Respiratory Diseases: COPD and Asthma

Airflow obstruction, making it difficult to breathe out of the lungs.

Emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Long-term exposure to lung irritants, such as cigarette smoke.

<p>Recurring episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Inflammation and narrowing of the airways.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cystic fibrosis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Abnormal widening of the airways, leading to mucus buildup and recurrent infections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Quitting smoking, avoiding triggers, and getting vaccinations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Airway narrowing in asthma makes it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs, leading to wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. This is because the constricted airways increase resistance to airflow, requiring more effort to breathe.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Inhaled corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the airways by suppressing the activity of inflammatory cells, such as mast cells and eosinophils. This helps to prevent airway narrowing and improve lung function, reducing the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Quick-relief medications, like β2-agonists (e.g., salbutamol) and anticholinergics (e.g., ipratropium), provide rapid relief of asthma symptoms by relaxing airway muscles and opening airways. Long-term control medications, like inhaled corticosteroids and combination inhalers, are taken regularly to reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>An asthma action plan provides a personalized guide for managing asthma, outlining medication dosages, trigger avoidance strategies, and monitoring methods. It empowers individuals to recognize early warning signs, adjust medication accordingly, and seek medical attention when necessary, minimizing the risk of severe asthma attacks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Monitoring peak flow rates allows individuals to track their lung function and detect early changes in airway narrowing, which may indicate an asthma exacerbation. This provides an early warning system, enabling timely adjustments to medication or seeking medical attention, preventing severe symptoms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Allergens, such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander, trigger the immune system, leading to inflammation and airway narrowing. Irritants, like tobacco smoke, air pollution, and strong odors, directly irritate the airways, causing bronchospasm and airway constriction. Both allergens and irritants can trigger asthma symptoms, but their mechanisms of action differ.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Influenza and pneumonia infections can significantly worsen asthma symptoms, leading to severe exacerbations and hospitalization. Vaccination against these infections helps to reduce the risk of developing these serious complications, improving asthma control and overall health.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Air pollution, particularly particulate matter and ozone, can irritate the airways and trigger asthma symptoms. Exposure to air pollution can lead to airway inflammation, increased airway hyperresponsiveness, and increased frequency and severity of asthma attacks. Reducing exposure to air pollution, through measures like limiting outdoor activities during high pollution periods and using air purifiers, can help minimize the impact on asthma symptoms.</p> Signup and view all the answers