Asthma

Question 1

what are the characteristics of asthma (3)

Answer 1

airflow limitation, airway hyper-responsiveness and bronchial inflammation

Question 2

describe the prevalence of asthma

Answer 2

increased in children and young adults, and developed countries

Question 3

give 3 examples of occupational sensitisers for asthma

Answer 3

allergens from animals/insects, smoking, wood dust

Question 4

give 3 non-specific factors that can cause asthma

Answer 4

cold air + exercise, diet, drugs(NSAIDs, beta blockers)

Question 5

what is the severity and chronicity of asthma dependant on

Answer 5

the interplay between airway inflammation and airway remodelling

Question 6

what cells are involved in airway inflammation in asthma

Answer 6

mast cells, eosinophils, dendritic cells + lymphocytes

Question 7

describe the symptoms associated with asthma

Answer 7

wheezing attacks, episodic SOB, cough, usually worse at night

Question 8

give 4 examples investigations used in asthma

Answer 8

exercise tests, LFTs(spirometry + peak expiratory flow rate), exhaled NO

Question 9

describe the requirements of spirometry that result in asthma diagnosis

Answer 9

diagnosed if there is a >15% improvement in FEV1 or PEFR following use of bronchodilator