Asthma

Question 1

epidemiology of Asthma

Answer 1

235 million Wwide, boys before puberty girls after

One of the most common chronic childhood diseases

Question 2

aetiology of Asthma

Answer 2

Genetic susceptibility, Allergen exposure - household/enviro, diet (low vit C), perinatal factors (low birth weight, poor maternal nutrition, lack of breastfeeding), obesity
smoking

Question 3

pathogenesis of Asthma?

Answer 3

Bronchoconstriction, airway inflammation and oedema, airway hyperreactivity, airway remodeling.

Airway reactivity

Inflammation = overproduction of mucus

Question 4

natural history of Asthma?

Answer 4

Intermittent, mild-persistent, moderate-persistent, severe-persistent
airway remodelling = fibrosis = adhesions
excess mucus = plugs/decreased expiration

Question 5

manefestations?

Answer 5

Provoked by allergins, infections, exercise, inhaled irritants, emotion, aspirin, GERD
collapsed lung/COPD

Question 6

symptoms of Asthma

Answer 6

Dyspnea, chest tightness, wheezing, coughing

Often worse at night

Question 7

signs

Answer 7

Pulsus paradoxis, 
secondary muscle use, hyperinflation, 
tachycardia, 
tachypnea, 
inspiration:expiration ratio of 1:3

Question 8

complications

Answer 8

Structural lung remodeling, medication side effects, interference with sleep

Question 9

prognosis

Answer 9

1 in 4 persists into adulthood.