Asthma Flashcards
What type of condition is asthma?
Obstructive lung disease
What is asthma characterised by?
Paroxysmal and reversible airway bronchoconstriction
What is asthma the result of?
Inflammation of the respiratory airways and bronchial hyperresponsiveness.
What is asthma associated with?
A family history of atopy
What is the atopic triad?
Asthma
Allergic rhinitis
Atopic eczema.
What type of hypersensitivity reaction does asthma involve?
Type 1 hypersensitivity reaction
What do the allergens stimualte to produce cytokines?
Type 2 helper T cells (TH2)
What cytokines are produced by stimulated type 2 helper T cells?
IL-4
IL-5
IL-13
What cytokines are produced by stimulated type 2 helper T cells?
IL-4
IL-5
IL-13
What can airway inflammation lead to in someone with asthma?
Airway remodelling
What is airway remodelling characterised by?
Bronchial smooth muscle hypertrophy
Bronchoconstriction
Mucous gland hypertrophy
Vasodilation
Increased vascular permeability.
What are the main presenting symptoms of asthma?
Wheeze
Dyspnoea
Cough
Chest tightness
Diurnal variation
When might the cough in someon with asthma occur?
Nocturnally
What diurinal variation might occur in someone with asthma?
Symptoms often worse in the morning
What can exaccerbate the symptoms of asthma?
Exercise
NSAIDs/beta-blockers
What are the main signs of asthma?
Tachypnoea
Hyperinflated chest
Hyper-resonance on chest percussion
Decreased air entry
Wheeze on auscultation
What might you find on percussion of someone with asthma?
Hyper-resonance
What might you hear on auscultation of someone with asthma?
Wheeze
What are signs of a severe asthma attack?
Inability to speak in complete sentences
Respiratory rate >25
Peak flow 33-50% predicted
What are signs of a life threatening asthma attack?
Silent chest
Confusion
Bradycardia
Cyanosis
Exhaustion
