3: Asthma Pathophysiology Flashcards
Asthma inflammation is characterized by _____ and _____, which leads to clinical symptoms.
Asthma inflammation is characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and airway obstruction, which leads to clinical symptoms.
Name 3 airflow limitations.
Acute bronchoconstriction
Airway edema
Mucus plug formation
What is the main difference between asthma and COPD?
Asthma obstruction is often reversible.
Why is it so important to treat asthma?
Persistent inflammation leads to airway remodeling and irreversible changes.
Is asthma a genetic disease?
It is a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
How does airway inflammation lead to bronchospasm, mucosal edema, and mucus plugs?
Inflammation limits airflow, which leads to functional and structural changes in the airways.
How does airway obstruction result in hyperinflation?
Airway obstruction leads to increased resistance to airflow and decreased expiratory flow rates, which leads to decreased ability to expel air, which results in hyperinflation.
How does an asthmatic help maintain airway patency?
Overdistention helps improve expiratory flow, but it alters pulmonary mechanics and increases the work of breathing.
Hyperinflation compensates for the airflow obstruction. Compensation is limited when tidal volume approaches volume of _____. The result is alveolar _____.
Hyperinflation compensates for the airflow obstruction. Compensation is limited when tidal volume approaches volume of pulmonary dead space. The result is alveolar hypoventilation.
Uneven changes in airflow resistance + uneven distribution of air + alterations in circulation from increased intra-alveolar pressure due to hyperinflation = _____.
Uneven changes in airflow resistance + uneven distribution of air + alterations in circulation from increased intra-alveolar pressure due to hyperinflation = ventilation-perfusion mismatch.
What is an adaptive response to ventilation-perfusion mismatch?
Vasoconstriction due to alveolar hypoxia.
What is the strongest predisposing risk factor for asthma?
Genetic predisposition for the development of an IgE-mediated response to common aeroallergens (atopy).
Name 8 risk factors for asthma mortality.
One or more life-threatening exacerbations
Severe asthma requiring oral corticosteroids
Poor control of daily symptoms requiring frequent short-acting beta2 agonist medication
Abnormal forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)
Frequent ED visits
Low socioeconomic status
Family dysfunction
Patient psychosocial problems
Which 2 groups have the highest rates of asthma?
Puerto Rican
African American
(Reflects limited access to outpatient health services)
