Question

CDL JUUST. 5. What pathophysiologic changes would most likely occur with chronic asthma and allergy?

Answer 1

Triggering factors for asthma includes, Infection, Allergens (Dust, exhaust fumes, pollen,sudden weather changes,smoke, animal dander etc) , exercise, medications and Irritants.

The above factors lead to mast cell mediated response and thickening of the lamina reticularis. The mast cell mediators are eosinophils,macrophages,lymphocytes.

There are two types of cell response

:1) Early-phase response: This type of response peaks in 30 to 60 minutes .At this time bronchial smooth muscle contraction,mucus secretion,vascular leakage and mucus edema can be present.

2) Late - phase response: which peaks in 5 to 6 hours :during this phase there can be infiltration in the eosinophils and neutrophils, inflammation and bronchial hyper activity. Later within 1-2 days there can be infiltration with monocytes and lymphocytes.

The above mentioned two responses finally lead to the obstruction of large and small airways, air trapping, respiratory acidosis,bronchospasms,shortness of breath,coughing,wheezing and hypoxemia.