Week 5 - Asthma Flashcards Preview

Respiratory > Week 5 - Asthma > Flashcards

Flashcards in Week 5 - Asthma Deck (17)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

Is obstruction constant or intermittent in asthma?

A

-Intermittent

2
Q

What are the two major players in asthma?

A
  • Bronchial hyperresponsiveness and hypersensitivity

- Airway obstruction

3
Q

What causes airway obstruction in asthma?

A
  • Airway oedema
  • Mucus hypersecretion
  • Smooth muscle hyperplasia
4
Q

What are the main cells involved in asthma?

A

-Eosinophils, mast cells and Th2 lymphocytes

5
Q

Describe the pathophysiology of asthma

A
  • Airway inflammation and oedema caused by bronchial hyperresponsiveness -> mast cell, eosinophil and th2 lymphocyte response to exo/endogenous stimuli
  • cytokine release and smooth muscle remodelling leads to thicker walls with narrower lumen
  • IgE mediated Acute bronchoconstriction as a response to inflammation further narrows lumen
  • Mucus hypersecretion
  • All cause increased resistance to airflow
6
Q

Why does hyperinflation occur in asthma?

A

-Increased resistance to airflow cuses decreased expiratory flow rates and hyperinflation

7
Q

Name some major precipitating factors of asthma attacks

A
  • Cold air
  • Allergens (pollen/animals)
  • Exercise
  • Fumes -> car, smoke, perfume
  • Drugs -> NSAIDs
8
Q

Describe the immediate response to stimuli in asthma

A
  • 20 mins

- Interaction of allergen and IgE -> mast cell degranulation-> histamine, PGs and leukotrienes released -> inflammation

9
Q

Describe the late phase response to stimuli in asthma

A
  • 3-12 hours

- All inflammatory cells eg eosinophils, lymphocytes, neutrophils release mediators and cytokines

10
Q

How is asthma diagnosed?

A
  • Based on history of recurrent symptoms (wheeze, cough, SoB)
  • Examination -> Hyperresonant and hyperinflation
  • Investgations -> decreased PEFR, decreased FVC1:FVC ratio
11
Q

How is acute asthma treated?

A

-O SHIT
(Oxygen, Salbutamol (B2 agonist), Hydrocortisone (corticosteroid), Ipratropium(bronchodilator) and Theophyline (M3 antagonist))

12
Q

How is asthma treated?

A
  • Lifestyle changes to minimise triggers
  • Salbutamol
  • corticosteroid
13
Q

What is a wheeze?

A

-high pitched noise on expiration due to narrowing of airways

14
Q

What are the signs and symptoms of asthma?

A
  • Wheeze
  • Dry Cough which is worse at night
  • Exercise induced
  • SoB
15
Q

Why is a cough worse at night in asthma?

A

-Increased parasympathetic innervation causes bronchoconstriction via M3

16
Q

Why is the cough dry in asthma?

A

-Mucus too low down to cough up

17
Q

Define asthma

A

-Chronic inflammatory disease of the airway causing spasm and swelling so that the airway narrows