Asthma Flashcards
what is asthma?
is a chronic reactive airway disorder, characterized by increased resistance to airflow due to episodic airway obstruction
what does asthma involve?
inflammation of the airways, bronchospasm, increased mucus secretion and injury to the mucosal lining of the airways
what are the 2 types of asthma?
extrinsic or intrinsic (based on the factors that trigger the disorder)
what is extrinsic asthma?
ATOPIC asthma is initiated by a type one hypersensitivity response to an extrinsic antigen
what occurs with extrinsic asthma?
an antigen binds with a mast cell and causes mast cell degranulation with release of histamine, leukotrienes, interleukins and prostaglandins resulting in inflammation and bronchospasm
the airway inflammation in extrinsic asthma produces what?
airway edema, epithelial injury and impaired mucoiliary function
what is intrinsic asthma?
NON ATOPIC asthma is initiated by diverse non-immune mechanism
what is intrinsic asthma triggered by?
irritant receptors and vagal reflex
(viral infections, inhaled irritants, NSAIDS, fulfils and emotional stress)
when do people usually have an onset of asthma?
childhood or adolescents (although adults can develop asthma without a history)
what does asthma arise from?
interaction between hereditary and environmental factors and manifests as acute attacks
what two ways is treatment approached in patients?
though control of factors contributing to asthma severity and through pharmacologic treatment
when is pharmacologic treatment needed?
when exposure to triggers cannot be avoided
what pharmacologic treatments are used?
corticosteroids, bronchodilators, mast cell stabilizers, beta agonists and anticholinergic drugs
