Asthma is a difficulty in breathing caused by the narrowing of the smaller bronchioles.
This is due to the contraction of the muscles in the bronchiole walls and inflammation of the wall lining.
Cells lining airways make more mucus (phlegm) than normal.
What is asthma caused by ?
Asthma is a difficulty in breathing caused by the narrowing of the smaller bronchioles.
What is the narrowing of the smaller bronchioles due to?
The narrowing of the smaller bronchioles is due to the contraction of the muscles in bronchiole walls and inflammation of the wall lining.
What is caused by the contraction of the muscles in bronchiole walls and inflammation of the wall lining?
Cells lining airways make more mucus (phlegm) than normal.
With asthma, cells lining airways produce more what?
Cells lining airways make more mucus (phlegm) than normal.
What are typical symptoms of asthma? (6)
Itchy throat
Coughing and wheezing
Tightness of chest
Lips and fingernails may turn blue
Difficulty in talking and walking (breathlessness)
Nostrils flaring
What are some causes of asthma?
Common asthma triggers- allergens such as pollen, feathers, animal hair/fur, fruit mould. Allergic reactions to medicines and food also cause attacks.
Lung infections- bacterial and viral infections and mucus from sinusitis.
Exercise (especially in cold air)
Stress/anxiety
What are some common asthma triggers?
Allergens such as:
Pollen
Feathers
Animal hair/fur
Fruit mould
Household dust
Allergic reactions to medicines and food also cause attacks.
What are some methods of prevention for asthma attacks?
Identify and avoid your asthma triggers (tests can be done to identify precise allergens).
Take preventive medicine before attacks are likely. Anti-inflammatories (steroid inhalers) used- they coat linings of the bronchioles and prevent any irritation or mucus build up.
Use a peak flow meter to indicate any change in the internal volume of your lungs.
Avoid cigarette smoke.
What is a type of preventative medicine one can take before attacks are likely?
Anti-inflammatories (steroid inhalers) used- they coat the linings of the bronchioles and prevent any irritation or mucus build up.
How do anti-inflammatories (steroid inhalers) prevent irritation or mucus build up?
Anti-inflammatories (steroid inhalers) used- they coat the linings of the bronchioles and prevent any irritation or mucus build up.
What do anti-inflammatories (steroid inhalers) do?
Anti-inflammatories (steroid inhalers) used- they cost the linings of the bronchioles and prevent any irritation or mucus build up.
How can one identify a change in the internal volume of your lungs?
Use a peak flow meter to indicate any change in the internal volume of your lungs.
What can a peak flow meter indicate?
A peak flow meter can indicate any change in the internal volume of your lungs.
What treatment is there for asthma?
Bronchodilator inhalers relax the smooth muscle of bronchiole lining and cause them to dilate.
Used during an asthma attack and gives relief by increasing the lung volume.
What do bronchodilator inhalers do?
Relax the smooth muscle of bronchiole lining and cause then to dilate.
How do bronchodilator inhalers help when used during an asthma attack?
Used during an asthma attack and gives relief by increasing the lung volume.