📘 Chapter B2 Module 17–19: Chronic Conditions, Mood & Cardiovascular Health

 

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🧠 Module 17: Bipolar Disorder, Blood Pressure & Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

🟣 Bipolar Disorder

A long-term mental health condition involving extreme mood changes between:

• Mania (high mood): high energy, reduced sleep, racing thoughts
• Depression (low mood): sadness, fatigue, hopelessness

Symptoms

• Rapid speech or thoughts
• Risk-taking behaviour
• Loss of motivation during depressive phases

2026 Treatments

• Mood stabilisers and antipsychotics
• Long-acting injectable medication (improves consistency)
• CBT and rhythm-based therapies (IPSRT)
• New research into glutamate-targeting treatments

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❤️ Blood Pressure (Hypertension & Hypotension)

🔺 High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

A major risk factor for:

• Stroke
• Heart disease
• Kidney damage

2026 updates:

• Renal denervation (RDN) procedure for resistant hypertension
• New medication (e.g., baxdrostat-type drugs) showing strong results

🔻 Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

Can cause:

• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Weakness

Management:

• Hydration
• Small frequent meals
• Slow posture changes

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🧫 Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

A bacterial imbalance in the vagina (not always an STI).

Symptoms

• Thin grey/white discharge
• Strong fishy odour
• Itching or irritation

Treatment

• Antibiotics (metronidazole or clindamycin)
• High recurrence rates (up to 60%)
• Emerging probiotic therapies to restore healthy bacteria
• Long-term suppressive gels for recurrent cases

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🧠 Module 18: Respiratory Conditions – Bronchitis & Bronchiectasis

🌬️ Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchial tubes (airways).

Types

• Acute bronchitis: short-term, usually viral
• Chronic bronchitis: long-term (part of COPD)

Symptoms

• Persistent cough (often with mucus)
• Chest tightness
• Fatigue
• Wheezing

Treatment

• Rest and fluids
• Cough relief medication
• Antibiotics only if bacterial
• Chronic cases require long-term lung management

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🫁 Bronchiectasis

A permanent lung condition where airways become widened and scarred.

Causes

• Repeated lung infections
• Cystic fibrosis
• Poor mucus clearance

Symptoms

• Daily productive cough (yellow/green mucus)
• Frequent chest infections
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue

Treatment

• Airway clearance techniques
• Mucus-thinning medications
• Long-term antibiotics
• Physiotherapy

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🔎 Key Difference

• Bronchitis = inflammation (often reversible)
• Bronchiectasis = permanent structural lung damage

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🔥 Module 19: Burns & Bursitis (Tissue Injury Conditions)

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🔥 Burns

Damage to skin or tissue caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation.

Degrees of Burns

• 1st degree: red, painful (sunburn)
• 2nd degree: blisters + severe pain
• 3rd degree: deep tissue damage, skin may look white or charred

Treatment

• Cool water (not ice)
• Clean and cover wound
• Pain relief
• Severe burns = emergency care

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🦴 Bursitis

Inflammation of a bursa (fluid-filled cushion near joints).

Causes

• Repetitive movement
• Injury or strain
• Pressure on joints

Common areas

• Shoulder
• Elbow
• Hip
• Knee

Symptoms

• Joint pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Pain worsening with movement

Treatment

• Rest
• Ice packs
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Physiotherapy if needed

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📊 Summary of Modules 17–19

Module	Focus Area	Key Idea
17	Mental + hormonal + bacterial conditions	Mood, circulation, infection balance
18	Respiratory diseases	Temporary vs permanent lung damage
19	Injury & inflammation conditions	Tissue damage in skin and joints