Basic Concept of

Asthma
Group 5
• Tirca Milka
• Violita
• Windy Fatika S
• Yuliya Kartika M
3 Reguler B
Definition
Asthma is an incurable illness of the airways. The disease causes
inflammation and narrowing inside the lung, restricting air supply. During the
development of asthma, the airways swell and become extremely sensitive to
some of the substances a person might inhale. When this increased sensitivity
causes a reaction, the muscles that control the airways tighten.
Etiology
1. Allergies
2. Smoking tobacco
3. Environmental factors
4. Obesity
5. Pregnancy
6. Stress
7. Genetics
8. Atopy
9. The menstrual cycle
Pathophysiology
Asthma is the result of chronic inflammation of the conducting zone of the
airways (most especially the bronchi and bronchioles), which subsequently results in
increased contractability of the surrounding smooth muscles. This among other factors
leads to bouts of narrowing of the airway and the classic symptoms of wheezing. The
narrowing is typically reversible with or without treatment. Occasionally the airways
themselves change. Typical changes in the airways include an increase in eosinophils
and thickening of the lamina reticularis. Chronically the airways' smooth muscle may
increase in size along with an increase in the numbers of mucous glands. Other cell
types involved include: T lymphocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils. There may also
be involvement of other components of the immune system including: cytokines,
chemokines, histamine, and leukotrienes among others.
Figure A shows the location of the lungs and airways in the body. Figure B shows a
cross-section of a normal airway. Figure C shows a cross-section of an airway
during asthma symptoms.
Signs and Symptom

Asthma is characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of

breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Sputum may be produced from the lung by
coughing but is often hard to bring up. During recovery from an attack, it may
appear pus-like due to high levels of white blood cells called eosinophils
Management of asthma
Although asthma cannot be cured, appropriate management can control
the disease and enable people to enjoy good quality of life.
Short-term medications are used to relieve symptoms. People with persistent
symptoms must take long-term medication daily to control the underlying
inflammation and prevent symptoms and exacerbations. Medication is not the only
way to control asthma. It is also important to avoid asthma triggers - stimuli that
irritate and inflame the airways. With medical support, each asthma patient must
learn what triggers he or she should avoid.
Complication of asthma

1. Pneumonia (infection of the lungs)

2. A collapse of part or all of the lung
3. Respiratory failure, where the levels of oxygen in
the blood become dangerously low, or the levels
of carbon dioxide become dangerously high
4. Status asthmaticus (severe asthma attacks that
do not respond to treatment)