Asthma Diagnosis: Anatomy and Pathophysiology of Asthma Karen Meyerson, MSN, RN, FNP-C, AE-C Asthma Network of West Michigan April 21, 2009 Acknowledgements: LeRoy M. Graham, MD, Atlanta, GA Allan T. Luskin, MD, Madison, WI

Definition of Asthma Chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by: l Recurrent episodes of wheezing l Shortness of breath l Chest tightness/pain l Coughing Airflow limitation is at least partially reversible Airways are supersensitive and react to a variety of stimuli or triggers

Asthma Pathophysiology In response to a trigger: l Airway inflammation l Bronchial smooth muscles constriction (bronchospasm) l Increased mucus production l The airways become narrow and breathing becomes difficult

Normal Airways

Asthma Airways

Mechanisms Underlying the Definition of Asthma INFLAMMATION Risk Factors (for development of asthma) AirwayHyperresponsiveness Airflow Limitation Symptoms Risk Factors (triggers)

Asthma Airways Before 10 Minutes After Allergen Challenge

Airway Remodeling AsthmaticNormal Jeffery P. Asthma

The “Tip” of the Iceberg Airway inflammation Airflow obstruction Bronchial hyperresponsiveness ASTHMA Symptoms National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. Highlights of the Expert Panel Report 2: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma. Bethesda, MD., May NIH Publication No A.

Factors Predicting Persistent Asthma l Family history of asthma (maternal > paternal) l Atopy (IgE/positive skin tests, eczema, rhinitis) l Allergen exposure (dust mites / animals) l Viral (RSV) infection l Gender (males > females) l Smoking (passive or active) l The strongest predictor for wheezing that develops into asthma is ATOPY

Asthma Diagnosis Symptoms Medical history Physical exam Measurements of lung function Diurnal variation in peak flow Evaluation of allergic status Exclude alternative diagnoses Bronchiolitis, cystic fibrosis, GERD, foreign body aspiration

Asthma Diagnosis Assessing Symptoms Cough Wheeze Dyspnea Nocturnal symptoms Activity affected? Recurrent episodes of cough (+ wheeze) are frequently due to asthma Coughing may be the only symptom present

Asthma Diagnosis Medical History Repeated cough, wheeze, chest tightness Repeated diagnoses of reactive airway disease, allergic bronchitis or wheezy bronchitis Symptoms worsened by viral infection, smoke, allergens, exercise, weather Symptoms occur/worsen at night Reversible airflow limitation Wheezing may or may not be present

Asthma Diagnosis Physical Exam Coughing, wheezing Prolonged forced expiration Use of accessory muscles Retractions Hyperexpansion of the chest Signs of other allergic diseases: l Atopic dermatitis l Allergic rhinitis Physical examination of the chest may be normal

Asthma Predictive Index (API) High risk children (under age 3) who:  have had > 4 wheezing episodes in the past year that lasted more than one day and affected sleep are significantly more likely to have persistent asthma after the age of 5 if they have either (1) of the following: Castro-Rodriguez J et al. AJRCCM 2000; 162: Castro-Rodriguez J et al. AJRCCM 2000; 162: One major criteria Parent with asthma Physician diagnosis of atopic dermatitis Evidence of sensitization to aeroallergens Two minor criteria Evidence of sensitization to foods >4 percent blood eosinophilia Wheezing apart from coldsOR

Asthma Predictive Index (API) Birth cohort followed through 13 years of age. 76% of children diagnosed with asthma after 6 years of age had a positive asthma predictive index before 3 years of age. 97% of children who did not have asthma after 6 years of age had a negative asthma predictive index before 3 years of age. Castro-Rodriguez J et al. AJRCCM 2000; 162: Castro-Rodriguez J et al. AJRCCM 2000; 162:

Asthma Diagnosis Measurements of Lung Function FEV 1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second) – this is the volume of air expired in the first second during maximal expiratory effort. The FEV 1 is reduced in both obstructive and restrictive lung disease. FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) – this is the total volume of air expired after a full inspiration. FEV 1 /FVC – this is the percentage of the vital capacity which is expired in the first second of maximal expiration.

Spirometry: Flow-Volume Loop Obstruction

Asthma Diagnosis Measurements of Lung Function Spirometry: An FEV 1 response of >12% post-bronchodilator is suggestive of asthma BUT, Spirometry is difficult in children <4 years old Some children cannot perform spirometry adequately until >7 years of age Alternative assessment: PEF variability

? ? Cough especially if: after exertion breathing cold air at night after colds paroxysmal Wheezing tightness noisy breathing Dyspnea (Breathlessness) especially if: intermittent or variable after exertion at night Asthma Diagnosis

? ? Cough especially if: after exertion breathing cold air at night after colds paroxysmal Wheezing tightness noisy breathing Dyspnea (Breathlessness) especially if: intermittent or variable after exertion at night Asthma Diagnosis

? ? Cough especially if: after exertion breathing cold air at night after colds paroxysmal Wheezing tightness noisy breathing Dyspnea (Breathlessness) especially if: intermittent or variable after exertion at night Asthma Diagnosis

? ? Cough especially if: after exertion breathing cold air at night after colds paroxysmal Wheezing tightness noisy breathing Dyspnea (Breathlessness) especially if: intermittent or variable after exertion at night Asthma Diagnosis

Cough especially if: after exertion breathing cold air at night after colds paroxysmal Wheezing tightness noisy breathing Dyspnea (Breathlessness) especially if: intermittent or variable after exertion at night Asthma Diagnosis

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