Asthma

Question 1

What causes reversible episodes of a/w obstruction

Answer 1

inflammation and hyperactivity

Question 2

What causes chronic inflammation of the a/w

Answer 2

hyper responsive airway and recurrent, reversible bronchospasms

Question 3

Aetiology of Asthma

Answer 3

complex trait (genetic component with an environmental factor

Question 4

What brings about episode of asthma

Answer 4

HS to stimuli such as allergens, cold, exercise, odours

Question 5

Patho of Asthma

Answer 5

Trigger - increase HS - 2 phased response

Question 6

What are the two phases called

Answer 6

Acute- phase response and Late-phase response

Question 7

What happens when exposure to an allergen occurs in the Acute-phase response?

Answer 7

allergen binds to IgE on the mast cell - mast cell degranulates - meditators are release - inflammation occurs

Question 8

How do allergens enter the submucosa

Answer 8

intercellular junctions open

Question 9

what causes edema of the airway

Answer 9

increased permeability and increased mucus secretions

Question 10

bronchospasm is stimulated by what ?

Answer 10

PNS

Question 11

Late-Phase Response: peaks and lasts how long ?

Answer 11

peaks 4-8hrs and lasts days to weeks

Question 12

late-phase is a what kind of cycle?

Answer 12

self sustaining cycle of exacerbation

Question 13

an influx of inflammation cells causes what?

Answer 13

epithelial damage, decrease mucocilliary function, hyper responsive airway (now responds to new triggers more frequent and severe)

Question 14

Bronchoconstriction via BLANK

Answer 14

alpha adrenergic receptors

Question 15

Bronchodilation via BLANK

Answer 15

beta adrenergic receptors

Question 16

also via what kind of second messengers

Answer 16

cAMP messengers

Question 17

theory behind asthma?

Answer 17

that there is a lack of beta adrenergic receptor stimulation

Question 18

Manifestations of Asthma

Answer 18

Dyspnea, wheezing, coughing, immobilization, increase resp effort, ventilation compromised

Question 19

Diagnosis

Answer 19

Hx, Px, labs (ABGs), pulmonary function tests, inhalation challenge tests (determine potential allergens if HS to)

Question 20

Treatment

Answer 20

Control with minimal meds
1. inhaled short acting bronchodilators
2. add inhaled steroid
3. add long acting bronchodilator to steroid
4. short course steroid
Leukotriene receptor antagonist/ theophylline