Concept
Air trapping is a condition where air gets trapped in the lungs during exhalation, leading to increased lung volumes and potential respiratory issues. It is often associated with obstructive lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and can be identified through imaging techniques like CT scans or pulmonary function tests.
Relevant Fields:
Concept
Obstructive lung disease is characterized by a narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty in exhaling all the air from the lungs, and is primarily seen in conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchiectasis. Diagnosis and management focus on improving airflow and relieving symptoms, often through bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory medications.
Concept
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are a group of non-invasive tests that measure how well the lungs are working, including their ability to hold air, move air in and out, and exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. These tests are crucial for diagnosing and monitoring respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation due to airway and/or alveolar abnormalities, usually caused by significant exposure to noxious particles or gases. Management includes smoking cessation, pharmacotherapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and, in severe cases, oxygen therapy or surgery to improve quality of life and reduce mortality.
Concept
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Effective management typically involves avoiding triggers, monitoring lung function, and using medications such as inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators to control and prevent symptoms.
Concept
Computed tomography (CT) is a medical imaging technique that uses computer-processed combinations of multiple X-ray measurements taken from different angles to produce cross-sectional images of specific areas of a scanned object, allowing for detailed internal visualization. It is widely used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in various medical fields due to its ability to provide high-resolution images of bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues.
Concept
Residual volume is the amount of air remaining in the lungs after a forceful exhalation, ensuring that the lungs do not collapse and continue to facilitate gas exchange. This volume is crucial for maintaining alveolar inflation and is typically measured to assess lung health and function.
Concept
Lung hyperinflation is a condition where the lungs are overinflated with air, often due to obstructive lung diseases like COPD, leading to impaired gas exchange and respiratory function. It can result in increased work of breathing, reduced exercise capacity, and can contribute to the development of respiratory failure if left unmanaged.
Concept
Bronchial obstruction refers to a blockage in the airways, which can lead to difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen supply to the lungs. It can be caused by various factors, including foreign bodies, tumors, or inflammation, and requires prompt medical evaluation to prevent complications.
Concept
Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening condition where air becomes trapped in the pleural space, causing increased pressure that can collapse the lung and shift mediastinal structures, leading to compromised cardiovascular function. Immediate intervention, typically with needle decompression followed by chest tube insertion, is critical to prevent respiratory and circulatory failure.
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