PT 5 Flashcards
What are the 3 processes involved in gas exchange
- Ventilation
- Perfusion
- Diffusion
What is ventilation
Moving gases into and out of the lungs
What is perfusion
Cardiovascular system sending oxygenated blood to tissue and returning de-oxygenated blood back to the lungs
What is diffusion
Moving respiratory gases from one area to another by concentration gradient
What is included in the upper respiratory tract
Nose, mouth, pharynx, epiglottis, larynx and trachea
What is included in the lower respiratory tract
Bronchi, bronchioles, alveolar ducts and lung lobes
What lung is more likely to have aspiration due to having a shorter bronchous
Right lung
How many lobes are in the right and left
Right has three
Left has two
Who is at risk of atelectasis
- Post op patients due to anesthesia and restrictive breathing
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (no surfactant)
What is PaO2
Partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (amount of oxygen dissolved in plasma)
What is SaO2
Arterial oxygen saturation (amount of oxygen bound to hemoglobin)
What is compliance of the lungs
How easily the lungs expand - when compliance is decreased, it makes it difficult for the lungs to inflate (like in COPD)
What is elastic recoil
The tendency for the lungs to return back to their original size
What is resistance
Any impediment to airflow during inspiration or expiration
What are the two types of lower respiratory tract problems
- Restrictive: chest wall and diaphragm can’t fully expand
- Obstructive: Resistance of airflow due to airway obstruction or narrowing
What are examples of extra-pulmonary restrictive disorders (outside of the lungs)
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Muscular dystrophy
- Chest wall trauma
What are examples of intra-pulmonary restrictive disorders
- Pleural effusion
- Pleurisy
- Pneumothorax
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS
- Atelectasis
- Interstitial lung diseases
- Pneumonia
What are examples of obstructive pulmonary disorders
- Asthma
- Emphysema
- COPD
- Cystic fibrosis
What are disorders of the upper respiratory system
- Epistaxis (nosebleeds)
- Allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucosa due to an allergen)
- Acute viral rhinitis
- Influenza
What can prolong a nosebleed (epistaxis)
Taking aspirin, NSAIDs, warfarin or other anticoagulant drugs
How do you care for a nosebleed
- Have pt sit down, with head titled slightly forward
- Apply direct pressure by squeezing the nostrils together for 5-15 minutes
- Seek medical assistance if bleeding doesn’t stop in 15 minutes
What can be used to treat posterior nosebleeds
Epistaxis balloons (inflates in the back of the nose to apply pressure, to help stop the bleed)
What is pneumonia infecting
The lung parenchyma (gas exchange portion of the lungs)
How do we get pneumonia
When pathogens reach the lungs and defense mechanisms become incompetent or are overwhelmed by the virulence or quantity of infectious agents
How can pathogens get into the lungs and cause pneumonia (examples - not an exhaustive list) 7
- Weak cough or epiglottal reflex may allow aspiration to get into the lungs
- Tracheal intubation, which bypasses normal filtration processes and interferes with the cough reflex and mucociliary escalator mechanism
- Mucociliary mechanism is impaired (self-cleaning mechanism of the airway)
- Air pollution
- Smoking
- Aging 65+
- Bed rest, prolonged immobility
What are three ways that organisms reach the lungs and cause pneumonia
- Aspiration from nasopharynx or oropharynx (normal organisms that cause pneumonia live in our mouth and throat)
- Inhalation of microbes present in air (mycoplasma pneumonia and fungal pneumonia)
- Hematogenous spread from a primary infection elsewhere in the body (spread by bloodstream) (example strep or staph from endocarditis)
Describe the pathophysiology of pneumonia 4
- Inflammatory response - bringing neutrophils to fight and kill off the pathogens, this causes edema, which then causes fluid to leak from the capillaries and tissues into the alveoli
- This fluid leak, causes the alveoli to fill with fluid and debris (consolidation - when fluid fills a part of your lungs that is normally filled by air)
- You also have an increase in mucus production, which leads to airway obstruction
