Asthma Quiz Practice Questions

A peak flow meter is a simple instrument used to measure lung function. It measures the maximum speed at which a person can forcefully exhale air, known as the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). By regularly monitoring PEFR, individuals with conditions such as asthma can assess the effectiveness of their treatment and detect any changes in lung function. Unlike a barometer, manometer, or sphygmomanometer, which measure other types of pressure, a peak flow meter specifically measures lung function.

Salbutamol is the most commonly used bronchodilator for conducting a reversibility test. This test is performed to assess the responsiveness of the airways in patients with suspected asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Salbutamol acts by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways, thereby widening them and improving airflow. It is a selective beta-2 adrenergic agonist, which means it specifically targets the beta-2 receptors in the airway smooth muscles. This makes salbutamol an effective choice for bronchodilation during a reversibility test. Adrenaline, theophylline anhydrous, and atropine are not commonly used for this purpose.

Persistent asthma is characterized by ongoing airway inflammation. This means that the airways in the lungs are constantly inflamed, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. This inflammation is a key feature of persistent asthma and distinguishes it from other types of asthma. While other factors such as family history and the need for oral steroids may also be present in some cases of persistent asthma, airway inflammation is the defining characteristic.

FEV1 stands for Forced Expiratory Volume in one second. It is a measure of the maximum amount of air a person can forcefully exhale in one second. In a spirometry test, FEV1 is used to detect reversibility in airflow obstruction. If there is a significant increase in FEV1 after administering a bronchodilator, it indicates that the obstruction is reversible, suggesting conditions like asthma. Therefore, FEV1 is the parameter used to assess reversibility in airflow obstruction.

Asthma is classified as an atopic disease because it is primarily caused by an allergic reaction. Atopy refers to a genetic predisposition to develop allergic reactions to certain substances, such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. In asthma, the immune system overreacts to these triggers, causing inflammation and constriction of the airways, leading to symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Unlike infectious diseases caused by pathogens or autoimmune diseases caused by the immune system attacking the body's own tissues, asthma is characterized by an allergic response.

Spirometry is a lung function test that measures the amount of air a person can inhale and exhale and how quickly they can do it. While spirometry is a valuable tool for assessing lung function and diagnosing conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it does not directly detect airway inflammation. In contrast, bronchial mucosal biopsy, sputum eosinophil counts, and bronchoalveolar lavage are tests that can provide information about airway inflammation by examining cells and substances in the airways.

Pedal edema is not helpful in determining the severity of an acute attack. Pedal edema refers to swelling in the feet and ankles, which is not directly related to respiratory function or the severity of an acute attack. The other options listed - use of accessory muscles of respiration, ability to complete sentences, and peak expiratory flow rate - are all important indicators of respiratory distress and can help determine the severity of an acute attack.

During an acute severe attack of asthma, it is crucial to rule out a pneumothorax through a chest x-ray. A pneumothorax occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall, causing the lung to collapse partially or completely. This condition can mimic the symptoms of asthma and may require immediate medical intervention. Therefore, getting a chest x-ray is necessary to differentiate between asthma and a pneumothorax and provide appropriate treatment.

Atropine is the correct answer because it is an anticholinergic drug that blocks the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in the contraction of smooth muscles, including those in the airways. Asthma is characterized by inflammation and constriction of the airways, so a drug that inhibits smooth muscle contraction would not cause asthma. In contrast, beta-blockers can potentially cause bronchospasm and worsen asthma symptoms, histamine can trigger allergic reactions including asthma attacks, and ibuprofen can induce bronchial constriction in some individuals.

In addition to histamine, metracholine can also be used in bronchoprovocation tests to challenge the airways. This test is used to assess the sensitivity and responsiveness of the airways in individuals suspected of having asthma. By introducing metracholine, which causes the airways to constrict, the test can determine if there is an exaggerated response, indicating the presence of asthma. This alternative option is commonly used in bronchoprovocation tests alongside histamine.