Respiratory Diseases - ASTHMA and COPD

- Increased reactivity of airway
- Results in bronchospasm
- Increased mucus production
- Swelling of mucosal tissue

- During an asthma attack, smooth muscles constrict in response to allergen (stimulus)
- The smooth muscles increase 3 fold
- Goblet cells proliferate and enlarge

- Airways become filled with thick, whitish tenacious (dense) mucus.
- Plugging and atelectasis (alveoli collapse) develop

- Is a reversible disease as long as it’s managed well
- Intermittent attacks
- Sudden onset

- Varies from person to person
- Severity can vary from shortness of breath to death

- Exact underlying cause unknown
- Asthma was one of the classic diseases first recognized more than 2000 years ago. Is the most common today
- Asthma has doubles over the last two decades
- Approximately 5% of the US population has asthma - Highest among children ages 5 to 14 years old
- Two major types: extrinsic and intrinsic

- Allergic response (stimulates airway)
-Heredity
- Environmental factors
- Infection
- Psychosocial factors; not taking care of yourself
- Economic factors

- The asthma episode directly related to exposure to a specific antigen
- Dust, mold, pollen, dander, food
- An immediate hypersensitivity

-The asthma episode cannot be directly related to a specific antigen
- Non specific stimuli such as: infection, exercise or cold air, pollutants and fumes

A. Allergens, extrinsic
B. Exercise, intrinsic
C. Respiratory infection. intrinsic
D. Drugs and food additives, extrinsic
E. Nose and sinus problems, intrinsic
F. GERD, intrinsic
G. Emotional stress, intrinsic

A. Allergen or irritant activates mast cells
B. Inflammatory mediators released

1. Bronchoconstriction
2. Mucosal edema
3. Increased mucus production
4. Smooth muscle constriction
5. Air way remodeling

A. Reactive airways
B. Chronic inflammations
C. It causes hyper responsiveness of the airways and reduces airflow

A. Swelling of airway mucosa
B. Creating obstruction to airflow
C. Hyperinflation
D. Air trapping

- Airway remodeling at the cellular level
- Irreversible - Airway becomes less responsive to treatment and Further disease progression