- Both consolidation and airway obstruction lead to a decrease in O2 transportation, resulting in hypoxia
What types of things can cause pneumonia 6
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Mycoplasma
- Fungi
- Parasites
- Chemicals
What are the three ways to classify pneumonia
- Community acquired pneumonia (CAP)
- Hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP)
- Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP)
Why is it important to know what class of pneumonia it is
Once we know what is causing it, then we can treat it
What is community acquired pneumonia
Occurs in pts who have not been hospitalized or have lived in a long-term care facility within 14 days of the onset of symptoms
What are the most common organisms causing CAP
- Legionella pneumophila
- MRSA
- s. pneumoniae
What are the most common organisms causing HAP 4
- Acinetobacter species
- E. coli
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Pseudomons aeruginosa
If someone has pneumonia, what scoring system can we use to determine if the pt is high risk for death and should be hospitalized
CURB-65
What are the 8 factors of CURB
C: are they confused? U: Is their BUN greater than 20? R: Is their respiratory rate at or greater than 30? B: Is their BP less than 90/60? - Are they at 65 or older? - Is their LDH above 230? - Is their albumin less than 3.5? - Is their platelet count less than 100? (If yes, each counts for 1 point)
What are the points for pneumonia based on CURB
- 0-2 = outpatient
- 3-4 = In patient
- 5-8 = ICU
Once pneumonia is suspected, what should happen
The pt should go on empiric antibiotic therapy asap, even without knowing the causative agent - basically you’re giving them an antibiotic based on the diagnosis of CAP, HAP, VAP, risk factors, early versus late onset, presentation, underlying medical conditions, hemodynamic stability, likely causative pathogen. The antibiotic can be adjusted once sputum cultures come back.
What is hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP)
pneumonia in a non-intubated pt that begins 48 hrs or longer after admission to the hospital, and was not present at the time of admission
What is ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP)
pneumonia that occurs 48hrs after endotracheal intubation
Are they always going to do a sputum culture for someone that is not high risk and going in as outpatient
No, probably not. They’re most likely going to give you antibiotics and send you on your way. They’ll probably get a sputum culture if you have HAP or VAP.
What is a major issue with pneumonia
Multi-drug resistant (MDR) organisms (staphylococcus aureus, gram-negative bacilli, MRSA)
What are risk factors for MDR pneumonia 4
- Advanced age
- Immunosuppresion
- History of abx use
- Prolonged mechanical ventilation
What is aspiration pneumonia
When something abnormal enters your trachea and lungs from your mouth or stomach
What are risk factors for aspiration pneumonia 3
- Decreased level of consciousness
- Difficulty swallowing
- NG tubes
What types of aspirated material can cause aspiration pneumonia 4
- Food
- Water
- Vomitus
- Secretions
What is the most common type of infection in aspiration pneumonia
Bacterial infection
What if aspiration pneumonia is caused by acidic gastric contents?
This causes chemical (noninfectious) pneumonitis, and may not need antibiotics.
What is necrotizing pneumonia
From a bacterial lung infection, usually from CAP, where the lung tissue turns into a thick, liquid mass.
What are the signs and symptoms of necrotizing pneumonia
- Immediate respiratory insufficiency and/or failure
- Leukopenia (Low WBCs)
- Bleeding into the airways
What is opportunistic pneumonia
Inflammation and infection of the lower respiratory tract in immunocompromised patients
What patients are at risk for opportunistic pneumonia 4
- Severe protein-calorie malnutrition
- Immunodeficiencies (HIV)
- Chemo/radiation pts.
- Long-term corticosteroid pts
What is pneumocytis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP)
pneumonia that is most common in people with HIV. It causes diffuse bilateral infiltrates and consolidation of the lungs, which can lead to acute respiratory failure and death. It can also spread to other organs like the liver, bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen and thyroid.
