Asthma

Question 1

asthma overview

Answer 1

common chronic global disease
affects 300 million worldwide
250,000 deaths annually

syndrome characterized by airflow obstruction
occur at any age
adults’ onset is usually permanent
severity of asthma does not vary for the patient

mild asthma rarely progresses to more severe
asthmatics have inflammation airways different from non-asthmatics

narrowing with consequently reduced airflow
usually reversible
chronic asthma with an element of irreversible airway obstruction

Question 2

asthma risk and trigers

Answer 2

atopy major risk factor
other atopic diseases accompany ( allergic or atopic dermatitis)
genetic predisposition
environmental mechanisms
sulfur dioxide, ozone, an diesel particulates may trigger asthma
damp house mold spores
infections
rhinovirus can trigger
inhaled allergens
occupational exposure to chemicals
affect up to 10% of young adults

more common in obesity
BMI >30
mechanical factors

Question 3

clinical findings

Answer 3

eosininopil infiltration
characteristic feature

airway mucosa
infiltrated with eosinophils, t lymphocytes, and mucosal mast cells
inflammatory and structural cells mediators histamine, cytokines, chemokine release

bronchospasms
wheezing
plasma exudation
mucus secretion
structural changes

Inflammation process impacts the structure
irreversible narrowing of airways

Question 4

asthma Diagnosis

Answer 4

apparent from symptoms
variable and intermittent airway obstruction
confirmed by PFTS
spirometry confirms airflow limitation
reduced FEV1 and FEV1/FVC
reduce peak expiratory flow (PEF)

classification symptoms
-mild
-moderate
-severe
-respiratory arrest imminent

Question 5

asthma treatment

Answer 5

Maintenance:
bronchodilators
anticholinergic
LAMA
inhaled corticosteroids
most effective controllers

acute exacerbations
Duo nebs
solumedrol
inhaler support

brovana and pulmicort
singular and zytec

02 protocol
ensure no mucous plugging