Asthma Flashcards
is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways which develops under the allergens influence
Asthma
Asthma associates with
bronchial hyperresponsiveness and reversible obstruction
Asthma manifests with attacks of
dyspnea, breathlessness, cough, wheezing, chest tightness and
sibilant rales more expressed at
breathing-out.
is a respiratory allergic disease, the influence of allergens permeated into the organism through airways is essential for the disease development.
Asthma
are contained in the air of apartment houses
Communal allergens
Example of communal allergens
House-dust mites
Fur of domestic animals
Vital products of domestic insects
Tobacco smoke
Aerosols and synthetic ingredients
Occupational exposure
Dusts (industrial or wood)
Chemical fumes
Vapors
Molds
Pharmacological exposure
Antibiotics
Vaccines
Serums
Pathophysiology
Trigger factor. Airway inflammation= hypersecretion of mucus, airwaysmuscle contraction, swelling bronchial membranes. Narrow breathing passages=Wheezing, cough, SOB, Tightness in chest
What are the signs and symptoms of asthma?
- Chest tightness, pain or pressure.
- Coughing (especially at night).
- Shortness of breath.
Wheezing
Symptoms ≤ 2x a week
Mild intermittent
Sx > 2x a week but < once a day
Mild persistent
Daily symptoms
Moderate persistent
Continuous symptoms
Severe persistent
Asymptomatic and normal PEF between exacerbations
Mild intermittent
Exacerbations can affect daily activity
Mild persistent
Exacerbations 2x a week
Moderate persistent
Limitations in Physical activity
Severe persistent
Exacerbations brief (from a few hours to a few days); intensity may vary
Mild intermittent
Exacerbations can affect daily activities
Moderate persistent
Frequent exacerbations
Severe persistent
Night time sx < twice a month
Mild intermittent
Night time sx> 2x a month
Mild persistent
Night time sx > once a week
Moderate persistent
Frequent night time sx
Severe persistent
FEV1 or PEF > 80% of predicted value
Mild intermittent
FEV1 or PEF ≥ 80% of predicted value
Mild persistent
FEV1 or PEF >60 - <80% of predicted value
Moderate persistent
FEV1 or PEF ≤60% of predicted value
Severe persistent
PEF variability < 20%
Mild intermittent
PEF variability 20% - 30%
Mild persistent
PEF variability > 30%
Moderate persistent & severe persistent
Steps in testing and diagnosis
√Medical history
√Physical exam
√Spirometry
√Exhaled nitric oxide test
Additional Tests:
*X-ray or computerized tomography (CT) imaging of your chest.
*CT scans of your sinuses.
-Blood tests
*Gastroesophageal reflux assessment.
-Testing of the phlegm in your lungs for signs of a viral or bacterial
infection.
Mgt of Asthma
Adrenergics (Beta 2 Agonists - Albuterol)
Steroids
Theophylline
Hydration (IV)
Mask O2
Anticholinergics
The complications of asthma exacerbations are:
pneumothorax
Lung atelectasis
Pneumonia
Acute or subacute cor pulmonale
Asthmatic status
Asthma in childhood leads to
Growth inhibition
Thoracic deformation
Persistent asthma causes:
Fibrosing bronchitis
Small bronchi deformation and obliteration
Emphysema
Pneumosclerosis
Chronic respiratory Failure
Chronic Cor pulmonale
Life-threatening under certain circumstances:
- Severe Airway Obstruction
- Respiratory Failure
- Silent Asthma
- Status Asthmaticus
- Asthma-Related Complications
- Triggers and Individual Variability
- Medication Non-Compliance
- Lack of Access to Healthcare
