Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology Study Guide

©2018 of 131 4.2 Restrictive Diseases Restrictive lung diseases are those diseases in which the lungs are not fully expanded due to inadequate filling of air in the lungs. These diseases lead to stiffness in the lungs or chest wall, weakness inmuscles, and damage of nerves. Some of the restrictive diseases of the respiratory system are discussed below. Extrinsic Also known as extra pulmonary diseases, the extrinsic disorders are characterized by the anatomical structures of chest wall, pleura, and respiratory muscles. These disorders normally result in lung restriction, impaired ventilatory function, and respiratory failure. Some of the extrinsic restrictive lung disorders are explained below. Pneumothorax The condition of collapsed lungs is called pneumothorax. This disorder is characterized by the leaking of air between the chest wall and lung, such that pressure is exerted on the outside of the lung, causing a portion of it to collapse. Causes of pneumothorax are chest injury, lung disease, ruptured air blisters, and mechanical ventilation. The major risk factors for pneumothorax are the male gender, chain smoking, between ages 20 to 40 coupled with a person who is tall and underweight, hereditary lung diseases (like COPD), people using mechanical ventilators, and history of pneumothorax. Pleural Effusion Pleural effusion is the restrictive lung disorder in which the lung is surrounded by an abnormal amount of fluid. The pleura is a thin membrane lining between the inner part of the chest wall outside the lungs and the surface of the lungs. This disorder is characterized by the accumulation of fluid between the layers of the pleura. The main causes of pleural effusion include congestive heart failure, pneumonia, cirrhosis, the last stage of renal disease, nephritic syndrome, cancer, pulmonary embolism, and autoimmune conditions like lupus. Major symptoms and signs of pleural effusion are shortness of breath, fever, and cough and chest pain while breathing deeply. Kyphoscolliosis Kyphoscolliosis is the disorder of the vertebral column and its articulations such that lateral curvature of the spine and anteroposterior spinal curvature are simultaneously present. This abnormal curvature of the spine leads to inadequate ventilation of the lungs and pulmonary hypertension to such an extent that the performance of daily activities becomes difficult. The etiology of kyphoscolliosis includes congenital reasons like Spina Bifida; infections like vertebral tuberculosis; osteochondroodysplasia; osteoporosis; osteoarthritis; and other idiopathic causes. Signs and symptoms of this disorder are abnormal S or C like hunch, uneven lengths of arms and legs, abnormal gait, and the presence of other disorders, like hypertension and neurological disorders. Ankylosing Spondylitis Ankylosing spondylitis is a disease in which some portion of the vertebrae in the spine gets fused Achieve Page 67

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