ASTHMA Flashcards
Types of Inhalers
Metered dose inhaler
Dry powder inhaler
Soft mist inhaler
Asthma
Chronic inflammatory condition of respiratory mucosa causing narrowing of air pathways
Causes of Asthma
Genetics
Aspirin sensitivity
Allergies
Dust
Cold
Exercise
Viral upper respiratory tract infection
Smoke
Pet fur/ hair
Beta2 adrenergic blockers
Components of Atopic triad
Asthma
Atopic dermatitis
Allergic rhinitis
Components of Samters triad
Asthma
Nasal polyps
Aspirin sensitivity
Curschmann spiral
A spirally twisted mass of mucus seen in the sputum from bronchial asthma.
Symptoms of Asthma
Chest tightness/ pain
Dyspnea
Cough
Use of accessory muscles during respiration
Hyperresonance upon percussion
Wheezing upon expiration
Sputum with Curschmann spirals & charcot-leydin crystal
What is cardiac asthma
Condition in which heart Failure causes symptoms similar to asthma
A false form of asthma, a manifestations of heart failure affecting respiratory system
Causes of cardiac asthma
Heart failure
Hypertension
Coronary artery disease
Vulvar heart disease
Symptoms of cardiac asthma
Dyspnea
Wheezing
Crackles/ rales
Coughing
Rapid shallow breathing (tachypnea)
Chest tightness/ discomfort
Fatigue
Orthopnea
Diagnosis of cardiac asthma
PFT
ECHO
CHEST XRAY
- pulmonary congestion
- Enlarged heart
BLOOD TEST
- BNP elevated
ECG
Treatment of Cardiac asthma
1) Treat underlying heart failure
2) symptomatic treatment of asthma
What is silent chest
Silent chest is the absence of wheezing and coughing due to fatigue and inability to move any air through severely constricted bronchioles. Silent chest usually precedes respiratory failure and is a life-threatening medical emergency.
