Lecture 14 - Asthma

Question 1

Features of asthma?

Answer 1

episodic, chronic, life-threatening: swollen airways, excessive mucus

Question 2

Diagnosis of asthma?

Answer 2

wheezing, airflow obstruction in lung fucntion test, history of: dyspnea, chest tightness, reversible ariflow limitation, family history of asthma or atopic disease

Question 3

Lung function tests?

Answer 3

PEF, spirometry

Question 4

Atopic asthma?

Answer 4

most common, usually early onset, environmental, positive family history,

Question 5

Typical precedings of atopic asthma?

Answer 5

rhinitis, urticaria, eczema

Question 6

Acute Phase Response?

Answer 6

inhalation of allergen causes immediate fall in lung function

Question 7

Genetic predisposition?

Answer 7

to Th2 (cytokine releasing cells) rather than Th1 (IFN, IL, TNF) - cross inhibition

Question 8

Non-atopic asthma?

Answer 8

typically late-onset, respiratory tract infection relation, medication risk

Question 9

Leukotriene role?

Answer 9

synthesis of mast cells & eosinophils, causes prolonged bronchoconstriction, muxus secretions and vascular permeability -> edema (antagonists treat asthma)

Question 10

IgE role?

Answer 10

triggering mast cells causing inflammation