3: Asthma Pathophysiology Flashcards

1
Q

Asthma inflammation is characterized by _____ and _____, which leads to clinical symptoms.

A

Asthma inflammation is characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and airway obstruction, which leads to clinical symptoms.

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2
Q

Name 3 airflow limitations.

A

Acute bronchoconstriction
Airway edema
Mucus plug formation

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3
Q

What is the main difference between asthma and COPD?

A

Asthma obstruction is often reversible.

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4
Q

Why is it so important to treat asthma?

A

Persistent inflammation leads to airway remodeling and irreversible changes.

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5
Q

Is asthma a genetic disease?

A

It is a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

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6
Q

How does airway inflammation lead to bronchospasm, mucosal edema, and mucus plugs?

A

Inflammation limits airflow, which leads to functional and structural changes in the airways.

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7
Q

How does airway obstruction result in hyperinflation?

A

Airway obstruction leads to increased resistance to airflow and decreased expiratory flow rates, which leads to decreased ability to expel air, which results in hyperinflation.

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8
Q

How does an asthmatic help maintain airway patency?

A

Overdistention helps improve expiratory flow, but it alters pulmonary mechanics and increases the work of breathing.

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9
Q

Hyperinflation compensates for the airflow obstruction. Compensation is limited when tidal volume approaches volume of _____. The result is alveolar _____.

A

Hyperinflation compensates for the airflow obstruction. Compensation is limited when tidal volume approaches volume of pulmonary dead space. The result is alveolar hypoventilation.

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10
Q

Uneven changes in airflow resistance + uneven distribution of air + alterations in circulation from increased intra-alveolar pressure due to hyperinflation = _____.

A

Uneven changes in airflow resistance + uneven distribution of air + alterations in circulation from increased intra-alveolar pressure due to hyperinflation = ventilation-perfusion mismatch.

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11
Q

What is an adaptive response to ventilation-perfusion mismatch?

A

Vasoconstriction due to alveolar hypoxia.

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12
Q

What is the strongest predisposing risk factor for asthma?

A

Genetic predisposition for the development of an IgE-mediated response to common aeroallergens (atopy).

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13
Q

Name 8 risk factors for asthma mortality.

A

One or more life-threatening exacerbations
Severe asthma requiring oral corticosteroids
Poor control of daily symptoms requiring frequent short-acting beta2 agonist medication
Abnormal forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)
Frequent ED visits
Low socioeconomic status
Family dysfunction
Patient psychosocial problems

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14
Q

Which 2 groups have the highest rates of asthma?

A

Puerto Rican
African American
(Reflects limited access to outpatient health services)

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