Respiratory System & Medications

Respiratory Anatomy & Physiology

100

These air sacs are the site of gas exchange in the lungs.

Alveoli

200

These tiny hair‑like structures move mucus upward toward the throat.

Cilia

300

This substance, made by Type II alveolar cells, keeps alveoli from collapsing.

Surfactant

400

This nerve can cause bronchoconstriction when stimulated.

Vagus nerve

500

This structure separates the lungs and contains the heart and major vessels.

Mediastinum

Respiratory Disorders

100

This common lower respiratory infection causes inflammation and exudate in the lungs.

Pneumonia

200

This chronic disease includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

COPD

300

This reversible condition involves bronchospasm and airway inflammation.

Asthma

400

This hereditary disorder affects organs that produce mucus and leads to thick secretions.

Cystic fibrosis

500

This emergency condition occurs when alveoli fill with fluid after a severe body insult.

ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome)

Upper Respiratory Medications

100

This medication class suppresses the cough reflex.

Antitussives

200

This antitussive works by numbing the respiratory passages.

Benzonatate (Tessalon)

300

Using nasal sprays like Afrin for more than 3–5 days can cause this rebound condition.

Rhinitis medicamentosa

400

This medication class blocks histamine and is used for allergies.

Antihistamines

500

This medication thins mucus and increases productive coughing.

Guaifenesin (Mucinex)

Lower Respiratory Medications

100

Albuterol belongs to this class of bronchodilators.

Sympathomimetics (beta-2 agonists)

200

This class of bronchodilators is used for COPD maintenance and includes tiotropium.

Anticholinergics

300

This class of bronchodilators is used for COPD maintenance and includes tiotropium.

Xanthines (e.g., theophylline)

400

These medications block leukotrienes and help prevent asthma symptoms.

Leukotriene receptor antagonists

500

These injectable medications target eosinophils or IgE to reduce inflammation in severe asthma.

Immune modulators

Special Respiratory Treatments

100

These medications reduce airway inflammation and are NOT for emergency use.

Inhaled steroids

200

This mucolytic is also used to treat acetaminophen overdose.

Acetylcysteine

300

This drug prevents the release of histamine and is the only medication in its class.

Cromolyn (a mast cell stabilizer)

400

These medications replace missing surfactant in premature infants.

Lung surfactants (e.g., Survanta, Curosurf)

500

This device delivers medication as a fine mist and is helpful for patients who cannot coordinate inhaler use.

Nebulizer