NR-507-2021- Advanced Pathophysiology -MIDTERM STUDY GUIDE

BRONCHITIS AND ASSOCIATED PATHOGENESIS The pathology of chronic bronchitis includes an inflammatory mononuclear cell infiltrate in the airway wall and a neutrophil influx into the airway lumen. The molecular events that produce the inflammation and its pathogenetic role in causing mucus hypersecretion are beginning to be elucidated Bronchitis: inflammation of all or part of the bronchial tree (the bronchi), through which air passes into the lungs. The most obvious symptoms are a sensation of chest congestion and a mucus-producing cough. CHRONIC BRONCHITIS This is a chronic disease characterized by: bronchial inflammation, hypersecretion of mucus, and chronic productive cough, persisting for at least 3 consecutive months for at least 2 successive years Chronic bronchitis is caused by long-term exposure to environmental irritants, repeated episodes of acute bronchitis (infection), and factor(s) affecting gestational or childhood lung development – the most common being pre-term birth and/or RSV infection in early infancy Chronic bronchitis results in excess mucus production and accumulation, hypertrophy of bronchial smooth muscle, hypertrophy & hyperplasia of bronchial mucus-producing cells, airflow obstruction, and decreased alveolar ventilation The lung damage from chronic bronchitis is typically considered irreversible. The most common symptoms of chronic bronchitis arSymptoms of stenosis • Shortness of breath, especially during exercise • Chest pain or tightness • Feeling faint or lightheaded • Fatigue • Heart palpitations (rapid or fluttering heartbeat) • Heart murmur (an extra beat in between your usual heartbeats)