Asthma Flashcards
1
Q
What is the pathophysiology of asthma?
A
Initially a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction, constriction and thickening of the smooth muscle and impaired mucus clearance
2
Q
How does asthma present?
A
Dry cough, wheeze, breathlessness and chest tightness
3
Q
What is atopy?
A
A tendency to develop allergic responses such as asthma, eczema and hay fever
4
Q
What is the main difference between asthma and COPD?
A
Asthma has good reversibility and COPD does not
5
Q
What are the 2 main treatments for asthma?
A
Bronchiodilators and Inhaled corticosteroids
6
Q
What are the signs of Life threatening asthma?
A
Cyanosis, Low resp rate, very low O2 sats, altered consciousness and silent chest
