Asthma Flashcards
Name some risk factors of asthma
History i.e.. obesity, acid reflux
Allergens ie. pets and smoke
genetics
Name some triggers of asthma
outdoor allergens ie. pollution and pollen
Indoor allergens ie. mould and dust
Certain drugs ie. you may have an allergy to them
Irritants i.e.. smoke and chemical fumes, illness ie. colds
What are the 2 major elements to consider when talking about the pathophysiology of asthma
Airway hyper responsiveness and inflammation
Describe Airway hyper responsiveness in relation to pathophysiology
It increases the mass of smooth muscles
Describe inflammation in pathophysiology
Initial trigger leads to the release of inflammatory. mediators, which activate the migration of inflammatory. cells and WBC’s. WBC move to the airway and induce smooth muscle contraction and Airway hyper responsiveness
Name a test used to diagnose asthma
Airflow obstruction test
Name the 2 types of asthma inhalers
Blue - reliever
brown - preventer
What is found in blue inhalers
Short acting beta agonists ie. salbutamol
What is found in brown inhalers
Long acting beta agonists
Wat does salbutamol cause
A conformational change in the receptor WHICH CAUSES bronchodilation
What is the min. number of half lives required to clear a drug completley
4-5
What helps alveoli stay open and not collapse
they produce a surfuctant
Where is the carina found
where the trachea splits into the 2 bronchi
