Pull Clin Med

Question 1

Describe the pathophysiology of asthma. What is harder, inspiration or expiration?

Answer 1

Narrowed airway with:
- bronchial wall edema
- increased mucus
- bronchoconstriction/spasm

expiration harder
- air trapping - air cannot escape alveoli due to obstruction

Question 2

Describe the role of dendritic cells, eosinophils, and plasma cells in asthma pathophysiology

Answer 2

Dendritic cells are APCs for helper T cells
- helper T release cytokines to stimulate eosinophils and plasma cells

eosinophils - trigger smooth muscle bronchoconstriction

plasma - release IgE/IgG
- cause mast cells to release histamines/leukotrienes

Question 3

What is a atopic triad?

Answer 3

allergies, asthma, atopic dermatitis

Question 4

Describe how spirometry, methacholine, and bronchodilator tests are used to diagnose asthma

Answer 4

Spirometry - gold standard
FEV1/FVC <70%

Methacholine test - inducer
FEV1 > 20% drop = suggestive of asthma

Bronchodilator test - reliever
FEV1 >12% increase = suggestive of asthma