Asthma Flashcards
What is a disease that affects the airways called?
obstructive disease
What is a disease that affects the lungs called?
restrictive disease
Name some obstructive airway diseases?
Asthma (eosinophil)
Chronic bronchitis (neutrophil)
Emphysema (destruction of the alveolar walls)
ACOS: Asthma/COPD overlap syndrome
Name the 3 parts of the Asthma Triad?
Airway Hyperresponsiveness
Airway Inflammation
Reversibe Airway Obstruction
Name the 3 steps in the evolution of asthma?
Bronchoconstriction – brief symptoms
Chronic airway inflammation – exacerbations AHR
Airway remodelling – fixed airway obstruction (due to fibrous (scar) tissue)
Describe the inflammatory cascade in asthma?
Inherited/acquired factors
Eosinophillic inflammation
Mediators - Th2 cytokines
Twitchy smooth muscle - hyperreactivity
What are the clinical signs of asthma?
Episodic symptoms and signs
Diurinal variability – nocturnal/early morning
Non-productive cough, wheeze
Triggers
Associated atopy ↑IgE (rhinitis, conjunctivitis, eczema)
Blood eosinophilia > 4%
Responsive to steroids or beta-agonists
Family history of asthma
Wheezing due to turbulent airflow
Do Asthma patients have a reduced or preserved FVC?
preserved
How would an asthma patient that smokes FVC be?
could be reduced
What could the inhaled steroid beclomethasone be used for in Asthma?
Maintenance Monotherapy
What could the oral steroid prednisolone be used for in Asthma?
Acute Exacerbations
How small do particles need to be to get passed the carina?
5 microns
How small do particles need to be to get passed the 7th generation of the bronchiole tree?
2 microns
What cromone is effective inhaled in asthma?
Cromoglycate
What is Montelukast used for?
Exercise induced bronchoconstriction
- never on its own
