asthma Flashcards
what is forced expiratory volume? (FEV1)
volume of air forcibly blown out in ONE second after full inspiration
what is forced vital capacity? (FVC)
volume of air that can be forcefully blown out after full inspiration?
FEV1/FVC?
percentage of your forced vital capacity that is expelled in one second
why do we do pulmonary function tests?
to assess respiratory function
to stage COPD
to determine whether obstructive or restrictive condition
to determine if treatment is effective
may be used in combination with pt history, ABGs, chest x-ray for diagnosis
restrictive lung conditions?
when lung expansion is difficult
- pregnancy, pleural effusions, arthritis
- pneumonia, obesity, ascites
- intrinsic disorders (pneumonia, fibrosis, lobectomy)
- look at FVC (how much air you can take in and expire)
obstructive lung conditions?
more difficult to exhale
-narrowing of the airways (COPD, asthma)
-FEV1 and FEV1/FVC
low in COPD and used to stage progression of disease
low in asthma exacerbation but improved significantly after receiving bro
asthma pathophysiology?
inflammation from various factors —-> hyperresponsiveness of airways and airflow limitation
predisposing factors of asthma?
atopy, female gender
casual factors of asthma?
exposure to indoor and outdoor allergens
occupational sensitizers
contributing factors of asthma?
resp infections, air pollution, active/passive smoking
other (diet, small size at birth)
risk factors for exacerbations of asthma?
allergens resp infections exercise and hyperventilation weather changes exposure to sulfer dioxide exposure to food, additives, medications
symptoms of asthma (4 cardinal!)
- chest tightness
- dyspnea
- cough
- wheezing
airway changes in asthmatic airway?
wall inflamed and thickened
airway changes in asthmatic airway during attack?
wall inflamed and thickened
air trapped in alveoli
tightened smooth muscles
inflammatory factors to asthma?
work, resp infections, allergens
irritants of asthma?
exercise, cold air, stress and emotions, strong odors, temp changes
other triggers of asthma?
food additives, gastric ulcers, pollutants, medications
how is asthma different from other obstructive lung disease?
- reversible and responds to intervention
- ppl may also have symptom free period where they do not have acute exacerbations
signs and symptoms of asthma?
COUGH- most common and fisrt
dyspnea, wheezing, chest tightness (4 cardinal!!!!)
-may be worse at night or early in AM
-possibly due to circadian variations