Asthma and COPD- patho Flashcards
What 4 conditions is asthma usually seen in combination with?
- allergic rhinitis
- nasal polyps
- atopy (eczema)
- rhinitis
What type of disorder is asthma
chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways
*airway inflammation
Asthma is characterized by increased _ of the _ to _ resulting in _
increased responsiveness of the tracheobronchial tree to stimuli resulting in episodic reversible narrowing
hyperresponsiveness and airflow obstruction 2ndary to inflammation
Airway inflammation leads to constriction of airway _, increased _, and airway _
constriction of airway smooth muscle, increased mucus, airway hyperresponsiveness
Asthma episodes are usually reversible but overtime what can happen?
airway remodeling - less reversible
Asthma causes recurrent episodes of _ , _ , _ , _ , _
wheezing, SOB, chest tightness, sputum production, cough
cough with widespread airflow obstruction
What is the most common symptom of asthma
cough
most people think wheeze
When does a cough vs wheeze occur in asthma?
cough - airway up to 50% constricted
wheeze- +50% constricted
some people will never wheeze- don’t overlook coughing as symptom of asthma - should be a ddx for coughing
What are 3 common inducers of asthma in people who do not already have asthma
inhaled allergens, infections, noxious gas
These increase inflam leading to asthma
What are 3 common triggers of bronchospasm in people who already have asthma
exposure exercise, weather changes/cold air, exposure to airway irritants like smoke
These are triggers
What 3 drugs can cause sudden severe constriciton of airways in people?
besides things people are knowingly allergic to
NSAIDs
ASA
BBlockers
What impact does reflux have on asthma
can exacerbate asthma due to reflux causing constriction/increased reactivity
What characterizes a severe exacerbation of asthma?
4
laboured resps
sweating
anxiety
breathlessness
How can you tell if a wheeze is due to a mild or severe bronchospasm/obstruction?
expiratory wheeze - mild
inhalation and exhalation = severe
in most severe obstruction may be silent “silent chest”
What is COPD
not fully reversible airflow limitation that is progressive and associated with noxious substances like smoke
copd includes bronchitis, emphysema, chronic bronchitis
