Asthma:
Chronic inflammatory disorder of episodic difficulty in breathing due to a hyperactivity of the lungs in response to one or more stimuli.
Affects up to 20% of population.
Aetiology:
Due to overreaction of linings of the trachea and bronchi to a stimulus.
Triggers – allergens (eg pollens, dust mite, bacteria); cold dry air; exercise (EIA – exercise induced asthma); psychological (eg stress, anxiety); infections (eg respiratory tract infection); drugs (eg aspirin, beta-adrenoreceptor antagonists); chemicals (eg isocyanates)
Pathogenesis:
3 factors narrow airways:
1) Mucosal swelling and inflammation (from mast cell and basophil degranulation release of prostaglandins, histamine and other inflammatory mediators)
2) Increased mucous formation
3) Bronchial muscle contraction
Clinical features:
Initially presents in a number of ways – varies from a persistent cough to recurrent episode of difficulty breathing (dyspnoea) – also associated with wheezing (high pitched noise from turbulent airflow through a narrowed airway).
Differential diagnosis – pulmonary oedema, COPD, airway obstruction, pneumothorax, pulmonary embolism, bronchiectasis
Prognosis – most childhood cases are grown out of in adolescence
Management:
Undertreatment and inappropriate therapy are considered major contributors to asthma morbidity and mortality .
Behaviour – stop smoking; avoid allergens; patient education
Avoid beta-blockers and NSAID’s (can make asthma worse)
Pharmacological:
We have not yet got to this page. We will eventually. Please contact us if you have something to contribute to it or sign up for our newsletter or like us on Facebook and Instagram or follow us on Twitter. |
Page last updated:
Comments are closed.