10 Questions
What is the primary mechanism of bronchial hyperresponsiveness in asthma?
Increased sensitivity of the airways to an inhaled allergen
Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of airflow obstruction in asthma?
Pulmonary embolism
What is the result of chronic inflammation in asthma?
Airway remodeling with smooth muscle hypertrophy and hyperplasia
Which of the following is a symptom of asthma?
Tachypnoea
What is the role of Ig-E antibodies in asthma?
Binding to mast cells
What is the effect of airway obstruction on the lungs?
Decreased ability to expel air
What is the primary mechanism of airway inflammation in asthma?
Activation of T helper 2 (Th 2) cells
What is the result of chronic mucous plug formation in asthma?
Further narrowing of the airways
What is the role of mast cells in asthma?
Release of histamine, leukotrienes, and cytokines
What is the response of the airways to an inhaled allergen in asthma?
Dramatic mast cell response and release of histamine, leukotrienes, and cytokines
Study Notes
Asthma
- Signs and symptoms: cough, dyspnea, and wheezing
- Diagnosis involves: history, examination, pulmonary function tests, chest X-rays, serum immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels, and ABG analysis
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) and Spirometry
- Reveal signs of obstructive airway disease
- Low FEV1, low FEV1/FVC, and low peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)
Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR)
- A simple and cheap test to diagnose asthma and monitor exacerbations
- Measures the maximum rate at which a person can exhale
Asthma Exacerbation
- Acute worsening of symptoms and lung function from the patient’s usual status
- Assessment involves: mental status, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, heart rate, blood pressure, and PEFR
Management of Asthma Exacerbation
- Correction of hypoxemia
- Rapid reversal of airway obstruction
- Prevention of further recurrence
- Treatment involves: inhaled bronchodilators, oxygen, steroids, and magnesium sulfate infusion
Emphysema
- An obstructive respiratory disorder that causes destruction of alveolar walls, leading to bullae formation
- Decreased alveolar surface area available for gas exchange
- Clinical manifestations: dyspnea on exertion, diminished breath sounds, wheezing, and tachypnoea
Pathophysiology of Emphysema
- Destruction of alveolar septa leads to:
- Reduced lung elastic recoil
- Collapse of small airways during expiration
- Reduced surface area available
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Usually involves a mixture of chronic bronchitis and emphysema
- Therapy aimed at limiting further lung damage and helping patients cope with respiratory consequences
Pathophysiology of Bronchial Asthma (BA)
- Involves bronchial hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation
- Characterized by intermittent airflow obstruction
Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness and Airway Inflammation
- Activation of T helper 2 (Th 2) cells and B lymphocytes leads to airway inflammation
- Antigen binds to antibodies, causing mast cell response and release of histamine, leukotrienes, and cytokines
This quiz covers the diagnosis and symptoms of respiratory diseases, including cough, dyspnoea, and wheezing, as well as relevant medical tests and analysis.
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