Reading Time:
Pathology
Chronic, reversible airway inflammation causing obstruction to airflow due to increased sensitivity to a variety of stimuli
2 phases:
• Early reaction (minutes): bronchospasm
• Late reaction (3-5 hours): oedema and mucus
Aetiology
Genetic: Polygenic inheritance, atopy
Environmental: house dust mites, pet-derived allergens, smoke, pollen and
work place agents, NSAIDs, beta-blockers, cold weather.Signs
Polyphonic wheeze on auscultation, tachypnoea, diurnal variation
Symptoms
Wheeze, shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness..
Investigations
Spirometry: >15% improvement after B2 agonist/steroid trial
Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF): >20% diurnal variation for >3days
Hypersensitivity Testing: e.g. skin prick tests, RAST, total IgE level
Chest X-Ray: To exclude pneumothorax or infection
Treatment
Treatment is based on Figure 2.6 and treatment regimes should be stepped down
after a period of well-controlled asthma for at least 3 months
Prognosis
Persistent symptoms, infections, pneumothorax, long-term steroids, bronchiectasis
Key Facts
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, sapien platea morbi dolor lacus nunc, nunc ullamcorper. Felis aliquet egestas vitae, nibh ante quis quis dolor sed mauris.
Key Images
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, sapien platea morbi dolor lacus nunc, nunc ullamcorper. Felis aliquet egestas vitae, nibh ante quis quis dolor sed mauris.
Key References
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, sapien platea morbi dolor lacus nunc, nunc ullamcorper. Felis aliquet egestas vitae, nibh ante quis quis dolor sed mauris.