Signs & Symptoms Comorbidities

Disease

Cough with shortness of breath, with

a feeling of tightness in the chest, High Blood Pressure
which causes agitation. Wheezing, Impaired Mobility
Rapid and labored breathing with use Insomnia
of accessory muscles and chest Sinusitis
retraction, productive cough with Migraine
thick or sticky mucous, rapid heart Depression
rate and a pulse that differs between Stomach Ulcers
inspiration and exhalation, hypoxia, Cancer
respiratory acidosis, respiratory
alkadosis, severe respiratory
Column1 distress, respiratory failure.
Asthma
 Shortness of breath on exertion
Hyperventilation with use of
accessory muscles
Hyperinflation of lungs which gives Cardiac disease
the barrel chest look Diabetes mellitus
Tripod posture Hypertension
Anorexia Osteoporosis
Fatigue Psychological disorders
Clubbed fingers Muscle weakness
Polycythemia Lung Cancer

Emphysema
 Constant productive cough
Tachypnea
Shortness of breath
Frequent thick and purulent
secretions
Cough and rhonchi in the morning
Airway obstruction that leads to
hypoxia, cyanosis, and hypercapnia Diabetes Mellitus
Polycythemia Allergies
Severe weight loss Obesity
Cor pulmonale Heart disease
Vascular damage and pulmonary Asthma
hypertension Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic Bronchitis
 Treatment

Skin test to know what allergens to

avoid

Good ventilation

Breathing techniques

Bronchodilators (Beta 2-
adrenergic- Ventolin,)

Glucocorticoids-(Inhaled-
Beclovent),
Leukotriene receptor
antagonist- (Accolate, Singulair)
Avoidance of respiratory irritants
and sources of respiratory
infections
Quit smoking
Immunizations- Flu and pneumonia
Breathing techniques-(Pursed lip)
Adequate nutrition
Bronchodilators- (Albuterol,
Brovana)
Antibiotics- (Amox-Clav)
Oxygen therapy
Lung reduction surgery-small
wedge of lung tissue removed)
Reducing exposure to irritants
Prompt treatment of infection
Immunizations- Flu and pneumonia
Expectorants-(Robitussin)
Bronchodilators- (Spiriva)
Chest therapy-postural drainage
and percussion
Low flow oxygen
Nutritional supplements
 Risk factors

Family history of hay fever, asthma or eczema

Viral respiratory infections
Increased sedentary lifestyle
Exposure to allergens
Poor ventilation
Increased air pollution
Occupational exposure
Physical exertion or rigorous exercise
Smoking-The risk for all types of smokers increases with the number of
years and amount of tobacco smoked.
Age- Most people with tobacco-related emphysema begin to
experience symptoms of the disease between the ages of 40 and 60.
Exposure to secondhand smoke-Being around secondhand smoke
increases your risk of emphysema.
Occupational exposure to fumes or dust. This risk is even greater if
you smoke.
Exposure to indoor and outdoor pollution
Cigarette smoke
Low resistance. This may result from another acute illness, such as a
cold, or from a chronic condition that compromises your immune
system. Older adults, infants and young children have greater
vulnerability to infection.
Exposure to irritants on the job. Your risk of developing bronchitis is
greater if you work around certain lung irritants, such as grains or
textiles, or are exposed to chemical fumes.
Gastric reflux. Repeated bouts of severe heartburn can irritate your
throat and make you more prone to developing bronchitis.