Asthma

Question 1

what happens during an asthma attack?

Answer 1

• airways are narrowed, restricting airflow to the alveoli

Question 2

symptoms of asthma?

Answer 2

• coughing
• wheezing
• tightness in the chest
• shortness of breath

Question 3

what is the pathophys of asthma?

Answer 3

• bronchiolar inflammation w/ airway constriction
• affects all levels of the airway- trachea, bronchi and bronchiels
• bronchoconstriction and bronchospasms
• inreases of mucus-secreting cells and expansion of mucus secreting cells
• causes a loss of enzymes that typically breakdown inflammatory mediators

Question 4

• allergen induced (IgE)
• starts in childhood
• allergens (pollen, mold, etc)
• igE starts to release inflammatoy mediators

Answer 4

Extrinsic/Atopic

Question 5

• nonallergic (leukotrienes)
• occurs in adulthood
• environmental (cold air, smoke, URI, exercise, pollution, humidity, stress)
• production of leukotrienes by the mast cells and eosinophils

Answer 5

Intrinsic/Nonatopic

Question 6

• airways narrow as a result of physical activity
• sx: SOB, or wheezing, decreased endurance, tightness in the chest, cough, upset stomach, and sore throat
• tx: short acting inhaled beta-2 agonists 10-15 minutes prior to exercise; can also use controller medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids and long acting beta-2 agonists

Answer 6

Exercise induced asthma

Question 7

treatment of occupational asthma?

Answer 7

avoidance of triggers
inhalers PRN

Question 8

what are risk factors to asthma?

Answer 8

• family history- having parent increases risk 3-6x
• viral respiratory infections
• allergies
• occupaional exposures
• smoking or tobacco exposure
• air pollution
• obesity

Question 9

• test for airflow limitation
• assess for obstruction reversibility
• assess the severity of the airway limitation
• and can identify a restrictive airway pattern

Answer 9

pulmonary function testing

Question 10

• Sx frequency: 2 days a week or less
• Night time awakening: 2 or fever a month
• Typically doen’t interfere with activity
• FEV1 usually 80% or more
• short acting inhaler; 2 or fewer days each week

Answer 10

intermittent

Question 11

• Greater than 2days/week but not daily
• night time awakening: 3-4 times a month
• minor impact on regular activities
• rescue inhaler use more often during the week but not daily
• FEV1 greater/equal to 80%

Answer 11

Mild persistent

Question 12

• sx: daily
• night time awakening: > 1/week but not nightly
• limiting regular activity somewhat
• rescue inhaler on a daily basis
• FEV1 60-80%

Answer 12

moderate persistent

Question 13

• sx: daily/throughout the day
• night time awakening: often/ usually nightly
• significant limited regular activity
• rescue inhaler used several times a day
• FEV1 < 60%

Answer 13

Severe persistent

Question 14

way to monitor asthma symptoms?

Answer 14

Peak flow meter