asthma Flashcards
define astham
a lung disease characterized by airway obstruction that is reversible, airway inflammation, and increased airway reactivity to a variety of stimuli
nonallergic (intrinsic)
occurs in patients with no history of allergy and the trigger is internal
allergic (external)
occurs in patients with history of allergies and the trigger is outside the body and this accounts for 1/3 to 1/2 of all cases
common symptoms
wheezing, dyspnea (shortness of breath), coughing, and chest tightens or pain
severe symptoms
gasping for breath, difficulty speaking, straining of chest muscles to breathe, symptoms worsen when they lie down, and severe sweating
ratio of people in US with asthma
1 in 12
what group of people have the highest rates
black and indigenous and females
asthma is the leading chronic disease in
children
percent of adults that have persistent compared to intermittent astham
65% with persistent and 35% with intermittent
what is asthma associated with
release of inflammatory chemicals from mast cells in the airways
what do immunoglobulin E antibodies do
they are sensitized and released by plasma cells and then release response to dif triggers
after Ige binds to mast cells what happens
mast cells release histamine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes which causes smooth msucle in airways to contract and constrict
what causes cytokine production
lymphocytes which are in the lungs
when chemical mediators are released
respiratory epithelium is denuded (loss of surface layer) which is then replaced by goblet cells which increased mucous secretion and epithelial permeability
risk factors of asthma
family history, allergies, viral respiratory infections, occupational exposures, smoking, air pollution, and obesity
6 common triggers
allergic reactions, irritants, meds, sickness, severe weather, and stress
quick relief meds
work quickly to relax airways and are taken when asthma symptoms get worse and when they begin
long term control meds
reduce swelling and inflammation to prevent symptoms which are taken every day no matter what
what are bronchodilators
relax the bronchi to reduce airway obstruction and increase airflow. they are short acting and work quickly to relieve symptoms
what are anti-inflammatories
reduce inflammation and mucous production inside the airways like corticosteroids
define exercise-induced asthma
bronchospasm 3 minutes after end of exercise that resolves in about 60 minutes
explain airway remodeling
there will be increased mucus, fibrosis, inflammatory cells, and muscle thickness
