PSPE Revision

Common peripheral neuropathy

Causes pain, tingling and numbness in the hand and fingers.

Due to the Median nerve being squeezed or compressed as travels through carpal tunnel of wrist

· Complex multisystem   genetic disease

· Life shortening

· Causes thickened   secretions

· Mutation in cystic   fibrosis trans-membrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR)

· Recessive gene

· Affects

o Lungs

o Liver

o Pancreas

o Intestine

· Common, preventable and treatable disease

o Characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms

o Airflow limitations due to airway/alveolar abnormalities as a result of significant exposure to noxious particles or gases

· COPD is an umbrella term

o Chronic bronchitis – inflammation of the lung

Emphysema – damage to alveoli in the form of rupturing, causing enlarged air spaces

· Reversable chronic obstructive lung disease

· Characterised by:

o Acute exacerbations

o Intermittent airway obstruction

o Chronic inflammation

o Hyperreactivity of airway to stimuli

· Symptoms

o Wheeze

o Cough

o Shortness of breath

o Chest tightness

o Severity varies over time (reversable)

· Complex disorder involving:

o Biochemical

o Autonomic

o Immunologic

o Infections

o Endocrine

o Psychological

· Extrinsic = allergic

Intrinsic = non-allergic

· Inhalation of stomach   contents or secretions of the oropharynx

· Causing lower respiratory   tract infection

· The secretions are   colonised by pathogenic bacteria

· Most common in vomiting   patients

· Sometimes gastric reflux

· Rarely nasogastric tube   placed in lung instead of stomach

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