Asthma Flashcards
1
Q
When is asthma most common in what age group
A
Unset may be as early as the first few weeks of life
Most common between two and five years
2
Q
What is the prevalence of asthma
A
13 to 20% in South Africa children
3
Q
Pathogenesis of asthma
A
Exposure to allergens lead to mast cell activation
Initiates 2 phase response:
-immediate bronchospastic response
—-Mast cell derived mediators e.g. histamine and leukotrines result in immediate bronchoconstriction
-later inflammatory response
—Later response: interleukins example IL-5 attract eosinophils and neutrophils to the airway
—-major basic protein damages airway epithelium
Subepithelial collegen deposition
4
Q
What degree of reversibility and peak flow confirms asthma asthma
A
Greater than 15%
5
Q
What is asthma
A
A chronic inflammatory condition of the airways with episodes of reversible narrowing of the airways in response to stimuli It's characterised by: Smooth muscle spasm secretions mucus Swelling: inflammation and oedema
