⭐️Asthma

Question 1

What it is

Answer 1

A chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by reversible airflow obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and airway inflammation.

Question 2

Clinical Features

Answer 2

Wheezing (high-pitched whistling sound)
Dyspnea (shortness of breath) 😮‍💨
Cough (worse at night or early morning)
Chest tightness 🫁
Episodic symptoms (triggered by allergens, exercise, cold air)
Reversible with bronchodilators (e.g., salbutamol)
Severe attack: Silent chest, cyanosis, use of accessory muscles

Question 3

Epidemiology

Answer 3

~300 million people affected worldwide 🌍
Higher prevalence in developed countries
More common in urban areas 🏙️
Increases healthcare burden due to hospital admissions

Question 4

Age Groups Affected

Answer 4

Common in children (can persist into adulthood)
Adult-onset asthma possible (often more severe)

Question 5

Risk Factors

Answer 5

✅ Modifiable:

Smoking (active & passive) 🚬
Air pollution & occupational exposures 🌫️
Obesity ⚖️
Respiratory infections in childhood
Physical inactivity
🚫 Non-Modifiable:

Family history (genetics) 🧬
History of allergies (eczema, allergic rhinitis) 🤧
Male children > Female children (but reverses in adults)

Question 6

Clinical Presentation

Answer 6

🔹 Intermittent symptoms (wheezing, cough, dyspnea, chest tightness)
🔹 Triggered by: Allergens, exercise, cold air, stress
🔹 Improves with bronchodilators (e.g., salbutamol)
🔹 Severe attack (status asthmaticus):
• Inability to speak in full sentences
• Silent chest (no breath sounds)
• Cyanosis (blue lips, nails)
• Respiratory failure risk 🚨

Question 7

Prognosis

Answer 7

🔹 Good with proper management 🎯
🔹 Can be fatal if untreated or in severe attacks
🔹 Long-term uncontrolled asthma → airway remodeling (permanent changes)
🔹 Prevention: Avoid triggers, use inhalers properly, lifestyle modifications