Anatomy
nose, mouth, jaw, oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx
upper airway
shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
dyspnea
An acute spasm of the smaller air passages, called bronchioles, associated with excessive mucus production and with swelling of the mucus lining of the respiratory passages.
Asthma
the acronym used to assess pain,it can be modified to obtain more specific information about breathing problems
OPQRST
provide aggressive airway management, oxygen, and prompt transport. may need to administer Epinephrine
Anaphylaxis
the only vein that carries oxygenated blood
pulmonary vein
the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
respiration
Chronic obstruction of the lung airflow that interferes with normal breathing and is not fully reversible
COPD
a high pitched whistling breath sound that is most prominent on exhalation and which suggests obstruction or narrowing of the lower airways
wheezing
be prepared to suction, assist the patient with inhaler, condition is reversible. Aggressive airway management, oxygen, and prompt transport.
Asthma
trachea, main stem bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli
lower airway
A condition in which chronically low levels of oxygen in the blood stimulate the respiratory drive
hypoxic drive
An airborne bacteria infection that affects mostly children younger than 6 years old. Patients will be feverish and exhibit a "whoop" sound on inspiration after a coughing attack. It is highly contagious
Pertussis (whooping cough)
assessment acronym for a complaint of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
PASTE
progression
associated chest pain
sputum
talking tiredness
exercise tolerance
provide 100% O2, suction if necessary, provide CPAP if indicated, transport emergent
pulmonary edema
leaf shaped valve that folds over the larynx during swallowing
epiglottis
the exchange of air between the lungs and the environment
ventilation
often a secondary infection to an upper respiratory tract infection. It is a significant cause of morbidity worldwide.
Pneumonia
coarse low-pitched breath sounds heard in patients with chronic mucus in the upper airways.
rhonchi
treat patient gently and try to not make them cry. Position comfortably, provide high flow O2, and DO NOT put anything into their mouth.
Epiglottitis
an oxygen carrying protein found in red blood cells
hemoglobin
A dangerous condition in which the body tissues and cells do not have enough oxygen
hypoxia
fluid fills that alveoli and separates the capillaries from the alveolar wall, interfering with the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
pulmonary edema
rattling breath sounds that signal fluid in the air spaces of the lungs
crackles
Hallmark signs are stridor and a seal-like cough. Administer humidified O2 if possible
Croup