Features of asthma in adulthood Flashcards
what is an asthmatic airway like
thickened wall due to inflammation which tightens during an attack due to contracted smooth muscles which traps airflow
proven risk factors for asthma in adulthood
hereditary, maternal smoking , grandmother smoking, occupation
atopy
bodys predisposition to developing antibody called IgE in response to exposure to environmental allergens. associated with asthma, excess, hay fever and is inherited. if history of other atopic diseases it could indicate asthma
what can variability of symptoms show
daily- nocturnal/ early morning, weekly- occupational, annual- environmental
triggers of asthma can be
exercise, cold air, cigarette smoke, perfumes, pets, pollen, food, aspirins or other drugs
probably not asthma if
finger clubbing, stridor, asymmetrical expansion, crepitations (crackles), dull percussion note
how to test for asthma if spirometry shows obstructed airflow
do a full pulmonary function test (carbon monoxide gas transfer) and then a reversibility test (with bronchodilator, if considerable improvement after 15 mins then probs asthma or oral coticosteroids after 14 days improvement then asthma)
how to test for asthma if spirometry shows normal airflow
peak flow monitoring, airway responsiveness using substances that should reduce FEV1
how can atopy be tested for
skin prick test, total and specific IgE, full blood count to check for eosinophilia
acute asthma is when
inability to speak full sentences, heart rate greater than 110, respiratory rate greater than 25, Peak flow 33-50% of predicted, high partial pressure or saturation of oxygen
life threatening asthma signs
grunting, cyanosis, silent chest, impaired consciousness, confusion, arrhythmia, bradycardia, hypotension, PEF less than 33%, O2 saturation less than 92%, oxygen level is less than 8kPa, CO2 is normal not reduced
near fatal asthma signs
raised PaCo2, need for mechanical ventilation
