Asthma Lecture Review

A set of flashcards designed to help review key concepts related to asthma based on the provided lecture notes.

What is asthma characterized by?

Chronic airway inflammation and recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, and cough.

Which cells play a key role in asthma inflammation?

Mast cells, eosinophils, and T lymphocytes.

What are typical clinical manifestations of asthma?

Wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and cough, especially at night or early morning.

What does airway inflammation in asthma lead to?

Widespread but variable airflow limitation that may be reversible.

What is atopy?

A predisposition to develop allergic diseases due to an IgE response to allergens.

What percentage of young Australians have asthma?

Approximately 11.2%.

What are common allergens for asthma?

House dust mites, pollen, animal fur, insects, and fungal spores.

What does bronchial hyperreactivity refer to in asthma?

Increased airway responsiveness to various stimuli.

What is the relationship between asthma and socioeconomic status in Australia?

Mortality rates from asthma are higher in lower socioeconomic areas.

What are the long-term goals of asthma management?

Symptom control and risk reduction.

Which age group shows a higher prevalence of asthma in males?

Ages 0-14 years.

What is the common treatment approach for allergic asthma?

Use of inhaled corticosteroids.

What is the role of genetics in asthma predisposition?

Genetics influences atopy and airway responsiveness.

What contributes to the hospital admissions related to asthma?

Exacerbations with acute or subacute worsening of symptoms.

How do functional abnormalities present in asthma?

Increased resistance to airflow due to bronchoconstriction, edema, mucus obstruction, and hyperresponsiveness.

What is the main goal of pharmacological treatment of asthma?

To relieve symptoms and prevent exacerbations.

What characterizes non-allergic asthma?

Adult onset, not associated with allergy.

What are some common non-allergic triggers for asthma?

Viral infections, exercise, cold air, tobacco smoke, and stress.

What major symptom does asthma usually worsen at?

Night or early morning.

What is airway wall remodeling in asthma characterized by?

Metaplasia and hyperplasia of goblet cells, subepithelial fibrosis, increased vascularity, and smooth muscle hypertrophy.

For which aspects is spirometry used in asthma diagnosis?

To assess reversible airflow limitation.

What can exacerbate asthma symptoms?

Respiratory viral infections.

What percentage of asthma hospital admissions are considered preventable?

Approximately 80%.

What economic impact does asthma have in Australia?

Asthma cost about $28 billion in 2015, due to healthcare and loss of productivity.

What classification includes allergic asthma?

Asthma phenotypes, specifically atopic asthma.

What pathological feature is noted in fatal asthma cases?

Inflammation, mucus plugging, and inflammatory cells.

What clinical criteria support the diagnosis of asthma?

Variable respiratory symptoms, especially worse at night and after exposure to allergens.

What is the 2024 Global Initiative for Asthma's definition of asthma?

Characterized by respiratory symptoms and variable expiratory airflow limitation.

What kind of medical specialists typically manage asthma?

General practitioners (GPs), pulmonologists, and allergists.

What is the role of leukotriene receptor antagonists in asthma treatment?

They serve as anti-inflammatory drugs.

What aspect of asthma management includes patient education?

Avoidance of known triggers and allergens.

What type of asthma medications act quickly for relief of symptoms?

Short-acting beta-2 adrenoreceptor agonists (SABA).

What does the accumulation of eosinophils indicate in asthma?

A key feature of airway inflammation in most asthma cases.

What are Curschmann's spirals?

Microscopic spiral-shaped plugs of mucus found in the sputum of asthma patients.

What does the term 'status asthmaticus' refer to?

Acute severe asthma that may require hospitalization due to respiratory distress.

What should an asthma action plan include?

Recognition of symptoms, medication instructions, and emergency contacts.

What type of trigger is associated with the development of exercise-induced asthma?

Physical activity, particularly in cold air.