Asthma Exam (Exam Mode) By Rnpedia.Com

A peak flow meter is a simple instrument used to measure the maximum airflow that can be forcefully exhaled in one breath. It is commonly used to monitor lung function in individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions. By measuring the peak expiratory flow rate, it provides a rough estimate of lung function and can help in assessing the severity of respiratory symptoms or monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. A barometer measures atmospheric pressure, a manometer measures pressure differences, and a sphygmomanometer measures blood pressure, none of which are directly related to lung function.

FEV1 stands for Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second, which is a measurement 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 in the airways is reversible, suggesting conditions like asthma. Therefore, FEV1 is the parameter used to detect reversibility in airflow obstruction on a spirometry test.

Salbutamol is the most commonly used bronchodilator during a reversibility test. This test is performed to assess the response of the airways to a bronchodilator medication. Salbutamol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist that works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways, resulting in bronchodilation. It is commonly used in conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to relieve bronchospasm and improve breathing. During a reversibility test, the patient inhales a dose of salbutamol, and if there is a significant improvement in lung function, it indicates that the patient's symptoms are reversible and responsive to bronchodilator therapy.

Pedal edema is not helpful in determining the severity of an acute attack. The use of accessory muscles of respiration, the ability to complete sentences, and peak expiratory flow rate are all indicators that can help determine the severity of an acute attack. However, pedal edema is not directly related to respiratory function and therefore is not useful in assessing the severity of an acute attack.

Spirometry is a test used to measure lung function and airflow. It assesses the amount and speed of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. While spirometry is a valuable tool in diagnosing and monitoring respiratory conditions, it does not directly detect airway inflammation. Other tests such as bronchial mucosal biopsy, sputum eosinophil counts, and bronchoalveolar lavage are more specific for detecting airway inflammation.

Persistent asthma is characterized by ongoing airway inflammation. This inflammation causes the airways to become swollen and narrowed, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. The inflammation is usually present even when the person with asthma is not experiencing symptoms. This is different from intermittent asthma, where the airway inflammation is only present during asthma attacks. Therefore, airway inflammation is the characteristic feature of persistent asthma.

Asthma is classified as an atopic disease. Atopic diseases are characterized by an overactive immune response to allergens, leading to inflammation and narrowing of the airways. In the case of asthma, triggers such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander can cause the airways to become inflamed, making it difficult to breathe. This immune response is not caused by an infection or malignancy, nor is it classified as an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. Therefore, asthma is best described as an atopic disease.

In an acute severe attack of asthma, a chest x-ray is important to rule out a pneumothorax. A pneumothorax is the presence of air in the pleural space, which can cause the lung to collapse. This condition can occur in severe asthma attacks due to the increased pressure in the chest cavity. A chest x-ray can help identify the presence of a pneumothorax and guide appropriate treatment.

Atropine is a medication that is commonly used to treat various conditions such as bradycardia, dilate pupils, and reduce secretions. It belongs to a class of drugs known as anticholinergics, which work by blocking the action of acetylcholine in the body. Unlike beta-blockers, histamine, and ibuprofen, atropine does not have any known direct effects on the airways or the immune system, which are typically involved in the development of asthma. Therefore, it is unlikely to cause asthma symptoms or exacerbate the condition.

Metracholine can also be used in bronchoprovocation tests to challenge the airways, in addition to histamine.