Skin and Respiratory Health - Asthma Flashcards
Q: What is asthma?
A: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder characterised by variable airway obstruction and hyper-responsiveness to stimuli. It leads to narrowing of the airways due to bronchial smooth muscle spasm, swelling of bronchial mucosa, and excessive mucus secretion.
Q: What are the hallmark symptoms of asthma?
A: The hallmark symptoms of asthma include wheeze, intermittent shortness of breath, chest tightness, and dry cough.
Q: What happens during an asthma attack?
A: During an asthma attack, shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness, and wheezing occur. Symptoms may start slowly and worsen over time, and the attack may last for minutes, hours, or even days. Dry cough at night or during exercise can be a symptom. Anxiety and sweating are common during an acute attack.
Q: What is the pathophysiology of asthma?
A: Asthma is typically mediated by IgE and triggered by allergic responses. Inflammatory mediators like histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins cause bronchospasm. Chronic inflammation leads to airway remodelling, increasing airway tone and hyper-responsiveness.
Q: What causes the Th1/Th2 immune imbalance in asthma?
A: An excessive Th2 immune response encourages the release of IgE, leading to increased inflammatory mediators. A lack of adequate antigen exposure can cause abnormal immune responses to harmless stimuli.
Q: How do antibiotics affect asthma risk?
A: Antibiotic exposure, especially during pre- or post-natal stages, can increase the risk and severity of asthma in children. Antibiotics disrupt the gut microbiome, potentially causing immune system dysfunction.
Q: How does breastfeeding impact asthma risk?
A: Breastfeeding has protective effects against asthma due to its immune development support and positive impact on the gut microbiome. Early weaning (<6 months) increases the risk of asthma and food allergies.
Q: What is the connection between obesity and asthma?
A: Obesity increases the risk, severity, and frequency of asthma attacks. It affects lung function, alters the microbiome, and promotes systemic inflammation, all contributing to asthma exacerbations.
Q: What food preservatives and colorings may aggravate asthma?
A: Preservatives like benzoates, sulphur dioxide, and sulphites, as well as food colorings such as azo dyes (e.g., tartrazine), may trigger asthma attacks, particularly in children.
Q: How do nutrient deficiencies contribute to asthma?
A: Deficiencies in molybdenum, vitamin D, and magnesium may contribute to asthma. Molybdenum deficiency can cause sulphite sensitivity, while low levels of vitamin D and magnesium may affect immune function and respiratory health.
Q: Which drugs can trigger asthma symptoms?
A: Drugs like aspirin, NSAIDs, β-adrenergic blockers, and opiates can induce bronchospasm in asthmatic individuals. Sensitivity to aspirin and NSAIDs is not always predictable.
Q: How do sex hormones affect asthma?
A: Fluctuations in female sex hormones, especially oestrogen, can exacerbate asthma. Perimenstrual asthma, caused by hormone changes during the menstrual cycle, can worsen asthma symptoms.
Q: How is asthma diagnosed?
A: Asthma is diagnosed through medical history, physical examination, and lung function tests (spirometry and peak expiratory flow). There is no gold standard test for asthma.
Q: What is the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic asthma?
A:
Extrinsic (allergic) asthma: Involves an IgE-mediated immune response triggered by allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander (60–90% of cases).
Intrinsic (non-allergic) asthma: Typically develops later in life, often in females, and may be triggered by factors such as stress, exercise, or air pollutants (10–40% of cases).
Q: What does naturopathic investigation for asthma include?
A: Naturopathic investigation includes assessing dietary, lifestyle, and environmental factors. It also includes tests for IgG/IgE food and inhalant allergies, food/chemical intolerances, and digestive health.
Q: What is the natural approach to managing asthma?
A: The natural approach focuses on reducing allergen exposure, improving gut microbiome health, reducing stress, and ensuring adequate sleep. It also includes dietary changes and supplements like flavonoids (e.g., quercetin), omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics.
Q: What are common dietary exclusions for asthma management?
A: Common exclusions include cow’s milk, eggs, chocolate, soy, citrus fruit, and food preservatives, additives, and colourings. Reducing sugar, dairy, processed foods, and red meat is also recommended.
Q: What dietary inclusions can help manage asthma?
A: Inclusions include antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, and minerals such as selenium and magnesium. Omega-3 fatty acids and flavonoids (e.g., quercetin) are important for reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Q: What role does vitamin C play in asthma management?
A: Vitamin C (2-3g/day) is an antioxidant that reduces bronchial spasm, prevents exercise-induced asthma, and inhibits the release of arachidonic acid, reducing inflammation and bronchoconstriction.
Q: What role does vitamin D play in asthma management?
A: Vitamin D optimises immune function and modulates asthma genes. Higher maternal vitamin D levels are protective against asthma in children, and it helps inhibit eosinophils involved in asthma pathogenesis.
Q: How does magnesium help in asthma management?
A: Magnesium (200–400 mg/day) improves lung function by reducing bronchial reactivity. It acts as a bronchodilator in acute asthma attacks and reduces calcium movement in bronchial smooth muscles.
Q: How does zinc impact asthma?
A: Zinc (15-30 mg/day) supports immune function by regulating T-lymphocytes and promoting a Th1 immune response, which can help manage asthma symptoms and reduce inflammation.
Q: How do probiotics help with asthma?
A: Probiotics like L. rhamnosus GG balance the Th1/Th2 immune response, reduce eosinophil infiltration, and decrease IgE production, alleviating asthma symptoms.
Q: What role does fish oil play in asthma management?
A: Fish oil (1g EPA or higher) reduces inflammation, improves respiratory health, and alleviates symptoms in children with asthma, especially when combined with vitamin C and zinc.
Q: What is the benefit of Boswellia in asthma treatment?
A: Boswellia (200–500 mg/day) inhibits leukotriene production, improving shortness of breath, reducing the frequency of asthma attacks, and improving respiratory capacity.
Q: How do ginger and turmeric help with asthma?
A: Ginger (400–500 mg) and turmeric (500–2000 mg) inhibit leukotriene formation and reduce airway inflammation, improving asthma symptoms.
Q: What are other considerations for asthma management?
A: Other considerations include avoiding environmental triggers (e.g., tobacco smoke, cleaning products), practising Buteyko breathing exercises, correcting posture, and using tissue salts like Kali. Mur. and mag. Phos.
