Asthma

Question 1

Definition of asthma

Answer 1

chronic (long-term) inflammation of the airways, potentially reversible

Question 2

Pathophysiology of Asthma

Answer 2

1.) Trigger Factor
2.) airway inflammation
3.) hypersecretion of mucus, airway muscle contraction, swelling of bronchial membranes
4.) narrow breathing passage
5.) wheezing cough, shortness of breath

Basically something triggers it. Your lungs get inflammed, start to swell and mucus forms, so u start coughing / wheezing.

Question 3

Strongest risk factor:

Answer 3

Atopy: Genetic predisposition to allergy reaction. Its basically another disease that causes allergies (thus asthma)

Question 4

Sex/Age of prevelance of asthma

Answer 4

Sex: Childhood: 2:1 male female
puberty: 1:1 male female
Adults: female more
40+ : mainly female

Age: More often in younger children due to high level of physical activity

Question 5

Signs Symptoms of Acute Asthma

Answer 5

expiratory wheezing
Coughing etc

Question 6

*Most common cause of asthma in dentistry:

Answer 6

Allergic and drug-induced asthma = 2 most relevant cases in dental practice

Question 7

Important: Classification of Asthma by etiology:

Answer 7

Intrinsic: non-allergenic, non-atopic, non-immunologic
Extrinsic: Allergenic, atopic, immunologic

Mixed: both

Question 8

Classification of asthma by severity:

Answer 8

Mild : complete sentences
Moderate severe : unable to speak full sentences
Severe : breathless at rest, cant lie down
Imminent respiratory failure : altered mental status, diaphoresis (excessive sweating)

Question 9

Oral changes due to type of asthma medication:

Answer 9

Prolonged use of B2 agonist inhalers that contain sugar : increased rate of caries

Inhaler use can associate with albuterol use, increased levels of gingivitis, increased prevalence of oral tissue changes: Reduces salivary flow

Question 10

Possible cause of dental erosion:

Answer 10

Reduction of salivary flow due to b2 agonists
Increase teeth’s exposure to acid

Question 11

Possible cause of periodontal disease:

Answer 11

Mouth breathing can cause dehydration of alveolar mucosa
Reduction salivary flow from b2 agonists
more IgE, less IgA alters immune response
more calculus from more calcium / phosphorus in saliva
decrease bone mineral density due to inhaled steroids

Question 12

Possible causes of dental caries:

Answer 12

decreased salivary flow from b2 agonists
inhalers lower pH
more lactobacilli/streptococcus mutans in saliva

Question 13

Dental care recommendations / instructions:

Answer 13

Use fluoride
more dental visits
reduce stress
antibiotics

Rinse mouth after inhaler