Asthma: Pathophysiology, Etiology, Diagnosis, and Complications

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Pathophysiology
Etiology, Risk Factors, and At-risk Populations
Clinical Manifestations
Diagnostic Tests
Complications
References

Introduction

Asthma is a respiratory disease that attacks the bronchial tree leading to an inflammatory disorder. The inflammatory disorder occurs in the airways and consequently leads to breathing difficulties. Since its discovery, there has been no successful formulation for a curative drug. However, with the recommendation of physicians, people can learn how to manage the condition and live normally. This paper seeks to discuss the pathophysiology, etiology, diagnosis, clinical manifestations, at-risk populations, and complications of asthma.

Pathophysiology

In normal body functioning, the lungs undergo distension and elastance and, in the process, perform their duties properly. In asthmatic patients, there is inflammation and bronchoconstriction within the bronchial tree, and such changes impact the lungs’ normal functioning (Sinyor & Perez, 2020). The abnormalities in the bronchial tree obstruct normal airflow, introduce strain in breathing, and lead to breathing difficulties (Sinyor & Perez, 2020). In addition to the inflammatory disorder, another feature of asthma pathophysiology is airway hyperresponsiveness, which involves an unusual and enhanced response of constriction in the bronchial tree that is clinically related to a decrease in lung function (Sinyor & Perez, 2020). The pathobiology of asthma remains greatly indeterminate, and its pathophysiology involves abnormalities of the respiratory system organs, including the lungs and the bronchial tree.

Etiology, Risk Factors, and At-risk Populations

Even though there are efforts in research, there is no resource that states the exact cause of asthma. Concerning the etiology of the condition, several factors increase the likelihood of asthma infection amongst people. The risk factors for asthma include genes, the environment, and several host factors. Individuals with a family history of asthma are at risk of asthma development and consequent asthma exacerbations. According to Yang et al. (2017), the cause of asthma is not only an individual’s family history. The increased prevalence of asthma in certain regions with specific environmental triggers is proof that family history is not the sole cause of the disease. The triggers include infection by colds, allergens like pollen, certain medications, especially anti-inflammatory drugs, stress, sudden changes in the weather, and exercise. Additionally, individuals with atopic conditions to triggers like certain foods and eczema are at a higher risk of contracting and developing asthma. Expectant mothers who smoke increase the chances of their babies having asthma symptoms.

Clinical Manifestations

Clinical manifestations of asthma include those that are common during asthma attacks and others involving patterns that propound asthma. According to Quirt et al. (2018), asthma attack symptoms include “wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing” (p. 50). The suggestive patterns that are part of the disease’s clinical manifestations include a norm of the attacks occurring repetitively (episodic), happening and worsening during nighttime, and on exposure to an allergen.

Diagnostic Tests

In addition to clinical manifestation, asthma diagnosis involves communication with the patient and physical examination. There are three tests for asthma that include the FeNO test, spirometry, and the peak-flow test (Kavanagh et al., 2019). The FeNo test consists of the assessment of inflammation in the lungs where a patient breathes into a gadget that measures the level of nitrogen oxide gas. Both spirometry and peak-flow tests involve patients blowing into machines that determine the speed of breathing out. However, spirometry also measures the amount of air that a patient can hold in their lungs.

Complications

Asthma presents complications to the patients that include death, low life quality, and respiratory failure. According to Quirt et al. (2018), the complications include a reduced ability to exercise and sleep deprivation, are life-threatening, and stem from recurrent episodes of asthma exacerbations. Severe asthma exacerbations may involve loss of energy, deep-sucking throat and chest movements, distress, and severe difficulties in breathing. In addition to the need for emergency medical attention, asthma patients are at higher risk of depression that stems from stress and lack of adequate sleep.

References

Kavanagh, J., Jackson, D. J., & Kent, B. D. (2019). Over-and under-diagnosis in asthma. Breathe, 15(1), e20-e27.

Quirt, J., Hildebrand, K., Marza, K., Noya, F., and Kim, H. (2018). Asthma. Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology. Volume – 14. Web.

Sinyor, B., & Perez, L. C. (2020). Pathophysiology of asthma. StatPearls Publishing. Web.

Yang, I. V., Lozupone, C. A., & Schwartz, D. A. (2017). The environment, epigenome, and asthma. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 140(1), 14-23. Web.

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