Asthma clinical features in adults

Question 1

in general what is the definition of asthma

Answer 1

increased responsiveness of the trachea and bronchi to various stimuli and manifested by a widespread narrowing of airways that changes in severity either spontaneously or as a result of therapy

Question 2

define bronchiectasis

Answer 2

Bronchiectasis is a long-term condition where the airways of the lungs become abnormally widened, leading to a build-up of excess mucus that can make the lungs more vulnerable to infection.

Question 3

bronchiolitis

Answer 3

Bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract infection that affects babies and young children under two years old.
Most cases are mild and clear up without the need for treatment within two to three weeks, although some children have severe symptoms and need hospital treatment.
The early symptoms of bronchiolitis are similar to those of a common cold, such as a runny nose and cough.

Question 4

bronchiolitis is an inflammation where

Answer 4

Bronchiolitis is inflammation of the bronchioles, the smallest air passages of the lungs.

Question 5

B blockers and aspirin are not usually used in patients with asthma why

Answer 5

as they may trigger a sever asthma attack

Question 6

if stridor is present does this usually indicate asthma

Answer 6

no

Question 7

on examination what are the symptoms that suggest a patient may not have asthma

Answer 7

clubbing
asymmetrical expansion
dull percussion note
cervical lymphadenopathy

Question 8

what is a good indication that a patient may have asthma in terms of airflow obstruction

Answer 8

variability and/or reversibility of airflow obstruction

Question 9

asthma causes crackles in the chest true or false

Answer 9

false

Question 10

what are some useful investigations to do in a patient that you think may have asthma

Answer 10

chest x ray -hyperinflated
skin prick test- atopic status
total and specific IgE-atopic status
full blood count- eosinophillia atopy

Question 11

what symptoms suggests a patient has asthma

Answer 11

wheeze 
SOB
chest tightness
cough that is paroxysmal and dry
may have occasional sputum

Question 12

when investigating weather a patient has asthma, what evidence are you looking for

Answer 12

they have airflow obstruction

there is reversibility of that airflow obstruction

Question 13

a spirometry test shows a patient has a FEV1:FVC lower than 70% of the normal value what should you do next

Answer 13

full pulmonary function test

Question 14

a spirometry test shows normal results for a patient presenting with suspected asthma , what would you do next

Answer 14

peak flow monitoring

Question 15

what are the effects of methacholine and histamine

Answer 15

Both drugs provoke bronchoconstriction

Question 16

why would you use methacholine or histamine in investigating asthma

Answer 16

Both drugs provoke bronchoconstriction or narrowing of the airways. Those with pre existing airway hyperactivity such as asthmatics will react to lower doses of drug.