Asthma Flashcards
Asthma
common chronic inflammatory condition of the lung
not sure of cause
symptoms: cough, wheezing, tight chest, SOB, often worse at night
3 main characteristics of asthma
airflow obstruction
airway hyper responsiveness
inflammation of the bronchi
Type 2 Helper cells
respond to an allergen
makes interleukins that stimulate features of asthma
IL-4
stimulate IgE production from B-cells
IL-5
activates eosinophils that maintain and enhance inflammation
IL-13
mucus secretion
Atopic asthma
immune response from environmental stimulus
beings in childhood and inherited
preceeded by allergic rhinitis, urticaria/ eczema
may be identified with skin prick test
shows type 1 IgE mediated hypersensitivity
IgE is normally produced against
parasitic worms
Leukotrienes
prolonged bronchi constriction, increased mucus
How does ACh impact the airway?
smooth muscle contraction
Prostaglandin D
bronchoconstriction and vasodilation
Overall effect of immediate phase atopic asthma
bronchospasm
edema
mucus production
Eosinophils
release factors that kill the epithelium and leukotrienes
cause oxidative stress
recruit neutrophils and mast cells
What is the overall effect of the late phase of atopic asthma?
amplify and maintain inflammatory response
Non-atopic asthma
unclear mechanism
normal IgE in serum, no familial history/associated allergies
seems to be due to viral infections/extreme air pollution
