Lecture on Introduction to Pathophysiology

Introduction to Pathophysiology

• Pathophysiology: Study of functional changes in the body caused by injury, disorder, or disease.
  • Involves pathology, anatomy and physiology, biology, microbiology, and chemistry.
  • Helps understand body malfunction due to disease, aiding in maintaining homeostasis.

Key Concepts in Pathophysiology

Disease and Functional Impairment

• Disease: Functional impairment of cells, tissues, organs, or organ systems.
  • Includes injuries, disorders, illnesses, syndromes.

Pathogenesis

• Pathogenesis: Origination and development of a disease.
  • Involves:
    • Disease initiation point
    • Disease presentation
    • Risk factors (modifiable and non-modifiable)
  • Aids in early intervention and diagnosis.

Etiology

• Etiology: Precise cause of disease.
  • Pathogen: Microorganisms causing disease (viruses, bacteria, fungi).
  • Multifactorial etiologies: Multiple causes (genetic, environmental, pathogen).
  • Idiopathic: No known cause.
  • Nosocomial: Infections from healthcare environment.
  • Iatrogenic: Disease inadvertently caused by medical treatment.

Clinical Manifestations

• Signs and Symptoms: Indications of disease.
  • Local vs. systemic
  • Acute, subacute, chronic
  • Remissions and exacerbations
  • Asymptomatic cases

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Diagnosis: Label for disease; based on diagnostic criteria (lab, imaging data).
• Prognosis: Prediction of disease progression (morbidity, mortality).
• Treatment: Management of diagnosis; affects prognosis.

The Role of Pathophysiology

• Purpose: Understanding of disease to improve individual health education and management.

Epidemiology

• Study of Disease in Populations: Incidence and prevalence.
• Terms:
  • Incidence: New cases in a given time.
  • Prevalence: Total cases in a population at a time.
  • Endemic: Incidence equals prevalence (stability).
  • Epidemic: Sudden increase in incidence.
  • Pandemic: Global spread of an epidemic.

Levels of Prevention

• Primary Prevention: Prevent disease before it occurs (immunizations, helmets).
• Secondary Prevention: Early disease detection (screenings like mammograms).
• Tertiary Prevention: Prevent disease complication (physical/occupational therapy).

Evidence-Based Practice

• Caring Based on Research: Involves current research and expert knowledge.

Risk Factors in Pathogenesis

• Modifiable vs. Non-Modifiable: Impact on disease development.

Functional Concepts of Altered Health

• Conceptual Approaches: Disease models to understand altered health.

Course Roadmap and Recommendations

• Complete guided learning questions and system disorder cards.
• Engage with case studies and review disease cards.
• Ensure understanding by quizzing and asking questions.
• Utilize resources and seek tutoring if needed.