HSS 3106 Lecture Notes - Lecture 18: Robitussin, Viscosity, Nosebleed
6 Apr 2017
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Document Summary
Chronic disease caused by increased reactivity of the tracheobronchial tree to various stimuli. Classified according to cause: allergy, exercise-induced. Intense emotions: dust mites, animals, cockroaches, moulds, pollens, viral infections, certain pollutants. Other factors: gastro-esophageal reflex, aspirin, hormonal changes (start of the menstruation periods, during pregnancy, allergic rhinitis. Asthma is a non-contagious inflammatory disease which effects the bronchus. Shortness of breath: an inflammation of the bronchial epithelium with swelling (oedema, a bronchoconstriction: a contraction of the bronchial smooth muscle or spasm, an excess secretion of mucus. These cause a partial blockage of the bronchial tubes, resulting in a greater resistance in air flow and an increase in the work required for breathing. Asthma is a low threshold to offending agents and their response is a lot bigger and more intense than in a healthy person. Most asthma meds are through inhalation and the problem is getting in there if the swelling is bad.