What do we treat PJP with
Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole IV or orally
What causes cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Herpesvirus
Most CMV is asymptomatic or mild, however, it can cause severe disease in whom
People with an impaired immune response (ie transplant pts, chemo pts)
How can we treat CMV
Antiviral medications and high-dose immunoglobulin (antibodies)
What are complications of packing a nosebleed
They can be painful (give pain medicine) and they can put the pt at risk for infection from bacteria (might give antibiotics)
What are the most common clinical manifestations of pneumonia 7
- Cough
- Fever
- Chills
- Dyspnea
- Tachypnea
- Pleuritic chest pain
- Green, yellow or rust colored sputum
What are some nonspecific manifestations of pneumonia 5
- Diaphoresis
- Anorexia
- Fatigue
- Myalgias (muscle aches and pain)
- Headache
(pneumonia symptoms are not just about respiratory)
Older adults and debilitated pts don’t usually have the typical symptoms of pneumonia… What do they usually have 2
- Confusion or stupor
- Hypothermia instead of a fever
What might viral pneumonia start as
Influenza, which then can lead to viral pneumonia
When examining someone with pneumonia, what might you find 5
- Fine or coarse crackles
If they have consolidation: - Bronchial breath sounds
- Egophony (change in sound of voice)
- Increased fremitus (vibration of chest wall from vocalization)
- Dullness to percussion if pleural effusion is present
What are other complications from pneumonia 10
- Atelectasis (collapsed airless, aveoli)
- Pleurisy (inflammation of the pleura)
- Pleural effusion (fluid in the pleural space, usually the fluid is sterile and is absorbed in 1-2 weeks, might need thoracentesis)
- Bacteremia (bacterial infection in the blood)
- Pneumothorax (air collets in the pleural space, causing the lung to collapse)
- Meningitis
- Acute respiratory failure (can’t exchange O2 and Co2 anymore - leading cause of death from severe pneumonia)
- Sepsis/septic shock (Bacteria from alveoli enter the bloodstream)
- Lung abscess (not common)
- Empyema (rare, accumulation of purulent exudate in the pleural cavity - requires abx and chest tube)
What usually gives us enough information to diagnosis pneumonia 3
- History
- Exam
- Chest x-ray
Do we always get a sputum culture and gram stain for pneumonia
Usually not for CAP. You also shouldn’t delay treatment by waiting for these test, as this can increase morbidity and mortality.
With bacterial pneumonia, what diagnostic finding can be seen
Leukocytosis, where there is an increase in the WBC above 15,000. You also have bands (immature neutrophils)
When looking at ABGs with pneumonia, what might we find
- Hypoxemia when PaO2 is less than 80
- Hypercapnia when PaCO2 is greater than 45
- Acidosis when pH is less than 7.35
What is the normal range of PaO2
80-100
What is the normal range of SaO2
> 95%
What is the normal range of PaCO2
35-45
What is the normal range of HCO3
22-26
What are some other diagnostic studies you might do for pneumonia (besides the main ones)
- Blood cultures for the seriously ill
- Thoracentesis and/or bronchoscopy with washings to obtain fluid samples when pts aren’t responding to initial therapy
- Looking at biologic markers like C-reactive protein (CRP), kallistatin and procalcitonin
What can be given to prevent streptococcus pneumoniae
The pneumococcal vaccine
Who should get the pneumococcal vaccine
- Children younger than 2
- Adults 65 and older
- Or those between 2-65 who are high risk
When should the pt respond to abx tx for pneumonia. What will we see?
Within 48-72hrs. Decreased temp, improved breathing, reduced chest discomfort.
When would we repeat a chest x-ray after pneumonia tx
6-8 weeks
Besides given abx, what else can be given to help support a pt with pneumonia 4
- Oxygen for hypoxemia
- Analgesics for chest pain
- Antipyretics
- Tailor rest and activity
Are cough suppressants, mucolytics, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids prescribed as adjunctives for pneumonia
Yes - but there probably only useful if someone has an underlying chronic condition and needs them
If someone has pneumonia , do we want them to get more or less movement
More movement, to help mobilize those secretions
Is there a tx for viral pneumonia
Not really, usually care is supportive, and it should resolve in 3-4 days.
Once you classify pneumonia (CAP, HAP, VAP), what drug therapy do you use
Empiric therapy - where you are basing the drug therapy on the likely pathogen and risk factors for MDR
When should you see drug therapy improvement of pneumonia
3-5 days
Do you start with an IV or oral meds first for pneumonia
Usually start with IV meds, and then switch to oral as soon as the pt is stable.
How long is CAP tx? When is it stopped?
Lasts a minimum of 5 days. Pt should be afebrile (not feverish) for 48-72 hrs before tx can be stopped.
Why is hydration important for pneumonia
It helps thins and loosens secretions
Should people with pneumonia have big meals or small meals?
Small, frequent meals due to dyspnea. Want them high in calories.
