Name: Section/Year: BSM – 3A
ASTHMA
DEFINITION
Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus. This can make
breathing difficult and trigger coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing) when you breathe out, and shortness of
breath.’
CAUSATIVE FACTORS
Having a blood relative with asthma, such as a parent or sibling
Asthma is more likely in people who have other allergic conditions, such as eczema and rhinitis (hay
fever).
Having another allergic condition, such as atopic dermatitis — which causes red, itchy skin — or hay
fever — which causes a runny nose, congestion, and itchy eyes
Being overweight
Being a smoker
Exposure to secondhand smoke
Exposure to exhaust fumes or other types of pollution
Exposure to occupational triggers, such as chemicals used in farming, hairdressing, and manufacturing
INCUBATION PERIOD
Incubation period usually takes a couple of years. For there is no cure but can be controlled with
treatment. Most people will have normal, active lives, although some people with more severe asthma
may have ongoing problems.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Chest tightness, pain, or pressure.
Coughing (especially at night).
Shortness of breath.
Wheezing.
Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing
Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu
DIAGNOSIS
Physical examination: A physical examination will be performed especially on the lungs for the
identification of wheezing or whistling that could indicate inflammation.
Spirometry: This test estimates the narrowing of your bronchial tubes by checking how much air you can
exhale after a deep breath and how fast you can breathe out.
Peak flow: A peak flow meter is a simple device that measures how hard you can breathe out. Lower than
usual peak flow readings are a sign that your lungs may not be working well and that your asthma may
worsen. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to track and deal with low peak flow readings.
Methacholine challenge: Methacholine is a known asthma trigger. When inhaled, it will cause your
airways to narrow slightly. If you react to the methacholine, you likely have asthma. This test may be used
even if your initial lung function test is normal.
Imaging tests. A chest X-ray can help identify any structural abnormalities or diseases (such as infection)
that can cause or aggravate breathing problems.
Allergy testing. Allergy tests can be performed by a skin test or blood test. They tell you if you're allergic
to pets, dust, mold, or pollen. If allergy triggers are identified, your doctor may recommend allergy shots.
Nitric oxide test. This test measures the amount of the gas nitric oxide in your breath. When your airways
are inflamed — a sign of asthma — you may have higher than normal nitric oxide levels. This test isn't
widely available.
Sputum eosinophils. This test looks for certain white blood cells (eosinophils) in the mixture of saliva and
mucus (sputum) you discharge during coughing. Eosinophils are present when symptoms develop and
become visible when stained with a rose-colored dye.
Provocative testing for exercise and cold-induced asthma. In these tests, your doctor measures your
ASTHMA
DEFINITION
Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus. This can make
breathing difficult and trigger coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing) when you breathe out, and shortness of
breath.’
CAUSATIVE FACTORS
Having a blood relative with asthma, such as a parent or sibling
Asthma is more likely in people who have other allergic conditions, such as eczema and rhinitis (hay
fever).
Having another allergic condition, such as atopic dermatitis — which causes red, itchy skin — or hay
fever — which causes a runny nose, congestion, and itchy eyes
Being overweight
Being a smoker
Exposure to secondhand smoke
Exposure to exhaust fumes or other types of pollution
Exposure to occupational triggers, such as chemicals used in farming, hairdressing, and manufacturing
INCUBATION PERIOD
Incubation period usually takes a couple of years. For there is no cure but can be controlled with
treatment. Most people will have normal, active lives, although some people with more severe asthma
may have ongoing problems.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Chest tightness, pain, or pressure.
Coughing (especially at night).
Shortness of breath.
Wheezing.
Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing
Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu
DIAGNOSIS
Physical examination: A physical examination will be performed especially on the lungs for the
identification of wheezing or whistling that could indicate inflammation.
Spirometry: This test estimates the narrowing of your bronchial tubes by checking how much air you can
exhale after a deep breath and how fast you can breathe out.
Peak flow: A peak flow meter is a simple device that measures how hard you can breathe out. Lower than
usual peak flow readings are a sign that your lungs may not be working well and that your asthma may
worsen. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to track and deal with low peak flow readings.
Methacholine challenge: Methacholine is a known asthma trigger. When inhaled, it will cause your
airways to narrow slightly. If you react to the methacholine, you likely have asthma. This test may be used
even if your initial lung function test is normal.
Imaging tests. A chest X-ray can help identify any structural abnormalities or diseases (such as infection)
that can cause or aggravate breathing problems.
Allergy testing. Allergy tests can be performed by a skin test or blood test. They tell you if you're allergic
to pets, dust, mold, or pollen. If allergy triggers are identified, your doctor may recommend allergy shots.
Nitric oxide test. This test measures the amount of the gas nitric oxide in your breath. When your airways
are inflamed — a sign of asthma — you may have higher than normal nitric oxide levels. This test isn't
widely available.
Sputum eosinophils. This test looks for certain white blood cells (eosinophils) in the mixture of saliva and
mucus (sputum) you discharge during coughing. Eosinophils are present when symptoms develop and
become visible when stained with a rose-colored dye.
Provocative testing for exercise and cold-induced asthma. In these tests, your doctor measures your
