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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