Asthma and Pathophysiology Overview

Th2 cells release interleukins that attract inflammatory cells and stimulate B lymphocytes to produce Immunoglobulin E (IgE).

IgE binds to receptors on mast cells, priming them for re-exposure when the allergen binds to mast cells.

Mast cells, eosinophils, and basophils are attracted to the site of allergen exposure.

<p>The release of interleukins promotes the recruitment of inflammatory cells and the differentiation of B lymphocytes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mast cells become 'primed' after IgE attaches to them, ready to react upon subsequent exposures to the same allergen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Wheeze, cough, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Approximately 339 million people.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It is triggered by specific allergens and involves a sensitization process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Chronic inflammation and hyperreactivity of the airways.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>More males have childhood asthma.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They infiltrate the airways and are associated with airway inflammation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Goblet gland hypertrophy and hyperplasia.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The UK has a 50% higher asthma mortality rate than any European country.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Intrapleural pressure increases, leading to increased airways resistance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Extrinsic asthma, or allergic asthma.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>TH2 immunity dominance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Environmental pollutants, chemicals, cigarette smoke, and respiratory infections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It frequently develops in adults and is more common in females.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Eosinophils.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Exercise can induce asthma symptoms, indicating poorly controlled asthma.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A family history of rhinitis, eczema, and hay fever.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Diurnal factors, relative narrowing of the airways, and reduced mucociliary clearance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It leads to denudation of cilia and respiratory epithelium, causing a buildup of mucus that stimulates cough receptors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Narrowed airways increase resistance to expiratory flow, causing air trapping and hyperinflation of the lungs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It causes the diaphragm to flatten, which puts it at a mechanical disadvantage during breathing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Reduced expiratory airflow leads to hyperinflation, which causes difficulty inhaling due to residual lung volume.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Accessory muscles are recruited to assist in inhalation by lifting the sternum and upper ribs due to increased work of breathing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Airway inflammation leads to mucosal edema, tightening of smooth muscle, and mucus hypersecretion, all contributing to airway narrowing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A low V/Q ratio leads to poor alveolar ventilation, resulting in inadequate oxygen replenishment and hypoxaemia.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>As tidal volume decreases in lung hyperinflation, the respiratory rate increases to maintain minute ventilation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A low partial pressure of oxygen stimulates chemoreceptors, increasing the respiratory rate to improve alveolar oxygenation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Auscultation may reveal a widespread wheeze and a prolonged expiratory phase due to airflow obstruction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A 'silent chest' is an alarming sign indicating severe bronchospasm or respiratory failure, requiring immediate medical intervention.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A chest x-ray may reveal a flattened diaphragm, more than 6 visible anterior ribs, and signs of hyperinflation with darker lung fields.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Spirometry measures airflow obstruction by determining the Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Asthma patients often have very viscous and mucoid sputum, which contributes to airway obstruction and difficulty in breathing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A chest x-ray is necessary in cases of deteriorating life-threatening asthma or to rule out complications like pneumonia and pneumothorax.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The forced expiratory ratio (FER) is the ratio of FEV1 to FVC, with normal values being greater than 0.75 to 0.8 (or 75-80%).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Airway obstruction in asthma typically results in a decreased FEV1 and may leave the FVC relatively unchanged, leading to a FER of less than 80% predicted.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) is used to measure maximum airflow during forced expiration and helps monitor changes in asthma severity and predict episodes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Individuals with asthma may experience reduced exercise tolerance due to increased work of breathing from airway obstruction, leading to muscle fatigue from inadequate oxygenation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Hyperventilation during exercise can worsen air trapping and lead to hypoventilation, thereby decreasing arterial oxygen levels and worsening asthma symptoms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Patients may experience agitation and anxiety during asthma episodes due to fear of suffocation, hypoxia, or side effects from medication.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Avoidance of exercise can lead to deconditioning of the cardiovascular and skeletal systems, which may ultimately decrease exercise tolerance and increase health risks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Monitoring personal best PEF helps patients to identify changes in lung function, indicating worsening conditions or impending asthma episodes.</p> Signup and view all the answers