Bronchial Asthma

Bronchial asthma

Definition

A disease condition which predisposes to chronic inflammation of the airways (bronchi) are reversibly narrowed.

Aetiology:

Triggering factors : allergens, rapid temperature changes

Toxic nodular goitre

Toxic nodule

Hyperthyroidism due to other causes (rare)

Clinical Features

The symptoms are : -

Night time coughing - sometimes coughing may be the only symptom

Dyspnoea on exertion or even at rest according to the severity

Tightness in the chest

Wheezing - when bronchospasm is severe - no wheeze may be heard

Very little sputum

May be of sudden onset

The signs are : -

Wheezing , prolonged expiration

Tachycardia

Rhonchi

Accessory muscles like sternocleidomastoid, scalenes may be very active

Indrawing of intercostal spaces, supra sternal notch, subcostal regions

Parodoxical pulse

Cyanosis may occur

Chest pain

Numbness in the limbs and sweating of the palms (just before)

Loss of consciousness

Severe asthma not responsive to standard treatments called "status asthmaticus"