asthma introduction Flashcards
1
Q
what is asthma?
A
variable airway obstruction
2
Q
what is asthma characterised by?
A
Wheeze Cough Chest tightness Dyspnoea Airway (bronchial) hyper-responsiveness Inflammation of the lungs Variable airflow obstruction
3
Q
what genetic, ethnic, and environmental factor increase likelihood of having asthma?
A
Genetic - IgE levels genetically influenced Ethnic - 50% higher prevalence in black vs white children Enviromental - Higher in city than rural dwellers
4
Q
What triggers asthma?
A
-Respiratory infections
-Exercise, breathing cold air
-Exposure to allergens such as
Pollen / moulds
Dust mites / cockroaches
Pollution
Pets
Tobacco smoke
