5 Questions
What is bronchial asthma primarily defined as?
Recurrent and reversible shortness of breath
Which of the following is not a typical cause of airway narrowing in asthma?
Tumor growth
What symptom is commonly associated with asthma?
Wheezing
At what age does asthma onset occur in about 50% of patients?
Before 10 years
What term is used to describe a sudden and dramatic onset of asthma symptoms?
Asthma attack
Study Notes
Definition and Pathophysiology of Asthma
- Asthma is a recurrent and reversible condition characterized by shortness of breath
- The airways of the lung (bronchi and bronchioles) become narrow due to:
- Bronchospasm
- Inflammation
- Edema
- This narrowing leads to the production of viscous (sticky) mucus in the bronchial mucosa
- The resulting obstruction of airflow in the airways prevents carbon dioxide from leaving the air spaces and oxygen from getting in
Symptoms and Onset of Asthma
- Symptoms of asthma include wheezing and difficulty breathing
- A sudden and dramatic onset of symptoms is referred to as an asthma attack
- In 50% of patients, asthma onset occurs before 10 years of age
- In about 80% of patients, asthma onset occurs before 40 years of age
Learn about the definition and symptoms of bronchial asthma, including its causes and effects on the airways and breathing.
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