Assessment of the respiratory system
Maureen Boyle, Judy Bothamley in Critical Care Assessment by Midwives, 2018
The primary function of the respiratory system is to provide oxygen and remove carbon dioxide; consequently, a rise in respiratory rate will occur in response to illnesses in both the lungs and in other body systems. Physiological adaptations to the respiratory system in pregnancy occur in response to the increased oxygen requirements of mother and fetus. Respiratory assessment will form part of an overall assessment of the woman, which will encompass ABCDE assessment alongside traditional midwifery head-to-toe examination. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the respiratory system, characterised by episodic breathlessness, wheezing, shortness of breath, excessive production of mucus, cough and a sensation of tightness in the chest. Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Outbreaks of influenza occur seasonally and more serious pandemic flu occurs periodically. Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs caused by microorganisms, usually bacteria or viruses.
Function of the Respiratory System
Stine Karen, Thomas M. Brown in Principles of Toxicology, 2006
The primary functions of the respiratory system are to deliver oxygen to the bloodstream where it can be routed throughout the body to every cell, and to remove the waste product of metabolism — carbon dioxide. Mitochondria within cells require oxygen to carry out oxidative phosphorylation, the series of reactions whereby energy contained in chemical bonds in food is repackaged into the bonds in the molecule ATP (a form of energy the cell can directly use). Although some cells in the body can function without oxygen for a short time, many cells (such as heart cells or brain cells) are absolutely dependent on an adequate supply of oxygen in order to survive. The respiratory system also plays a role in the process of speech, the defense of the body, and the regulation of body pH. It is also a rapid route by which volatile xenobiotics can reach the brain.
Disorders and drugs of the respiratory system
Roger McFadden in Introducing Pharmacology, 2019
This chapter looks at the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system and examines some common diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and cough. It explores the drugs available to help restore normal function when problems occur. The chapter outlines the respiratory system and the drugs that treat common disorders such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. Bronchitis and emphysema are relatively common chronic respiratory diseases that predominantly affect older people. The function of the respiratory system is primarily to facilitate the transfer of gas between the body and the atmosphere. Mucus is a viscous, slippery liquid that lines the mucous membranes of the body such as those of the respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems. The maintenance of normal, regular breathing is via the respiratory centres of the brain stem. These set steady rhythmical breathing in the lungs via efferent nerves that control the intercostal muscles and diaphragm.
The effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition by captopril on respiratory mechanics in healthy rats
Published in Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry, 2012
Alessandro Rubini, Marco Redaelli, Andrea Parmagnani
Context: Angiotensin stimulates smooth-muscle contraction. Accordingly, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition is expected to decrease airway resistance. Objectives: To measure the effects of ACE inhibition on respiratory mechanics in healthy mammals. Materials and methods: We measured respiratory mechanics before and after i.p. ACE inhibitor captopril (100 mg/kg) in normal anaesthetised rats. The end-inflation occlusion method allowed the measurements of respiratory system elastance and ohmic and viscoelastic pressure dissipations. Respiratory system hysteresis and the elastic and resistive work of breathing were calculated. Results: Captopril induced a reduction of the ohmic and the total respiratory system resistances, while respiratory system hysteresis and elastance did not change. Accordingly, a reduction of the resistive and of the total work of breathing was observed. Conclusions: The captopril-induced reduction of airway resistance indicates that angiotensin modulates bronchomotor tone in basal conditions. ACE inhibition may positively affect respiratory system mechanics and work of breathing.
Nasal and pulmonary drug delivery systems
Published in Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents, 2000
Alessandro Martini, Lorena Muggetti, Mark P Warchol
The respiratory route of administration has long been the medically desired drug delivery portal for the administration of topical anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs are administered either to the lung, i.e., the lower respiratory system to treat asthma, or to the nasal cavity, i.e., the upper respiratory system to treat allergic rhinitis. This therapeutic focus dominates the drug delivery applications for the respiratory system. More recently, the respiratory system has provided a non-invasive method for the administration of biotherapeutics. And finally, formulation and device advancements have led to the consideration of the respiratory route for a number of other therapeutic applications where systemic delivery is desirable. All of these factors have resulted in the therapeutic patents that are discussed in this review.
Understanding the use of continuous oscillating positive airway pressure (bubble CPAP) to treat neonatal respiratory disease: An engineering approach
Published in Journal of Medical Engineering & Technology, 2009
P. I. Manilal-Reddy, A. M. Al-Jumaily
A continuous oscillatory positive airway pressure with pressure oscillations incidental to the mean airway pressure (bubble CPAP) is defined as a modified form of traditional continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) delivery where pressure oscillations in addition to CPAP are administered to neonates with lung diseases. The mechanical effect of the pressure oscillations on lung performance is investigated by formulating mathematical models of a typical bubble CPAP device and a simple representation of a neonatal respiratory system. Preliminary results of the respiratory system's mechanical response suggest that bubble CPAP may improve lung performance by minimizing the respiratory system impedance and that the resonant frequency of the respiratory system may be a controlling factor. Additional steps in terms of clinical trials and a more complex respiratory system model are required to gain a deeper insight into the mechanical receptiveness of the respiratory system to pressure oscillations. However, the current results are promising in that they offer a deeper insight into the trends of variations that can be expected in future extended models as well as the model philosophies that need to be adopted to produce results that are compatible with experimental verification.
Related Knowledge Centers
- Lung
- Inhalation
- Gas Exchange
- Oxygen