What are some questions you may want to ask a pt when you suspect pneumonia 6
- Past health history
- Use of abx, corticosteroids, chemo or immunosuppressants
- Recent surgeries
- Recent intubation
- Tube feedings
- Pain (ie with breathing)
What is some objective data you may gather if you suspect pneumonia 13
- Fever
- Restlessness or lethargy
- Splinting affected area
- Tachypnea
- Asymmetric chest movements
- Use of accessory muscles
- Crackles
- Friction rub
- Dullness on percussion
- Increased tactile fremitus
- Sputum amount and color
- Tachycardia
- Changes in mental status
What can help reduce VAP
Adhering to all aspects of the ventilator bundle
How can we help prevent pneumonia in at risk pts 6
- Keep HOB elevated at or above 30 degrees
- Assist with eating, drinking and taking meds
- Assess for gag reflex before giving food or fluids
- Early mobilization
- IS
- Twice-daily oral hygiene with chlorhexidine swabs for post-op pts.
What would be a concerning finding when assessing a pt diagnosed with influenza:
a - sore throat, and headache
b - cough, with chest discomfort
c - crackles, with diminished breath sounds
d - fever of 102
C = indicates pneumonia (pneumonia is a complication of influenza)
What are complications of influenza 4
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Acute respiratory failure
- ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome)
What can cause nosebleeds 12
- Trauma
- Hypertension
- Low humidity
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Allergies
- Sinusitis
- Foreign bodies
- chemical irritants (street drugs)
- Overuse of decongestant nasal sprays
- Facial or nasal surgery
- Anatomic malformation
- Tumors
Which is more difficult to treat, anterior or posterior nosebleeds
Posterior
Who often has posterior nosebleeds
Older adults with other problems like hypertension (hard to determine how much blood is lost because they are so close to the throat)
How can you treat an anterior nose bleeds
- Use a pledget (nasal tampon) with lidocaine
- Vasoconstrictive agents like epinephrine placed in the nose
- Keep packed for 48-72 hrs
TB most commonly infects the lungs, but what else can it infect
- Brain
- Kidneys
- Bones
What is the leading cause of death in patients with HIV/AIDs
TB
When is a strain of TB classified as multidrug-resistant TB
When it is resistant to the first-line antitubercular drugs (isoniazid and rifampin)
When is a strain of TB classified as extensively drug-resistant TB
When the strain is also resistant to the first-line drugs and any fluoroquinolones plus injectable antibiotics
What can cause TB to become resistant 3
- Incorrect prescribing
- Lack of case management
- Nonadherence
How is TB spread
Through airborne particles
How long can TB particles hang in the air
Minutes to hours
How do the TB particles get into the air
Through breathing, talking, singing, sneezing or coughing
Can you get TB by touching, sharing food utensils, kissing or other types of physical contact
No
Once you inhale TB, where do the particles go
Into your bronchioles and alveoli
Once TB is inhaled, what happens in the body
An inflammatory response occurs - calcified TB granuloma is created called a Ghon lesion or focus - this granuloma walls off the infection and prevents further spread - about 90% of the time TB does not develop due to this immune response
If you body is unable to fight off TB, when would we see it start to multiply
Months - years later
Even though TB is aerophilic (oxygen loving) and has an affinity for the lungs, what can it do
It can spread to other organs and grow as well
What are the 3 classifications of TB
- Primary infection
- Latent TB infection
- Active TB disease
What is primary infection of TB
When TB is inhaled and your immune response can’t stop the spread.
What is a latent TB infection
They have TB, but it is not active.
- Asymptomatic
- Can’t transmit TB, but can develop TB at some point.
