Disorders of the Respiratory System MCQ - Practice Questions & Answers

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Disorders of the Respiratory System

Asthma is a difficulty in breathing causing wheezing due to inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles. Allergens (which cause allergy) stimulate the release of histamine from mast cells. Histamine has several effects, one of which is to cause bronchiolar smooth muscle to contract.
Emphysema: The word “emphysema” means “inflation” or “full of air”. Emphysema is inflation or abnormal distension of the bronchioles or alveolar sacs of the lungs. Major causes are cigarette smoking and the inhalation of smoke or toxic substances over a period of time. As the alveolar septa collapse, the surface area for gas exchange is greatly reduced. There is loss of elasticity in the walls of bronchioles or alveolar sacs. As a result, the alveolar sacs remain filled with air even after expiration. The exhalation becomes more difficult. The lungs remain inflated.
Occupational Respiratory Disorders: As the name indicates, these disorders are due to the occupation of the individual. These are caused by harmful substances, such as gas fumes or specks of dust, present in an environment where a person works. Silicosis and asbestosis are common examples, which occur due to chronic exposure of silica and asbestos dust in the mining industry. It is characterised by proliferation of fibrous connective tissue (fibrosis) of the upper part of the lungs, causing inflammation.
Pneumonia: It is an acute infection or inflammation of the alveoli of the lungs. Pneumonia is caused mainly by bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. Sometimes, other bacteria or fungi, protozoans, viruses and mycoplasma may cause pneumonia.
Diphtheria: It is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae resulting in enlarged mucous membranes of the oropharynx, nasopharynx and larynx. It may obstruct airways and cause death from asphyxiation.
Coryza (= Common Cold): Hundreds of virus can cause coryza or the common cold. But a group of viruses called rhinovirus is responsible for about 40% of all colds in adults. Its symptoms include sneezing, excessive nasal secretion, dry cough and congestion.
Influenza (Flu): It is caused by the Influenza virus. Its symptoms include chills, fever, headache and muscle pain. Cold-like symptoms appear as the fever subsides.
SARS — Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome: It is caused by Human coronavirus (HCV). It is a new member of the influenza virus family which is considered as a mutant form of influenza virus. Human coronavirus spreads through contact, respiratory secretions and cockroaches. Symptoms include cold dry cough, headache, loss of appetite, high temperature, fever and hypoxia at later stage followed by muscular stiffness, malaise (feeling of bodily discomfort, but without clear signs of a particular illness).