Asthma Flashcards
Asthma is the ___________ in childhood
most common chronic disease
Hospitalization rates highest in _____ and _______ population
children & black population
Death rates highest in ______ y/o blacks
15-24
What are the risk factors of asthma?
- ***Atopy (genetic tendency to develop allergies)
Atopic Triad:
- Eczema
- Asthma
- Atopic dermatitis
- Allergen exposure
- Fam hx
- Male child
- 20-40 M:F 1:1
- >40 F>M
- smoking
- viral illness
- obesity
What are the 3 main factors of Asthma pathophys?
- Airway hyperresponsiveness
- Inflammation
- Airflow obstruction & narrowing
What causes airway hyper-responsiveness?
- inhalants/allergens
- temp changes: humidity
- stress
- reflux: GERD
- exercise
What causes inflammation in asthma?
- eosinophils
- lymphocytes: T cells
- Neutrophils
- mast cell act.
- hyperplasia of goblet (mucus) cells
What causes airflow obstruction & narrowing?
- smooth muscle abnormality
- hypertrophy/hyperplasia
- decreased relaxation
- B-2 receptors
- Muscarinic receptors
Classic symptoms of Asthma
- wheezing
- cough
- dyspnea
Diagnosis of Asthma
- Hx of respiratory symptoms AND variable, reversible expiratory airflow obstruction
- AND H&P AND Spirometry
What will you see on a PE for a non-exacerbation pt?
- pale, swollen nasal mucosa? -> allergic rhinitis
- nasal polyps?
- eczema
- Cardiac: possible tachycardia
What is the GOLD STANDARD for dx asthma?
Spirometry/ Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT)
What is spirometry/PFT?
max inhalation followed by rapid and forceful, complete exhalation
“predicted values” are based on _____, _____ & ______
age, height, sex
What is FEV1?
Forced expiratory volume in 1 sec
