Asthma Flashcards
what is the definition of asthma?
a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways in susceptible individuals, inflammatory symptoms are usually associated with widespread but variable airflow obstruction and an increase in airway response to a variety of stimuli. obstruction is often reversible, either spontaneously or with treatment
how many people in the uk die of asthma each year?
1200
how many people in the uk are admitted to hospital because of asthma each year?
80,000+ anually
what are the key pathophysiological features of asthma?
bronchoconstriction
muscosal oedema
excessive secretion of mucus
epithelial damage
what are the trigger factors of asthma?
house dust mites exercise air pollution occupational allergens food allergy drugs seasonal variation emotional disturbance cold, dry air
what are the classifications of asthma and what do they mean?
intrinsic (non-allergic)
extrinsic (allergic)
what age group does intrinsic asthma typically affect?
older patients
what age group does extrinsic asthma typically affect?
children (childhood)
what is the cause of intrinsic asthma?
hypersensitive airways (IgE normal) constrict to non-specific stimuli
what is the cause of extrinsic asthma?
type 1 hypersensitivity reaction
familial tendency
what are the triggers of intrinsic asthma?
aspirin, beta blockers
cold, dry air
exercise
respiratory infections
what are the triggers of extrinsic asthma?
pollen
food allergy
occupational allergens
house dust mites
what do you do to diagnose asthma?
lung function tests:
peak flow meter
or
spirometer
what does peak flow meter measure?
max rate of air flow on forced expiration
what does a spirometer measure?
FVC - forced vital capacity (total volume of expired air after full expiration)
FEV1 - air forcibly expired in 1 second
what do you do with FVC and FEV1 values?
FEV1/FVC should be 70-80%
asthma can be 20-30%
what do you give to a patient along with spirometer to diagnose asthma?
beta-2 agonist to reduce bronchoconstriction
then do spirometer again
should see an improvement
what happens if beta-2 agonist is given but the bronchoconstriction doesn’t improve?
COPD
what is COPD?
bronchitis and emphysema
how does early phase asthma work?
- trigger/ non-specific stimulus activates mast cells
- i) mast cells release LTC4 and LTD4, histamine and PGD2 which increase bronchospasm
ii) mast cells release chemotaxins and cytokines which lead to late phase asthma
how does late phase asthma work?
- infiltration of Th2 cells -> cytokine release
- infiltration of monocytes
- activation of eosinophils
i) these all lead to LTC4 and LTD4 and other mediators - these cause airway inflammation and airway hyperactivity which leads to bronchospasm, coughing and wheezing
ii) these all lead to EMBP and ECP - these lead to increase airway inflammation and airway hyperactivity which leads to bronchospasm, coughing and wheezing
what 3 ways of treating asthma are there?
relievers
controllers
preventers