ASTHMA-PATHOLOGY

SUMMARY

1. Non-specific airway hyperresponsiveness leading to airway oedema and bronchoconstriction.

2. Persistent airway inflammation leads to remodelling of the airways with fibrosis & muscular hypertrophy resulting in a continuous non-responsive airflow obstruction.

3. Early in an asthmatic attack, bronchospasm is the major factor. Later, increased airway inflammation, edema, & secretions with mucous plugging may dominate.

Reference(s)

Wilkinson, I. (2017). Oxford handbook of clinical medicine. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Hannaman, R. A., Bullock, L., Hatchell, C. A., & Yoffe, M. (2016). Internal medicine review core curriculum, 2017-2018. CO Springs, CO: MedStudy.
Therapeutic Guidelines. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited. https://www.tg.org.au [Accessed 2021].