Chronic Asthma

Chronic Asthma

1. Epidemiology

   • Occurs at all ages, but 50% of cases develop during childhood
     • Diagnosed in over 34 million people in U.S.
       • affects boys more than girls; and populations most affected are black and Hispanic children

2. Pathophysiology

   • Inflammatory response triggered by antigen
     • release of a magnitude of inflammatory cells
       • results in epithelial injury of bronchi
         • causes smooth muscle contraction, mucosal edema, & increased mucus secretion

3. Clinical Presentation

   • asymptomatic between attacks

4. Diagnosis

   • history of allergies, recurrent
     • wheezing, and exercise intolerance
       • confirmed by pulmonary function testing with use of spirometry

5. Treatment

   • Depends on age
     • Removal of allergens and other triggers
   • drug therapy using stepwise
     • SABA prn
       • Inhaled corticosteroid
         • add LABA