Ch 19: Asthma

Question 1

Chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways with airway hyperresponsiveness that leads to recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing

Answer 1

Asthma

Question 2

What factors cause asthma?

Answer 2

Respiratory infections, airborne particular matter, exercise, weather changes

Question 3

The primary issue that leads to airflow limitations, which include bronchoconstriction, airway hyperresponsiveness, and airway edema is _____.

Answer 3

Airway inflammation

Question 4

Signs and symptoms

Answer 4

• Wheezing (primary symptom)
• Breathlessness
• Cough
• Chest tightness

Question 5

Signs and symptoms of asthma can be related to

Answer 5

• Exposure to allergens
• Seasonal rhinitis
• Dust mites
• Smoke
• Strong fumes
• Cold air
• Exercise

Question 6

Medical history should address:

Answer 6

• Presence of symptoms
• Pattern of symptoms
• Physical examination of the chest

Question 7

IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER:

Answer 7

For patients with asthma, exercise testing is generally not performed unless there is a decline in exercise tolerance that is out of proportion to the patient’s symptoms or degree of airflow limitation

Question 8

What measurements are helpful for assessing asthma?

Answer 8

• Oxyhemoglobin saturation
• Heart rhythm (ECG)
• Metabolic cart (VO2, VCO2, anaerobic threshold)

Question 9

For treatment, it is best to

Answer 9

Focus on asthma control, defined as the degree to which the manifestations of the disease are minimized by therapeutic intervention and the goals of therapy are met

Question 10

What are appropriate measures for prevention?

Answer 10

• 15 min warmup

- Mask or scarf over mouth or nose