NURS103 Chapter Notes - Chapter 0: Allergic Rhinitis, Anaphylaxis, Gastrointestinal Tract
14 Mar 2017
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Document Summary
Asthma is the result of chronic inflammation of the conducting pathways of the respiratory system. This inflammation leads to obstruction from swelling of the membranes that line the airways, known as mucosal edema. This results in hyperresponsiveness and increased contraction of the smooth muscles surrounding the pathways, causing spasms of the bronchi of the lungs. In some cases, the fibrotic changes in the airways lead to narrowing and potentially irreversible airflow limitation known as airway remodelling. Cause: asthma is believed to be caused by a combination of both environmental and genetic factors. Chronic exposure to airway irritants or allergens also increases risk for developing asthma. There are two types of asthma, the first being atopic (extrinsic), indicating that symptoms are precipitated by allergens, and the second being non-atopic (intrinsic), which is triggered by factors not related to allergies. Symptoms include the following: wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath.
