ASTHMA detailed notes, Case study with important Questions

 Introduction to Asthma 

ASTHMA is a chronic inflammatory disease of the air way in which:

  • Airway become narrow 
  • Access mucus is produced 
  • Breathing become difficult 
ASTHMA Causes repeated episodes of :
  • Wheezing
  • Breathlessness 
  • Chest tightness 
  • Coughing

Normal Respiratory Rate
Age Group Normal Respiratory Rate
Adult 12–20 breaths/minute
Children 20–30 breaths/minute

Types of Asthma

1. Allergic Asthma

Triggered by :
  • Dust
  • Pollen 
  • Smoke
  • Animal fur

2. Non-Allergic Asthma 

Triggered by:
  • Stress 
  • Exercise 
  • Cold air
  • Infection 

3. Occupational Asthma 

Occurs due to work place exposure :
  • Chemical
  • Fumes
  • Dust

4. Exercise induced Asthma 

Symptoms occur during or after Asthma 

Symptoms of Asthma 

  • Shortness of breath 
  • Wheezing sound
  • Chest tightness 
  • Cough (specially at night)
  • Difficulty breathing 
  • Rapid Breathing 
  • Fatigue

Severe symptoms 

  • Blue lips ( cyanosis)
  • Severe breathlessness 
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Low oxygen level

Causes and Risk factors 

  • Family history 
  • Allergy
  • Air pollution 
  • Smoking
  • Dust exposure
  • Respiratory infection 
  • Cold weather 

Triggers of Asthma Attack

  • Dust 
  • Smoke 
  • Strong perfume 
  • Cold air
  • Stress
  • Exercise 
  • Pet fur
  • Pollen

Investigations 


Test Purpose
Pulmonary Infection Test(PFT) Assess Lung function 
Peak flow meter Measure airflow
Chest X-ray  Rule out other Diseases 
Blood Test Detect Allergy/Infection 
Oxygen saturation  Access Oxygen level

Medicines Given by Doctor

Bronchodilators

Salbutamol 
Used for quick relief from Asthma Attack 

Corticosteroids

Budesonide

Prednisolone 
Reduce airway inflammation 

Combination Inhalers 

Formoterol with Steroids may be described 

Complications of Asthma

  • Severe Asthma Attack
  • Respiratory failure
  • Reduced oxygen supply
  • Frequent hospital admissions

Important Viva Questions 

1. What is Asthma ?
A chronic inflammatory disease of Airway

2. What is common Symptom of Asthma
Wheezing 

3. Which medicine given for quick relief in asthma attack
Salbutamol 

4. What are common Asthma triggers ?
Dust, pollon, smoke, cold air.

5. Which test is commonly used to assess lung function.
Pulmonary function Test (PFT)

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