RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DISEASES

Pneumoconiosis – literally, “an abnormal condition of dust in the lungs.” A

generic name for conditions where toxic particles become trapped in the lungs
and cause symptoms and disability such a “black lung” or “miner’s lung”
disease. Terms specific to the particulate matter may be given such as
asbestosis.
Epistaxis – want a fancier name for a “nosebleed?” You got it!
Cystic fibrosis – an inheritable disease that affects not only the lungs but
other systems producing mucous such as the digestive system. Patients
suffer frequent lung infections that are hard to treat because mucous is thick
and sluggish and result in increased scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs. They also
take multiple enzyme pills because of digestive abnormalities related to
abnormal mucous production.
Emphysema (COPD) – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, of which
emphysema is one of, results in progressive destruction of the air sacs in the
lungs and loss of respiratory membrane for oxygen exchange. The bane of
long term smokers.
Atelectasis – a collapsed lung. Literally, “an imperfect expansion” in Greek.
Pulmonologist – a physician specializing in diseases of the lungs. Patients
needing surgery are referred to a general surgeon.
Respiratory Therapist – a specially trained technician who administers,
among other treatments, inhalation therapy to patients with lung disease.
Pulmonary angiography – special X-rays of the vessels of the lungs.
Laryngoscopy – visual examination of the larynx.
Endotracheal intubation – passing a special air-tube into the trachea so
oxygen can be reliably supplied directly to the lungs without risk of inhaling
vomit from the stomach. Typically done for surgery or whenever general
anesthesia is administered among other situations where the patient’s airway
must be secured.
CIRCULATORY SYSTEM DISEASES

Overview
The circulatory system is your heart and blood vessels, and it’s essential to keeping
your body functioning. This finely tuned system carries oxygen, nutrients,
electrolytes, and hormones throughout your body. Interruptions, blockage, or diseases
that affect how your heart or blood vessels pump blood can cause complications such
as heart disease or stroke.

These complications can arise due to a variety of factors, from genetics to lifestyle.
Read on to learn more about the types circulatory system diseases and disorders and
what their symptoms are.

High blood pressure

Blood pressure is the measurement of how much force is used to pump blood through
your arteries. If you have high blood pressure, also called hypertension, it means the
force is higher than it should be. High blood pressure can damage your heart and lead
to heart disease, stroke, or kidney disease.

There are no symptoms with high blood pressure, which is why it’s often called “the
silent killer.” For more information, read about hypertension.

Atherosclerosis and coronary

artery disease
Atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries, occurs when plaque builds
up on the walls of your arteries and eventually blocks blood flow. Plaque is made of
cholesterol, fat, and calcium.

Coronary artery disease indicates that the plaque buildup in your arteries has caused
the arteries to narrow and harden. Blood clots can further block the arteries.

Coronary artery disease develops over time. You can have it but not be aware of any
symptoms. Other times, it may cause chest pain or the sensation of heaviness in the
chest.

Heart attacks
A heart attack occurs when not enough blood reaches your heart. This can happen due
to artery blockage. Heart attacks damage the heart muscle and are medical
emergencies.

Call 911 or have someone else call if you have symptoms such as:

 pain in the center or left side of the chest that feels like mild or severe
discomfort, pressure, fullness, or squeezing
 pain that radiates from the jaw, shoulder, arm, or across the back
 shortness of breath
 sweating
 nausea
 irregular heartbeat
 unconsciousness

Women often experience heart attacks a little differently, with pressure or aching in
their back and chest.
Learn more: Heart attack symptoms in men and women »

Heart failure
Sometimes called congestive heart failure, heart failure occurs when the heart muscle
is weakened or damaged. It can no longer pump the volume of blood needed through
the body. Heart failure normally occurs when you’ve had other heart problems, such
as a heart attack or coronary artery disease.

Early symptoms of heart failure include fatigue, swelling in your ankles, and
increased need to urinate at night. More severe symptoms include rapid breathing,
chest pain, and fainting. For more on heart failure and how to recognize it, read
about congestive heart failure.

Strokes
Strokes often occur when a blood clot blocks an artery in the brain and
reduces the blood supply. They also can happen when a blood vessel in the
brain breaks open. Both events keep blood and oxygen from reaching the
brain. As a result, parts of the brain are likely to be damaged.

A stroke requires immediate medical attention. You can identify a stroke with
a FAST test:
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