Pediatric Asthma Flashcards
What is the GINA definition for asthma?
heterogenous disease usually characterized by chronic airway inflammation. Defined by a history of respiratory symptoms including wheezing, dyspnea, chest tightness, and cough that vary over time and intensity with variable expiratory airflow limitation
What host factors are associated with asthma?
Genetics (boys more than girls, women more than men)
Gender
Obesity
What environmental factors are associated with asthma?
Allergens
Occupation
infections
tobacco smoke
air pollution
diet
What are the components of airway inflammation in asthma?
Smooth muscle contraction
vasodilation
increased vascular permeability
increased secretions
What are common environmental triggers for asthma?
Pet dander
tobacco smoke
molds
Cockroaches
dust mites
perfumes
What can happen to the airways if chronic asthma is left untreated?
Airway remodeling
Describe airway remodeling
permanent structural changes to the airway that occur over time
What causes airway remodeling?
Smooth muscle hypertrophy
subepithelial fibrosis
mucus hypersecretion
What are the main asthma phenotypes?
Allergic
Nonallergic
Late onset
Fixed airflow limitation
obesity
What is required for a diagnosis of asthma?
evidence of reversible airway obstruction
What testing is used to diagnose asthma?
Spirometry
