Asthma

Question 1

Definition of asthma

Answer 1

Chronic inflammatory, episodic, reversible bronchospasm

Question 2

Asthma classification and Tx

Answer 2

Intermittent = albuterol
Persistent (mild) = inhaled steroids
(moderate) = LABA
(severe) = Leukotriene modifiers

Question 3

Etiologic agents of extrinsic asthma

Answer 3

IgE response to dust mites, cockroaches, animal protein, dusts, pollens, fungi, food

Question 4

Definition of intrinsic asthma

Answer 4

Non-allergic mediated, infection triggered, IgE not elevated

Question 5

Asthma can be induced from which drugs?

Answer 5

Aspirin, NSAIDS

Question 6

Exercise-induced asthma

Answer 6

Symptoms AFTER exercise; cooling and drying of airways lead to histamine release

Question 7

Nocturnal asthma

Answer 7

Caused by decline in circulating catecholamines and cortisol between midnight and 8 AM

Question 8

3 triggers of asthma

Answer 8

Allergens, GERD, and URTI

Question 9

Life-threatening asthma

Answer 9

Accessory muscle use; Death caused by diffuse mucous plugging of airways

Question 10

PFTs in asthma

Answer 10

Low FEV1 that reverses, hyperinflation (elevated RV and TLC), DLCO normal

Question 11

Metacholine challenge test

Answer 11

Not diagnostic; only shows airway hyperreactivity; rules out asthma