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Respiratory Physiology > Asthma clinical features > Flashcards

Asthma clinical features Flashcards

1
Q

Define asthma?

A

An increased responsiveness of the trachea and bronchi to various stimuli leading to narrowing of airways that change in severity either spontaneously or as a result of therapy

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2
Q

What are the common symptoms of asthma when exacerbated?

A

Wheeze
Cough
Shortness of breath

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3
Q

Is asthma worse in mornings or at night?

A

Generally in mornings

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4
Q

What are some risk factors for asthma?

A 
Genetic - more prone for an IgE response to allergens
Occupational
Smoking during pregnancy
Obesity 
Diet
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5
Q

What is stridor?

A

Wheezing heard on inspiration without a stethoscope - suggesting it originates in the upper respiratory tract

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6
Q

Is the airflow obstruction caused by asthma reversible?

A

Yes

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7
Q

What are symptoms of asthma?

A 
Wheeze
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Cough - paroxysmal (violent) and dry
Occasional sputum
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8
Q

What would show it is probably NOT asthma?

A 
Clubbing
Cervical lymphadenopathy
Stridor
Assymetrical expansion
Dull percussion note
Crepitations (crackling/rattling)
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9
Q

What are some essential investigations for asthma?

A

Airflow obstruction

Variability and/or reversibility of airflow obstruction

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10
Q

How would you look for evidence of air flow obstruction?

A

Peak flow test

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11
Q

If the test showed obstruction, what would the follow up be?

A

A full pulmonary function testing to exclude COPD/emphysema

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12
Q

If there was obstruction, what would you test for?

A

The response to a bronchodilator such as salbutamol

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13
Q

Why would testing to see the response from a cortisteroid be helpful?

A

Separates COPD from Asthma

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14
Q

If the spirometry was normal, what would you do then?

A

Look for variability of airflow obstruction by doing a peak flow meter and chart, twice daily for 2 weeks

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15
Q

What sign MUST be present for it to be asthma?

A

Wheeze

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16
Q

Is there a specific test for asthma?

A

No

17
Q

Is asthma a consistent or inconsistent disease?

A

Inconsistant

18
Q

What changes are there in the airways in asthma?

A

Bronchoconstriction Airway wall thickening Luminal secretions

19
Q

What sounds may be heard when breathing that can distinguish between asthma or another condition?

A

Rattle
Stridor
Stertor

20
Q

Give examples of asthma triggers

A 
URTI (commonly Rhinovirus) 
Exercise 
Allergens 
Cold air 
Emotion
21
Q

5 settings of asthma?

A

Infant onset
Childhood onset
Adult onset
Excertional asthma Occupation asthma

22
Q

What predisposing factors may make someone susceptible to developing asthma?

A

Genetics
Abnormal lung functions
Early onset atopy

23
Q

Bacterial bronchitis is a condition that may be mistaken for asthma, what are its clinical features?

A

Recurrent wet cough “Darth Vader” like breathing
Palpable fremitus (lung vibrations)
- an otherwise well child

24
Q

What features are present in an asthmatic cough?

A

Dry
Non-productive
Nocturnal
Exertional

25
Q

Does atopy cause asthma?

A

No

26
Q

What features of personal history are important in diagnosing asthma?

A

Allergy and family history

27
Q

What factors should be present to diagnose asthma?

A 
Wheeze (MUST HAVE)
Shortness of breath at rest
Multitriggers
Sinusoidal
Atopy
Parental Asthma
responds to treatment
28
Q

What condition may cause an asthma-like wheeze but is not multi-trigger or sinusoidal?

A

A viral induced wheeze

29
Q

What type of cough is not indicative of asthma?

A

An isolated cough

30
Q

What type of cough is indicative of asthma?

A

A dry cough

31
Q

Why would you not treat bacterial bronchitis?

A

Its a self limiting infection

32
Q

Pertussis is a condition more commonly known as what?

A

Whooping cough

33
Q

How can you reduce the risk and severity of pertussis?

A

Vaccination

34
Q

Give the clinical symptoms of pertussis

A

Coughing fits
Vomiting
Colour change
Petichiae (small redr purple spot caused by bleeding into the skin

35
Q

The diagnosis of asthma can be confirmed with a trial of what?

A

ICS (Inhaled Corticosteroids)

36
Q

What is MAINLY going on with an asthma attack in the airways?

A

Inflammation

Smooth muscle contraction

Respiratory Physiology (13 decks)

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