Asthma

Question 1

Define Asthma

Answer 1

Chronic inflammatory condition of the airways that cause episodic exacerbations of bronchoconstriction.

This narrowing causes obstruction of air flow entering and exiting the lungs in response to substances of stimuli.

Question 2

Describe the Aetiology of Asthma

Answer 2

Allergens
Exercise
Resp. Infections
Smoke
Dust
Pollutants

Question 3

Describe the changes in the anatomy of a PT with asthma.

Answer 3

Increased smooth muscle mass (hyperplasia and hypertrophy)

Accumulation of interstitial fluid causing oedema (inflammatory response)

Increased mucous secretions by goblet cells.

Epithelial damage exposing sensory nerve endings (causes excessive wheeze or an exacerbation of wheeze)

Sub-epithelial fibrosis which causes remodelling of lung anatomy due to collagen deposition in BM.

Question 4

Describe the effects of airway narrowing to lung function.

Answer 4

Inflammation and bronchoconstriction increases airway resistance, decreases FEV1 and decreases peak expiratory flow rate.

Question 5

Describe the immune response of a non-atopic individual.

Answer 5

Contact, phagocytosis and low level TH1 response (cell mediated immune response involving IgG and macrophages).

Question 6

Describe the immune response of an atopic individual.

Answer 6

Contact, phagocytosis, Strong TH2 response (antibody-mediated immune response involving IgE).