asthma

Question 1

what is asthma?

Answer 1

inflammation of the airways impairing respiratory function

Question 2

what may cause bronchial hyperreactivity?

Answer 2

high number of immune cells in bronchial walls e.g. eosinophils, mast cells

allergen inhalation too

nothing!

Question 3

how may asthma be brought on?

Answer 3

allergen inhalation / environmental stimuli trigger an immune response. T and B cell interaction and mast cell degranulation leading to inflammation.

also, exercise

cold air

infections

or even nothing

Question 4

why may airways narrow?

Answer 4

bronchial smooth muscle constriction and hypertrophy

bronchial mucosal oedema

mucous hyper-secretion into the airway lumen

Question 5

what drugs may someone be given for a short asthma attack?

Answer 5

short-acting beta-adrenergic agonist
e.g. salbutamol

Question 6

what drug may be given to prevent asthmatic issues arising?

Answer 6

Inhaled corticosteroid e.g. beclomethasone along with long-acting b2 agonist

anticholinergics to inhibit muscarinic nerve transmission in autonomic nerves to reduce mucous secretions

as severity increases so do doses

Question 7

how do b2 agonists work with regards to asthma?

Answer 7

relax bronchial smooth muscle

By binding to b2 receptors in smooth muscle

• reduces bronchoconstriction
• long acting can be used as a preventative (along with inhaled corticosteroid)

Question 8

how do inhaled corticosteroids work with regards to asthma?

Answer 8

work on epithelial and inflammatory cells to suppress inflammation