Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - Q2 (chronic asthma)

Question 1

what is chronic asthma

Answer 1

Chronic asthma is a condition that comes in attacks and the muscles around the bronchioles go into a spasm resulting in the narrowing and inflammation of airways to the lungs. It is an allergic response to foreign substances that enter the body.

Question 2

common causes of chronic asthma

Answer 2

Chronic asthma can be caused by

• physical activity
• airborne allergens
• air pollutants
• cold air.

Question 3

symptoms of chronic asthma

Answer 3

Symptoms include

• shortness of breath
• chest tightness
• coughing.

Question 4

pathophysiological characteristics of chronic asthma (1)

Answer 4

The pathophysiological characteristics of chronic asthma results in the thickening of the muscular layer of an airway.

Question 5

prevention of chronic asthma

Answer 5

To prevent getting chronic asthma identify and avoid asthma triggers, monitor your breathing, and treat attacks earlier.

Question 6

treatments of chronic asthma

Answer 6

Treatments can include bronchodilators and steroids. Bronchodilators help the airways of the lungs open to make breathing easier. Steroids stimulate hormone effects to reduce inflammation.

Question 7

prevalence of chronic asthma

Answer 7

In Australia, 11% of the population suffer from chronic asthma.

Question 8

pathophysiological characteristics of chronic asthma (2)

Answer 8

This means the opening is smaller than usual. The mucous layer becomes swollen due and instead of having a nice round opening it now has a shapeless opening.

Question 9

pathophysiological characteristics of chronic asthma (3)

Answer 9

The glands around the mucous layer as result fill up with mucous and secrete it into the lumen where it is already blocked off.