Pathophysiology, Pulmonary System, Dyspnea

Causes of dyspnea

Increased airway resistance or alveolar problems. 6 Ps: 1. Pump failure 2. Pulmonary embolus 3. Pulmonary bronchial constriction 4. Possible obstruction 5. Pneumonia 6. Pneumothorax

Kussmaul respirations

Very deep, labored breathing (usually associated with diabetic ketoacidosis)

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin resulting from poor circulation or inadequate oxygenation of the blood.

Dyspnea

A subjective breathing experience in which the patient perceives he or she is having difficulty breathing; reports an "uncomfortable" feeling or as not being able to "catch my breath."

Signs and symptoms of dyspnea

* Air hunger, breathlessness * Labored breathing (including Kussmaul respirations and Cheine-Stokes respirations) * Intercostal muscles active * Cyanosis (blue skin) * Low blood 02 saturation

Emphysema

Airway resistance: Alveoli become enlarged and lose their elasticity, trapping air in the alveoli sacs

Anaphylaxis

Airway resistance: Hypersensitivity reaction resulting in severe laryngeal edema, bronchospasm, and vascular collapse.

Chronic bronchitis

Airway resistance: Persistent inflammation of bronchi's mucus membranes can produce mucus plugs

Asthma

Airway resistance: The inflamed airway's increased vascular permeability causes edema. Mucus makes expiration more difficult, breathing is visibly labored.

Pulmonary edema

Alveolar problems: Accumulation of fluid in the alveoli and interstitial spaces of the lungs

Pneumothorax

Alveolar problems: Complete or partial collapse of the lung caused by air in the pleural space

Aspiration

Alveolar problems: Foreign substances in the airways and lungs

Pneumonia

Alveolar problems: Infection of the lung parenchyma

Pulse oximetry (SpO2)

An assessment tool that measures oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in the capillary beds.

Cheyne-Stokes respiration

Characterized by a gradual increase in breathing, and then an apnea.