Asthma Triggers, Symptoms and Diagnosis

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Questions and Answers

What is a common allergen that can trigger asthma symptoms?

Dust mites (correct)

Strong fragrances

Emotional stress

Tobacco smoke

Which symptom is more likely to occur in severe asthma cases?

Feeling tired or fatigued

Quick shallow breathing

Wheezing or coughing

Chest retractions (correct)

What is the purpose of a spirometry test in diagnosing asthma?

To test for airway constriction

To measure lung capacity and airflow (correct)

To check for allergic reactions

To rule out other conditions

Which of the following is NOT a physical factor that can trigger asthma symptoms?

Tobacco smoke Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a methacholine challenge test?

To test for airway constriction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common symptom of asthma?

Wheezing or coughing Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the soft palate during certain activities?

It closes the opening between the nasopharynx and oropharynx Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the mouth in relation to breathing?

It is an auxiliary respiratory passage Signup and view all the answers

What is the location of the pharyngeal tonsils in relation to the soft palate?

Posterior and superior to the soft palate Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the uvula in terms of the pharyngeal reflex?

It controls the gag and swallowing reflex Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of the mouth as an airway passage?

It has a low surface area to volume ratio Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the glossopalatine arch?

It is not mentioned in the text Signup and view all the answers

In which zone of the lung is the alveolar pressure greater than pulmonary capillary perfusing pressure?

Zone 1 Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between ventilation and perfusion in a healthy individual?

V = Q Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of decreasing ventilation with unchanged perfusion on the V/Q ratio?

The V/Q ratio decreases Signup and view all the answers

In which zone of the lung is the pulmonary capillary perfusing pressure greater than the alveolar pressure?

Zone 3 Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of abnormalities that lower ventilation with perfusion unchanged on the V/Q ratio?

The V/Q ratio decreases Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Triggers

Allergens:
- Dust mites
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Mold
- Cockroach waste
Irritants:
- Tobacco smoke
- Air pollution
- Chemicals in the workplace
- Strong fragrances
- Respiratory infections
Physical factors:
- Exercise (especially in cold air)
- Emotional stress
- Hormonal changes
- Certain medications (e.g., beta-blockers, aspirin)

Symptoms

Common symptoms:
- Wheezing or coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or pain
- Quick shallow breathing
- Feeling tired or fatigued
Severe symptoms:
- Severe wheezing or coughing
- Pale or blue-tinged skin
- Confusion or disorientation
- Rapid heartbeat
- Chest retractions (in children)

Diagnosis

Medical history and physical exam:
- Review of symptoms and medical history
- Listening to lungs with a stethoscope
- Checking for signs of allergies or other conditions
Lung function tests:
- Spirometry: measures lung capacity and airflow
- Peak flow meter: measures airflow
- Methacholine challenge: tests for airway constriction
Allergy tests:
- Skin prick test: checks for allergic reactions
- Blood tests: measures IgE antibody levels
Imaging tests:
- Chest X-ray: rules out other conditions
- CT scan: checks for lung damage or other conditions

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Description

Learn about the common allergens, irritants and physical factors that trigger asthma symptoms. Identify the common and severe symptoms of asthma. Understand the diagnosis process, including medical history, lung function tests, allergy tests, and imaging tests.