Asthma/ COPD Flashcards
(143 cards)
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways
What is the typical origin of asthma?
Asthma is usually allergic in origin.
What are the characteristic features of asthma?
Asthma is characterized by hyper-reactive airways, bronchoconstriction in response to various triggers, and reversibility of airway obstruction.
How is reversibility of airway obstruction assessed in asthma?
Reversibility is assessed by an FEV1 increase of >12% or 200 mL 15-20 minutes following inhalation of 200-400 mcg of salbutamol, or a 20% improvement in peak expiratory flow (PEF) from baseline.
How is asthma clinically diagnosed in childhood?
In childhood, asthma is clinically diagnosed by the presence of chronic persistent or recurrent cough and/or wheeze that responds to a bronchodilator.
Normal bronchiole vs Asthmatic bronchiole
Normal Bronchiole
-Airway Lining: The lining of a normal bronchiole is smooth and unobstructed.
-Muscle Layer: The muscle layer around the bronchiole is relaxed, allowing easy airflow.
-Mucus Production: Normal levels of mucus are produced, which trap dust and other particles but do not block the airway.
-Inflammation: There is no significant inflammation in the airway.
Asthmatic Bronchiole
-Airway Lining: The lining of an asthmatic bronchiole is swollen and inflamed.
-Muscle Layer: The muscle layer around the bronchiole is constricted, which narrows the airway.
-Mucus Production: Excess mucus is produced, which can clog the already narrowed airway.
-Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is present, making the airway more sensitive and reactive to triggers like allergens, smoke, or cold air
What are the common symptoms of asthma?
The common symptoms of asthma include cough, wheeze, dyspnoea (shortness of breath), and chest tightness.
How do asthma symptoms typically vary?
Asthma symptoms show variability in their occurrence, such as changes between day and night, day to day, and seasonally.
What factors can precipitate asthma symptoms?
Asthma symptoms can be precipitated by a range of factors including environmental allergens, non-specific irritants, cold weather, and exercise.
What defines COPD?
COPD is defined by an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to irritants, resulting in partially reversible, progressive airflow limitation.
What are the pathological correlates of COPD?
The pathological correlates of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
What criteria should be considered for diagnosing COPD?
Diagnosis of COPD should be considered in any patient with chronic progressive dyspnoea and/or chronic cough (with or without sputum production) who has a smoking history of more than 10 pack years and/or other risk factors for COPD.
How can early detection and intervention impact COPD?
Early detection and effective smoking cessation interventions can slow the decline in pulmonary function and may alter the natural history of COPD.
Type of COPD
- chronic bronchiolitis
- emphysema
Chronic bronchitis
Definition: Chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammation of the bronchi (the large and medium-sized airways in the lungs), characterized by a persistent cough that produces mucus (sputum) for at least three months in two consecutive years.
Key Features:
-Inflammation: The lining of the bronchi becomes inflamed and swollen.
-Mucus Production: Increased production of mucus, which can clog the airways.
-Cough: Persistent, productive cough (producing mucus).
-Airway Obstruction: Narrowing and obstruction of the airways due to mucus buildup and inflammation.
-Symptoms: Chronic cough, mucus production, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort.
Define emphysema
Definition: Emphysema is a chronic lung condition characterized by the destruction of the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs, leading to reduced surface area for gas exchange and difficulty in breathing.
Key Features:
-Alveolar Damage: The walls between the air sacs are damaged, causing them to lose their elasticity and merge into larger air spaces.
-Reduced Gas Exchange: Less surface area for oxygen to enter the blood and for carbon dioxide to be expelled.
-Breathing Difficulty: Difficulty in exhaling fully, leading to air trapping in the lungs.
-Symptoms: Shortness of breath, particularly during physical activity, chronic cough, wheezing, and fatigue.
How chronic bronchitis and emphysema related to COPD
Chronic Bronchitis: Primarily affects the airways (bronchi) and involves inflammation and mucus production.
Emphysema: Primarily affects the alveoli and involves destruction of lung tissue and air trapping.
How do normal lungs appear in terms of airway structure?
In normal lungs, the airways are clear, bronchioles maintain their shape, and the alveoli (air sacs) are intact and numerous, facilitating effective gas exchange.
What changes occur in the lungs with COPD?
In COPD, the bronchioles lose their shape and become clogged with mucus, and the walls of the alveoli are destroyed, forming fewer, larger air sacs which impede gas exchange.
What are the key differences between normal alveoli and those affected by COPD?
Normal alveoli are numerous and intact, ensuring efficient gas exchange. In COPD, alveoli walls are destroyed, resulting in fewer, larger air sacs that reduce the efficiency of gas exchange.
How does COPD affect the bronchioles?
COPD causes the bronchioles to lose their shape and become clogged with mucus, leading to obstructed airflow.
Is a smoking history commonly associated with COPD or asthma?
A smoking history is nearly always associated with COPD, whereas it is only possibly associated with asthma.
Are symptoms under the age of 35 more common in COPD or asthma?
Symptoms under the age of 35 are rare in COPD but often occur in asthma.
Which condition commonly presents with a chronic productive cough between asthma and COPD?
A chronic productive cough is common in COPD and uncommon in asthma.