Chronic Asthma Exacerbation

Chronic Asthma Exacerbation

1. Epidemiology

   • It's prevalent in all ages, with 50% of cases developing during childhood
     • 34 million people have been diagnosed with this disorder in the 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

   • Take a detailed medical history
     • wheezing, and exercise intolerance
       • confirmed by pulmonary function testing with use of spirometry

5. Treatment

   • Depends on age and gender
     • Removal of allergens,irritants and other triggers
   • drug therapy using stepwise
     • Chest x-ray, Lab tests on your blood and sputum (phlegm, mucus),