Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is bronchial asthma primarily defined as?
What is bronchial asthma primarily defined as?
Which of the following is not a typical cause of airway narrowing in asthma?
Which of the following is not a typical cause of airway narrowing in asthma?
What symptom is commonly associated with asthma?
What symptom is commonly associated with asthma?
At what age does asthma onset occur in about 50% of patients?
At what age does asthma onset occur in about 50% of patients?
Signup and view all the answers
What term is used to describe a sudden and dramatic onset of asthma symptoms?
What term is used to describe a sudden and dramatic onset of asthma symptoms?
Signup and view all the answers
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
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Learn about the definition and symptoms of bronchial asthma, including its causes and effects on the airways and breathing.
