3. DEFINITION
■ Asthma is a chronic respiratory
condition characterized by
inflammation and narrowing of the
airways, leading to difficulty in
breathing, wheezing, coughing, and
chest tightness.
■ Asthma: Breathing difficulty due to
narrowed airways, causing wheezing,
coughing, and chest tightness.
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4. TYPES
■ Allergic (Extrinsic) Asthma: Triggered by
allergens like pollen, dust mites.
■ Non-Allergic (Intrinsic) Asthma: Triggered
by factors like cold air, exercise, smoke.
■ Occupational Asthma: Caused by
workplace irritants.
■ Childhood Asthma: Onset during
childhood.
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5. ETIOLOGY
■A combination of genetic and
environmental factors
contributes to asthma.
■Common triggers include
allergens, respiratory
infections, air pollution, and
tobacco smoke. Medical Knowledge with Abhay ツ
6. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
■In asthma, the airways become
inflamed and hypersensitive.
■ When exposed to triggers, the
airway muscles tighten, and
there is an increase in mucus
production, leading to airflow
obstruction.Medical Knowledge with Abhay ツ
7. CLINICAL FEATURES
■ Wheezing.
■ Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea).
■ Coughing.
■ Chest Tightness.
■ Increased Mucus Production.
■ Difficulty Sleeping.
■ Increased Respiratory Rate.
■ Cyanosis. Medical Knowledge with Abhay ツ
8. NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL
MANAGEMENT
■ Avoiding Triggers: Identifying and avoiding
allergens or irritants.
■ Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy
lifestyle, regular exercise, and managing
stress.
■ Breathing Exercises: Learning techniques to
improve breathing and lung function.
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9. PHARMACOLOGICAL
MANAGEMENT:
■ Bronchodilators: Short-acting beta-agonists (like albuterol)
provide quick relief by relaxing airway muscles during an
asthma attack.
■ InhaledCorticosteroids: Reduce inflammation in the airways,
preventing asthma symptoms.
■ Long-Acting Beta-Agonists: Provide long-term control of
asthma symptoms by keeping airways open.
■ Leukotriene Modifiers: Block leukotrienes, substances
causing inflammation and narrowing of airways.
■ MonoclonalAntibodies: Target specific immune pathways to
reduce inflammation in severe asthma cases.
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10. DRUG OF CHOICE
■ The choice of medication depends on the
severity and frequency of symptoms.
■ Short-acting bronchodilators are the first-
line drugs for acute asthma attacks.
■ Inhaled corticosteroids are often the
preferred long-term control medication due
to their effectiveness in managing
inflammation. Medical Knowledge with Abhay ツ