document discusses various diagnostic tests for respiratory system disorders and nursing responsibilities related to those tests. It describes tests such as pulse oximetry, sputum examination, pulmonary function tests, chest x-rays, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography. For each test, it provides details about the purpose, procedure, and nursing responsibilities before, during, and after the test.
Pneumothorax, also referred to as lung collapse, is the result of unwanted air trapped around the lungs.
Emphysema is a lung disease characterized by breakdown of lung tissue and alveoli, reducing the lungs' ability to exchange oxygen. There are three main types: centrilobular emphysema primarily affects the center of lung lobes and is usually caused by smoking; panlobular emphysema affects all alveoli and is associated with genetic deficiencies; paraseptal emphysema relates to changes near the pleura. Diagnosis involves imaging, lung function tests, and blood tests to assess oxygen levels. Treatment focuses on medications, pulmonary rehabilitation, and sometimes surgery to improve breathing and quality of life.
This document discusses non-invasive tests for diagnosing and monitoring asthma, focusing on exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) measurement. It describes how eNO levels are elevated in asthmatic patients due to airway inflammation and correlate with tissue eosinophils. The document outlines the procedure for measuring eNO according to guidelines and how it can help diagnose asthma, monitor treatment response, and detect different asthma phenotypes in a safe, repeatable way without invasive procedures.
This document discusses radiological imaging techniques for evaluating diffuse interstitial lung disease. It begins by describing diffuse interstitial lung disease as a group of conditions that cause inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue supporting the air sacs. Common symptoms include shortness of breath and cough. The document then outlines the various tests and imaging modalities used to diagnose interstitial lung diseases, including blood tests, spirometry, pulse oximetry, chest x-rays, CT scans, and biopsies. CT scans are highlighted as particularly useful for identifying patterns of lung damage and assessing disease progression and severity. Specific interstitial lung diseases like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and sarco
Explore the comprehensive guide to Pulmonology—what it is, diseases treated, and when to seek help. Get all the essential information. What is Pulmonology?
Lung disease is any condition that affects the lungs and prevents them from working properly. There are three main types of lung disease: airway diseases which affect the tubes that carry air to the lungs, lung tissue diseases which affect lung tissue structure, and lung circulation diseases which affect blood vessels in the lungs. Common lung diseases include asthma, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asthma causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways and is diagnosed based on a person's medical history, physical exam findings, and results of breathing tests.
The document discusses airway management and ventilation, which are critical steps in assessing patients. It covers anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system, respiratory problems, and assessment techniques. Key points include the importance of establishing a patent airway and adequate breathing. Manual maneuvers like head-tilt chin-lift are described. Basic airway devices like oropharyngeal airways are presented. Methods of ventilation including bag-valve masks are covered. Advanced techniques like endotracheal intubation are discussed in detail, including indications, equipment, techniques, and verification of proper placement. Continuous monitoring of the airway is emphasized.
This document provides information on managing diseases of the respiratory system. It begins by outlining learning objectives which are to describe respiratory anatomy and physiology, recognize abnormal assessment findings, identify major respiratory symptoms, and diagnostic tests. It then defines several respiratory terms. The document discusses anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system including ventilation, gas exchange, and pleural structures. It covers obtaining a health history, performing a physical exam including inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation. It also discusses common respiratory diseases like upper respiratory infections, pneumonia, diagnostic tests, nursing diagnoses and treatment plans.
Emphysema is a condition that damages the air sacs in the lungs called alveoli, causing them to lose their elasticity and become enlarged. This makes breathing difficult. The main causes are smoking cigarettes and exposure to air pollution or dust. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, and fatigue. Diagnosis involves medical history, physical exam, chest X-rays, and lung function tests. Treatment focuses on quitting smoking, using inhalers, oxygen therapy, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Managing the condition can help prevent further lung damage and associated complications.
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air to your lungs. It causes a cough that often brings up mucus. It can also cause shortness of breath, wheezing, a low fever, and chest tightness. There are two main types of bronchitis: acute and chronic
This document provides information about interstitial lung diseases (ILD). It begins with objectives of providing detailed knowledge about ILD and being able to define, classify, identify causes, signs/symptoms, risk factors, clinical manifestations and complications of various types of ILD. It then defines ILD, discusses types including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Diagnostic studies and medical management including antibiotics, corticosteroids and lung transplant are covered. Nursing management focuses on improving breathing, promoting gas exchange, and providing health education.
The document discusses chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including its definition as a progressive lung disease characterized by limited airflow; causes such as smoking, air pollution, and genetic factors; symptoms like breathlessness, cough, and sputum production; diagnostic tests and medical management including bronchodilators, antibiotics, and oxygen therapy; preventive measures like smoking cessation and flu vaccines; and nursing interventions focused on assessment, education, and managing complications. COPD encompasses chronic bronchitis and emphysema and is a serious lung condition caused primarily by smoking.
Asthma is a condition that causes airways to narrow and swell, producing extra mucus. This makes breathing difficult and can trigger coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. The lungs become inflamed, making the airways extremely sensitive and more reactive to allergens. During an allergic reaction, airway muscles tighten, restricting airflow. Common asthma triggers include pollution, humidity changes, and temperatures. Symptoms include increasing difficulty breathing, loss of breath, wheezing, and chest pain. Diagnosis involves medical history, exams, and breathing tests to evaluate lung function and check for airway inflammation.
Here are the key steps in asthma management for adults and adolescents at the primary health care level in Ethiopia: 1. Assess asthma control and severity. This involves evaluating symptoms, limitations, rescue inhaler use, and risk factors. 2. For mild intermittent asthma (Step 1), use a low-dose inhaled corticosteroid (Beclometasone 100μg) as needed with a short-acting beta agonist (SABAs) like Salbutamol. 3. For mild persistent asthma (Step 2a), use a standing dose of daily Beclometasone inhaler 100μg twice daily plus SABA as needed. 4. For moderate persistent asthma (
This document provides an outline and overview of pneumonia. It begins by defining pneumonia and describing its signs and symptoms. It then discusses risk factors, pathogenesis, classifications, and clinical features. The remainder of the document covers investigations into pneumonia, including medical history, physical exams, imaging tests, laboratory tests, and diagnostic criteria. It concludes by addressing treatment for community-acquired pneumonia and inpatient management.