PULMONARY EMPHYSEMA
This is an irreversible distension of
the respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts and alveoli, reducing
the surface area for the exchange of gases. Two types of emphysema
are PANACINAR and CENTRILOBULAR.
PANACINAR EMPHYSEMA
This disease causes the adjacent
alveoli to break down, and the alveolar ducts dilate causing a loss
of interstitial elastic tissue. The capacity in the lungs is
increased due to them becoming distended. Each breath we inhale
still remains the same, but because of the distended alveoli the
concentration of gradient of O2 across the membrane decreases, less
oxygenated blood therefore is carried around our bodies. As this
disease progresses it leads to hypoxia, pulmonary hypertension and
right-sided heart failure.
CENTRILOBULAR
EMPHYSEMA
This causes irreversible dilation of
the respiratory bronchioles in the centre of the lobules. Air that
is inspired reaches the areas of dilation, the pressure then falls.
This causes reduction of alveolar air pressure, reduced ventilation
efficiency and reduced partial pressure of oxygen. Progression of
this disease leads to this disease leads to the same as panacinar
emphysema.
BRONCHIAL
CARCINOMA (LUNG CANCER)
This is a tumour that develops in a
main bronchus. As it grows it forms a large friable mass that
projects into the lumen often causing obstruction. Mucus collects
and predisposes to development of infection. As growth continues it
may erode a blood vessel, causing haemoptysis. This is positively
associated from the affects of smoking, and passive smoking. If this
tumour is not acted upon quickly it can spread via fragments
breaking off and being transported by the blood or lymph. The
survival rate is very bleak for a victim. Only 30% for men and 50%
for women. Most die within a year of being diagnosed.
CORONARY HEART
DISEASE
This is a disease that fatty deposits
or plaque to build up on the walls of coronary vessels. This build
up narrows the passageway, restricting blood flow. Spasms in the
smooth muscle of the vessel walls can stop the blood flow or
decrease it. This causes a blood clot, and may cause a heart attack
or even a stroke.
One of the first symptoms of coronary
artery disease is angina pectoris. This causes pains in the chest
whilst a spasm is occurring. The pains in the chest may be the onset
from exertion. Angina may be controlled by drugs. But the only way
to combat it is to STOP SMOKING