- Immunosuppression, diabetes, poor nutrition, aging, pregnancy, stress and chronic disease can reactivate the TB
What is active TB disease
Could have primary TB or reactivation TB
- Primary TB: when active TB develops within the first 2 years of infection (HIV pts at greatest risk of this TB)
- Reactivation TB (post-primary): when TB develops after 2 years of the infection
When would you see symptoms of pulmonary TB (active)
Usually in 2-3 weeks
What are pulmonary TB symptoms 3
- Initial dry cough that becomes productive and frequent
- Constitutional symptoms (fatigue, malaise, anorexia, weight loss, low-grade fever, night sweats)
- Dyspnea and hemoptysis (spitting of the blood) are late symptoms (not common)
TB can also present more acutely, what are some of those symptoms 5
- High fever
- Chills (flu like symptoms)
- Pleuritic pain
- Productive cough
- Crackles and/or adventitious breath sounds
What are extrapulmonary symptoms of TB
Depend on the organs infected
Examples:
- Renal TB can cause dysuria and hematuria
- Bone TB can cause severe pain
- Meningitis TB can cause headaches, vomiting, and lymphadenopathy
How are TB symptoms diff. for immunosuppressed and older adult pts
They are less likely to have a fever and show other signs of infection
What is the issue with HIV and TB symptoms
Symptoms of TB in HIV pts can look like other opportunistic infections (like PJP - pneumonia in immunocompromised pts). Need to carefully investigate the cause.
What may be the only symptom of TB in older adults
Change in cognitive function
Once pulmonary TB is treated, will there be any complications
No, there are not usually any complications if properly treated. There may be some scarring and residual cavitation within the lungs. Significant damage can occur in pts who are poorly treated or who do not respond to tx.
What is miliary TB
A complication of TB that has spread through the bloodstream to other organs
What are symptoms of miliary TB 5
- Fever
- Cough
- Lymphadenopathy (swelling of lymph nodes)
- Hematomegaly (enlarged liver)
- Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen)
What is pleural TB
A complication of TB where bacteria get into the pleural space, which triggers an inflammatory response and a pleural exudate of protein-rich fluid (called unilateral pleural effusion)
What are symptoms of pleural TB 4
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Cough
- Empyema (large number of TB organisms in the pleural space - less common)
What type of pneumonia can TB cause
Bacterial pneumonia
What can happen if TB gets into the spine
It can cause Pott’s disease, which leads to the destruction of the intervertebral disc and adjacent vertebrae
What can happen if TB gets into the CNS
Bacterial meningitis
What can happen if TB gets into the abdomen
Peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum which lines the abdomen) (commonly seen in HIV positive patients)
Explain the TB skin test (mantoux test)
- Inject purified protein derivate (PDD) intradermally
- Assess for induration in 48-72 hrs
- Presence of induration (not redness) at the injection site indicates development of antibodies to TB exposure
What does induration look like
Palpable, raised, hardened area or swelling (no redness)
When would antibodies form after TB exposure
2-12 weeks
How big should the induration be if a low-risk individual has TB
15mm or bigger
How big should the induration be if a immunocompromised pt is positive for TB
5mm or bigger
What are the interferon-y gamma release assays (IGRAs)? What do they test for? What are the advantages and disadvantages?
The quantiferon-TB and T-SPOT.TB tests.
- They detect T-cells in response to mycobacterium tuberculosis
- They provide rapid results, require only one visit, no reader bias, no booster phenomenon not affected by bacilus calmette-guerin (BCG) vaccine
- Downside = expensive
What is the deal with this BCG vaccine?
Vaccine for TB given in other countries, where there is a high risk of TB. Can make the skin test look positive, but not the IGRAs.
Can you make a diagnosis of TB solely on a chest x-ray? Why or why not?
No you can’t, because some pts may have a normal chest x-ray even though they have TB
What would a chest x-ray look like to suggest someone may have TB
- Upper lob infiltrates
- Cavity infiltrates
- Lymph node involvement
- Pleural and/or pericardial effusion
What is the gold standard for diagnosing TB
Sputum culture
Explain TB sputum culture tests. What’s the downfall?
Have to give 3 consecutive sputum cultures, with 8-24 hr intervals. Results can take up to 6 weeks.
Downfall- you may have pts that are not compliant and do not come back for their consecutive tests.
Are most people hospitalized with TB
No, most people are treated on an outpatient basis
What should a pt do if they have a positive sputum smear test
They are considered infectious for the first 2 weeks after starting treatment. Basically they need to quarantine.
What should I really remember about TB
It’s really difficult to get people to comply with tx, because the tx can be pretty brutal.
What is tx like for active TB
Aggressive.
Two phases:
- Initial lasting 8 weeks
- Continuation lasting 18 weeks
What are the 4 drugs used for active TB
- Isoniazid
- Rifampin
- Pyrazinamide
- Ethambutol
What do we worry about with the active TB drugs, especially isoniazid
They can cause hepatotoxicity and nonviral hepatitis
- Monitor liver function every 2-4 weeks
- Avoid alcohol
- Watch for signs of hepatitis at the start and during tx.
