Asthma pathophysiology and diagnosis

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Pathophysiology - Bronchial Bedlam

  • Core Mechanism: Chronic airway inflammation driven by a Type I (IgE-mediated) hypersensitivity reaction, leading to bronchial hyperresponsiveness and reversible obstruction.
  • Key Cellular Players: Th2 lymphocytes, eosinophils, mast cells, and IgE antibodies.
  • Phases:
    • Early: Trigger exposure → mast cell degranulation → release of histamine & leukotrienes → acute bronchoconstriction.
    • Late: Cytokine-mediated influx of inflammatory cells (esp. eosinophils) → sustained inflammation and edema.

Asthmatic vs. Non-Asthmatic Bronchus Histology

Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD) / Samter's Triad: A distinct asthma phenotype characterized by asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, and severe reactions to aspirin/NSAIDs.

Clinical Presentation - The Wheezing Wail

  • Episodic symptoms: dyspnea, chest tightness, and cough (often worse at night).
  • Classic sign: High-pitched, polyphonic expiratory wheeze.
  • Common Triggers:
    • Allergens (dust mites, pollen), exercise, cold air.
    • Viral infections, GERD, stress.
    • Medications: Aspirin (AERD), non-selective β-blockers.
  • Associated Conditions: 📌 Atopic Triad (Asthma + Allergic Rhinitis + Atopic Dermatitis).

Asthma: Airway Changes and Lung Anatomy

  • Severe Exacerbation Signs:
    • Accessory muscle use, tripoding posture.
    • Pulsus paradoxus: Inspiratory SBP drop > 10 mmHg.

⭐ A "silent chest" in an acutely dyspneic patient is an ominous sign indicating severe airflow limitation and impending respiratory failure.

Diagnosis - The Spirometry Story

  • Spirometry: The cornerstone of asthma diagnosis, measuring airflow and lung volumes.
  • Key Finding: Reversible obstructive pattern.
    • Initial Test: ↓ Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) and ↓ FEV1/FVC ratio ($< \textbf{0.7}$ in adults).
    • Flow-volume loop shows a "scooped-out" or concave pattern during exhalation.

Spirometry flow-volume loops in asthma

  • Confirmation Algorithm:

Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO): A non-invasive test measuring eosinophilic airway inflammation. An elevated FeNO level ($> \textbf{50}$ ppb in adults) can support a diagnosis of asthma, particularly in cases with normal spirometry.

Severity Classification - The Asthma Ladder

Classification is based on impairment (symptoms, SABA use, lung function) and risk of exacerbations. Assessed before treatment is initiated.

Asthma Severity Classification by Clinical Features

  • Intermittent
    • Symptoms: ≤2 days/week
    • Nighttime awakenings: ≤2x/month
    • SABA use: ≤2 days/week
    • FEV1: >80% predicted
  • Mild Persistent
    • Symptoms: >2 days/week (not daily)
    • Nighttime awakenings: 3-4x/month
    • FEV1: >80% predicted
  • Moderate Persistent
    • Symptoms: Daily
    • Nighttime awakenings: >1x/week (not nightly)
    • FEV1: 60-80% predicted
  • Severe Persistent
    • Symptoms: Throughout the day
    • Nighttime awakenings: Often 7x/week
    • FEV1: <60% predicted

⭐ The goal of the "ladder" approach is to step up therapy to gain control, then step down to the minimum level needed to maintain control.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by bronchial hyperresponsiveness and reversible airflow obstruction.
  • It's a Type I hypersensitivity reaction involving IgE, mast cells, and eosinophils.
  • Diagnosis is confirmed by spirometry showing an obstructive pattern (FEV1/FVC < 0.7).
  • Reversibility is key: >12% and 200 mL ↑ in FEV1 post-bronchodilator.
  • A methacholine challenge can diagnose asthma if initial spirometry is normal.
  • Classic sputum findings include Curschmann spirals and Charcot-Leyden crystals.

Practice Questions: Asthma pathophysiology and diagnosis

Test your understanding with these related questions

A 21-year-old man presents with eye redness, itching, and watering; nasal congestion, and rhinorrhea. He reports that these symptoms have been occurring every year in the late spring since he was 18 years old. The patient’s medical history is significant for endoscopic resection of a right maxillary sinus polyp at the age of 16. His father and younger sister have bronchial asthma. He takes oxymetazoline as needed to decrease nasal congestion. The patient’s blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg, heart rate is 71/min, respiratory rate is 18/min, and temperature is 36.7°C (98.0°F). On physical examination, there is conjunctival injection and clear nasal discharge bilaterally. His lymph nodes are not enlarged and his sinuses do not cause pain upon palpation. Heart and lung sounds are normal. Which of the following is most likely to be a part of his condition’s pathogenesis?

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Flashcards: Asthma pathophysiology and diagnosis

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Asthma may present with _____ on CXR

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Asthma may present with _____ on CXR

peribronchial cuffing

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