Patho of Asthma
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways that causes breathing difficulties.
What is a common sound heard in the lungs of someone with asthma?
Wheezing
Which organ system is primarily affected by asthma?
The respiratory system.
What is one vital sign you would monitor closely in a patient with asthma?
Respiratory rate.
What is the primary goal of asthma management?
To control symptoms, prevent exacerbations, and maintain normal lung function.
What happens to the airways during an asthma attack?
During an asthma attack, the airways become inflamed, produce excess mucus, and the surrounding muscles tighten, leading to bronchoconstriction.
Name two common symptoms of asthma.
Shortness of breath and chest tightness.
How does asthma affect oxygen levels in the body?
Asthma can reduce oxygen intake due to airway constriction, leading to low oxygen levels in the blood.
What specific lung sound might you hear on auscultation in a patient with asthma?
Wheezing, especially during exhalation.
What type of medication is commonly used for quick relief during an asthma attack?
Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs), such as albuterol.
What role do allergens and irritants play in asthma?
Allergens and irritants trigger the immune system, causing airway inflammation and hypersensitivity, which leads to asthma symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath.
Why do asthma symptoms often worsen at night?
Natural changes in hormone levels, airway inflammation, and lying down can exacerbate symptoms at night.
What impact does chronic asthma have on the cardiovascular system?
Chronic asthma can increase stress on the heart due to frequent low oxygen levels, potentially leading to hypertension or heart strain over time.
What would you inspect for in a patient’s skin during an asthma exacerbation?
Cyanosis, which is a bluish discoloration of the skin indicating low oxygen levels.
What is an asthma action plan, and why is it important?
An asthma action plan is a personalized guide for managing asthma, detailing daily medications, how to recognize worsening symptoms, and steps to take during an attack. It helps patients respond effectively to changes in their condition.
Explain the role of mast cells and eosinophils in the pathophysiology of asthma.
Mast cells release histamine and other inflammatory mediators when triggered, while eosinophils contribute to inflammation and damage to airway tissues, exacerbating asthma symptoms.
How does exercise-induced asthma present differently than typical asthma?
Exercise-induced asthma causes symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath during or after physical activity rather than at rest
How does long-term poorly managed asthma affect lung function?
Poorly managed asthma can lead to permanent airway remodeling, reducing lung elasticity and airflow capacity.
Why is it important to assess accessory muscle use in asthma patients?
Use of accessory muscles during breathing indicates respiratory distress and increased effort to breathe due to airway obstruction.
Name two types of long-term control medications used in asthma management.
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs).
Describe how airway remodeling occurs in chronic asthma and its long-term effects.
In chronic asthma, repeated inflammation leads to structural changes in the airway, such as thickened walls, increased smooth muscle mass, and fibrosis. These changes cause permanent narrowing of the airways and reduced lung function over time.
What are signs of a severe asthma exacerbation requiring immediate medical attention?
Inability to speak in full sentences, use of accessory muscles for breathing, cyanosis (bluish skin), and a drop in oxygen saturation.
Explain the impact of asthma on the immune system's response within the lungs.
Asthma causes an overactive immune response, leading to chronic inflammation, increased production of mucus, and hypersensitivity to triggers, which can damage lung tissue over time.
During an assessment, what does a "silent chest" indicate in a patient with asthma, and why is it a critical finding?
A "silent chest" indicates severe airway obstruction with minimal airflow, which is a sign of life-threatening asthma and requires immediate intervention.
Explain how biologic therapies like monoclonal antibodies (e.g., omalizumab) work in asthma management.
Biologic therapies target specific pathways in the immune system, such as IgE or eosinophilic inflammation, to reduce airway inflammation and prevent severe asthma attacks in patients with difficult-to-control asthma.