asthma Flashcards
define asthma
is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. The inflammation causes episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. Episodes are usually associated with variable airflow obstruction that is reversible spontaneously or with treatment. The inflammation also increases existionbronchial hyperresponsiveness.
is the prevalence of asthma changing in the population?
yes it is prevalent in approximately 10% of the worlds population.
which part of the population or subgroup is demonstrating the fastest rate if increase of asthma?
all segment of the population, but the fastest growing is in children younger than 5 years old.
when comparing men and women who have asthma which group tends to have more severe asthma?
more prevalent in males but more severe in women
within the urban population which subgroup is three times more likely to suffer with asthma?
African Americans especially those in the urban areas
death rates are greatest for people with asthma under what age?
under the age of 35
patients who have experienced a life-threatening episode of asthma have been grouped in three separate subgroups, describe the 1st subgroup?
typical case- gradual deterioration over time and experiences a live threatening episode.
patients who have experienced a life-threatening episode of asthma have been grouped into three separate subgroups, describe the 2nd subgroup?
relatively mild asymptomatic chronic asthma- acute episode in a short time frame.
patients who have experienced a live-threatening episode of asthma have been grouped into three separate subgroups, describe the 3rd subgroup?
the patient who is a combination of the 1st and 2nd
what is the relationship between airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness?
the airway swells on inflammation and hyperresponsiveness constrict easily and frequently.
describe in you own words “airway inflammation”?
the release of inflammatory mediators that result in wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing
describe in your own words “ hyperresponsiveness”?
the airway constricts too easily and frequently. factors include environmental, exercise, allergens, and viral infections.
list the factors that lead to airway obstruction?
- acute bronchoconstriction
- chronic mucus plug
- airway edema
- airway remodeling
what is the meaning of childhood asthma and atopic factors?
genetic predisposition to develop IgE response to common allergens in the environment
What is a IgE mediated response?
is an allergic asthma response the body initiates as immune response to pet dander, dust, mold, pollen (environment factors)
what is the easiest way to diagnose atopic asthma?
a skin prick test
The majority of asthmatics suffer attacks exacerbated from inhalation of an allergen. List the major indoor/ outdoor allergens?
(indoor) mold, animal dander, cleaning chemicals, cockroach antigen, dust mites
(outdoor) cold air, noxious fumes, grass and tree pollens.
what happens when a asthma trigger comes into contact with a hypersensitive airway?
causes a rupture and degranulation of mast cells, which release chemical into the bronchial tree and interact with airways smooth muscle.
what is the asthma trigger that is believed to be the major cause of asthma worldwide?
-dust mites- especially infants exposed to high concentrations in the first 3-6 months
what is the asthma trigger that is believed to be the major cause of asthma within the population of inner city dwellers?
-cockroach antigen that is inhaled by the sensitized patient
what is a device that is used in modern homes which is believed to contribute to airborne fungal growth and air contamination?
indoor humidifiers
in early spring what is the prominent asthma trigger?
trees pollen
in the fall season what is the prominent asthma trigger?
weeds, mold, alternaria and cladosporium species
( fungi or mold)
some patients have asthma attacks resulting from food and food additives, be able to list these products that can cause asthma exacerbations?
- salicylates
- food coloring agents
- food preservatives (ex: sulfites)
- monosodium glutamate
what is the relationship between viral infections in early childhood and the development of asthma?
alterations in immune system
children exposed to lower respiratory tract infections early in life, alterations in immune existed in response to viral infections
what is the most prominent viral infection that is associated with asthma later in life?
Respiratory Syncyrial Virus
( RSV )