What is disease process in asthma?

Answer 1

Asthma is a disease that is characterized by two inflammatory phases - the first inflammatory phase is an acute reaction that we usually refer to as an "asthma attack", in which the muscle surrounding the trachea (windpipe) undergoes spastic, spontaneous contractions, which occludes the amount of air available to be delivered in the airways. If the extent of contraction is severe enough it may result in closure of the airway and the person will be completely unable to breathe.

The second phase of the asthma is one that is usually paid less attention, as the effects last over the next few hours and are characterized by a slightly less severe muscle response, but extensive secretion of mucus into the lumen of the trachea will threaten to block the airways. This phase still poses just as much threat as the first phase, and must be managed carefully.

The etiological agents (agents that may set off an asthma attack) are usually triggers that the immune system is extremely sensitive to, and as a result a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis may result, triggering off the asthma attack. Treatment of asthma can involve using corticosteroids, NSAIDs and avoiding the triggers if possible.

Answer 2

Pathophysiology of asthma