Asthma

Definition

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes difficulty in breathing due to the constriction and swelling of bronchial passages. This condition affects airflow and can lead to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Understanding asthma involves looking at how it impacts the structure of the respiratory tract, how it influences pulmonary ventilation and lung volumes, how breathing mechanics are altered during an asthma attack, and how the control of respiration is affected by this disease.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Asthma can be triggered by various factors including allergens, exercise, respiratory infections, and environmental pollutants.
2. During an asthma attack, the airways become inflamed, producing excess mucus and leading to a narrowing that obstructs airflow.
3. Common symptoms of asthma include wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, especially at night or early morning, and shortness of breath.
4. Asthma management often includes the use of inhalers that deliver bronchodilators or anti-inflammatory medications to relieve symptoms.
5. Severe asthma attacks can lead to respiratory failure if not treated promptly, making it crucial for individuals with asthma to have an action plan.

Review Questions

• How does asthma impact the respiratory tract anatomy and what structural changes occur during an asthma attack?
  • In asthma, the respiratory tract undergoes structural changes including inflammation of the bronchial tubes and increased mucus production. The bronchial walls may thicken due to chronic inflammation, leading to narrowed airways. This anatomical alteration makes it harder for air to flow in and out of the lungs during an asthma attack, significantly affecting overall respiratory function.
• Discuss how asthma affects pulmonary ventilation and lung volumes during an episode.
  • During an asthma episode, pulmonary ventilation is hindered as bronchoconstriction restricts airflow. This results in decreased tidal volume due to difficulty fully inhaling and exhaling. As a consequence, vital capacity may also be reduced because of air trapping in the lungs, leading to less effective gas exchange. These changes can result in hypoxia and hypercapnia if severe.
• Evaluate how asthma alters the control of respiration compared to normal respiratory function.
  • Asthma disrupts the normal control of respiration by heightening sensitivity to stimuli such as allergens or irritants. The central nervous system may respond more vigorously to signals indicating difficulty breathing. This altered regulation can lead to erratic breathing patterns and increased effort needed for ventilation. Additionally, individuals with asthma may exhibit hyperventilation as they attempt to compensate for decreased airflow, which further complicates their respiratory control.

Related terms

Bronchoconstriction: The tightening of muscles around the airways that leads to reduced airflow and is a key feature in asthma attacks.

Inflammation: The body's immune response that can lead to swelling and mucus production in the airways, worsening asthma symptoms.

Peak Flow Meter: A handheld device used to measure the maximum speed of expiration, helping monitor asthma control.