What if someone has a reaction to the 4 drugs for active TB treatment
There are alternatives like rifabutin and rifapentine.
What will help guide us when developing tx for MDR-TB
Using sensitivity testing
Describe directly observed therapy (DOT) for TB
Giving TB drugs directly to the pts and watching them swallow the pills.
- Preferred strategy for all TB patients, especially those at risk for non-compliance
- Nonadherence is a major factor in the emergence of MDR-TB
- Public health nurses administer at clinic sites
What do we give to treat latent TB and for how long (helps prevent latent from forming into active)
Isoniazid for 6-9 months
How long should HIV pts with latent TB take isoniazid for
9 months
What if a person is pretty much healthy and they have latent TB, what could the tx look like for them
If they don’t do the standard, then they can do a 3 month regimen of isoniazid and rifapentine. Or 4 months of rifampin if allergic to isoniazid.
When doing our physical assessment for someone with suspected TB, what are we doing/look for
- Productive cough
- Night sweats
- Afternoon temp elevation
- Wt loss
- Pleuritic chest pain
- Crackles over apices of lungs
- Sputum collection
What do we do if someone has TB in the hospital 5
- Put them in a room by themselves with 6-12
- Negative pressure room (traps air inside to protect those outside)
- Wear high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) masks
- Have pt wear mask outside of room to protect others
- Identify and screen close contacts.
What TB drug can turn your urine red-orange
Rifampin
What are some basic things you want to teach someone with TB 2
- Cover mouth when coughing
- Wash hands
What type of disease is asthma
An obstructive pulmonary disease
What are risk factors for asthma 5
- Genetics
- Environment (pollen, pollutants)
- Being a male as a child (no risk as an adult)
- Obesity
- Smoking
What is interesting about allergens and asthma
They may not actually cause someone to have asthma, but they can trigger asthma symptoms
What are types of allergen triggers for asthma 5
- Cockroaches
- Furry animals
- Fungi
- Pollen
- Molds
When might exercise-induced asthma or bronchospasms trigger asthma
- After vigorous exercise
- After exposure to cold air
What do we worry about with stagnant air and asthma
The stagnant air can lead to concentrated pollution in the atmosphere and trigger asthma
What is the most common job-related respiratory disorder
Asthma (working around chemicals for your job can trigger asthma)
What’s the issue with asthma and respiratory infections
These infections can trigger acute asthma attacks
What are other common triggers of asthma 5
- Nose and sinus problems
- Medications
- Food additives and allergies
- GERD
- Emotional stress (cause hyperventilation and hypocapnia = narrow airway)
What medications can trigger asthma attacks and why 3
- Aspirin and NSAIDs (pts are sensitive to these drugs, so they can trigger an attack)
- Beta blockers can cause bronchospasm (blocks HR and lungs)
- ACE inhibitors can cause a dry, hacking couch which can make asthma symptoms worse
How can GERD trigger asthma
It can cause bronchoconstriction and aspiration. And asthma drugs may worsen GERD symptoms.
Basically, what is the pathophys of asthma
There’s a trigger, which causes your immune system to respond, which then causes bronchoconstriction, hyperresponsiveness (hyperreactivity), edema of airways, congestion, thick mucus, bronchial muscle spasms, thickening of airway walls (these are usually what we see in early-phase).
When does the early-phase response occur with asthma
Within 30-60 minutes after exposure
When does the late-phase response occur
4-6hrs after initial attack
What’s happening in late-phase asthma 4
- Can be more severe than early
- Can last for 24hrs or more
- Not treated or resolved, can lead to irreversible lung damage
- Structural changes in bronchial wall called remodeling occur
What are the clinical manifestations of asthma
- Wheezing
- Breathlessness
- Cough
- Tight chest
(may be abrupt or gradual)
(may last from minutes-hrs)
What is interesting about asthma symptoms
Expiration can be longer than inspiration since there is bronchospasm, edema and mucus, it takes longer to move the air out of the lungs
What is the only symptom of cough variant asthma
A cough because the bronchospasm is not severe enough to cause airflow obstruction