Asthma

Question 1

Structural abnormalities

Answer 1

Reversible airflow obstruction and bronchospasm

Question 2

Physiological abnormalities

Answer 2

Inflammatory disorder of airways
Reduces rate airflow to and from alveoli
greatest reduction in airflow in expiration- pressure in chest tends to compress the airway
dynamic hyperinflation

Question 3

Symptoms

Answer 3

wheezing
coughing
chest tightness
shortness of breath

Question 4

Signs

Answer 4

wheeze
use of accessory muscles of respiration
may be a paradoxical pulse
over inflation of the chest

Question 5

Abnormal test results

Answer 5

Reduced FEV1- REVERSIBLE

chest X-ray shows hyperexpansion of chest

Question 6

medical/ surgical intervention

Answer 6

Inhaled short acting beta-2-agonist- slabutamol, blue inhaler
Inhaled corticosteroid- beclometasone
Long acting beta-2-agonist- salmeterol
oral prednisolone (corticosteroid)

Question 7

Secondary prevention

Answer 7

Leukotriene antagonists