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Questions and Answers
Which of the following is a primary symptom of asthma?
Which of the following is a primary symptom of asthma?
What is a common risk factor associated with asthma?
What is a common risk factor associated with asthma?
Which of the following distinguishes asthma from COPD?
Which of the following distinguishes asthma from COPD?
What type of spirometry result is indicative of obstructive lung disease?
What type of spirometry result is indicative of obstructive lung disease?
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Which differential diagnosis would most likely present with a productive cough?
Which differential diagnosis would most likely present with a productive cough?
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What is a symptom that may indicate the presence of GERD in relation to respiratory issues?
What is a symptom that may indicate the presence of GERD in relation to respiratory issues?
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Which physical exam finding is commonly associated with asthma?
Which physical exam finding is commonly associated with asthma?
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Which of the following conditions would cause a cough without variable airflow obstruction?
Which of the following conditions would cause a cough without variable airflow obstruction?
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Study Notes
Asthma Pathophysiology
- Chronic airway disorder
- Causes airway obstruction, hyperresponsiveness, and inflammation
Asthma Risk Factors
- Genetics, specifically atopy
- Environmental exposure
Asthma Symptoms
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness after physical activity, during certain seasons, or after allergen exposure
- Colds lasting more than 10 days
- Relief with medication
Asthma Physical Exam
- Expiratory wheezing during normal breathing
- Hyperexpansion of the thorax
- Increased nasal secretions and polyps
- Atopic dermatitis, eczema, or other allergic skin conditions
Asthma Differentials
- Bronchiectasis: Productive cough, history of recurrent pulmonary infections
- COPD: History of smoking or biomass exposure
- CHF: Pulmonary crackles, lower extremity edema, jugular venous distention
- Eosinophilic bronchitis: Chronic cough, upper airway symptoms, no hyperresponsiveness
- Foreign body aspiration: Localized area of wheeze, history of aspiration
- Postnasal drip: History of rhinitis and sinusitis, but no variable airflow obstruction
- GERD: Cough worse after eating, may have epigastric tenderness, frequent burping, no airflow obstruction
Diagnosing Asthma with Spirometry
- Spirometry performed before and after a short-acting bronchodilator
- FVC: Forced vital capacity
- FEV1: Forced expiratory volume in one second
- FEV1/FVC: Percentage of FVC expired in one second
- Normal: FVC and FEV1 normal, FEV1/FVC > 70%
- Restrictive: FVC and FEV1 reduced, FEV1/FVC > 70%
- Obstructive: FVC and FEV1 reduced, FEV1/FVC < 70%
Asthma Exacerbation
- Triggered by allergens, infections, exercise, or cold air
- Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and increased sputum production
- Treatment may include:
- Bronchodilators: Short-acting or long-acting
- Corticosteroids: Inhaled or oral
- Oxygen therapy: For severe exacerbations
- Red flags: Respiratory rate > 30/min, heart rate > 120/min, oxygen saturation < 90%
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Description
Test your knowledge about asthma, a chronic airway disorder characterized by obstruction and inflammation. This quiz will cover the pathophysiology, risk factors, symptoms, and differential diagnoses related to asthma. Enhance your understanding of this common respiratory condition.
