Asthma Flashcards
1
Q
When is the peak age of presentation for asthma?
A
- 3 y/o
2
Q
What is the strongest predisposing factor for developing asthma?
A
- atopy/allergic triad
3
Q
What are principal allergens of asthma?
A
- dust mite
- animal dander
- cockroach
- grass & tree pollen
- alternaria (a soil mold)
4
Q
What are the etiologies of asthma?
A
- hygiene hypothesis
- diet
- air pollution
- allergens
- occupational exposures
5
Q
Describe the pathology of asthma
A
- REVERSIBLE*
- shedding of airway epithelium
- edema
- mucus plugging
- mast cell activation
- collagen deposition under the basement membrane
6
Q
T/F: Over time, asthmatics incur permanent physiologic changes.
A
- True
7
Q
Airflow is _______ proportionate to the ______ of the airway.
A
- inversely
- radius
8
Q
What must be done to determine a definitive diagnosis of asthma?
A
- spirometry in pts older than 4
9
Q
What are the symptoms of asthma?
A
- wheezing
- cough worse @ pm
- recurrent difficulty breathing
- chest tightness
10
Q
T/F: A lack of wheezing and a normal chest exam do not exclude asthma.
A
- True
11
Q
When do asthma symptoms occur or worsen?
A
- exercise
- inhalant allergens
- irritants
- changes in weather
- strong emotional response
- stress
- menstrual cycles
12
Q
What are signs of severe asthma?
A
- hypoxemia
- hypercapnia
- pulsus paradoxus
13
Q
T/F: CXR is always indicated in asthma r/o
A
- False, not routinely indicated
14
Q
What is the hallmark of asthma?
A
- bronchial hyper-responsiveness
15
Q
What are tests that can be done for an asthma dx?
A
- methocholine challenge
- spirometry
- labs
