Final answer:
Asthma is a respiratory disease with a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors leading to bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation. Diagnosis involves history taking, physical examinations, and lung function tests. The management includes medication adherence, avoiding triggers, and regular follow-ups.
Step-by-step explanation:
Asthma is a chronic disease condition affecting the respiratory system, specifically the airways. It is characterized by episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing, particularly at night or early in the morning.
The airways in the lungs are surrounded by smooth muscles and lined with mucosal membranes. In asthma, these airways become hyperresponsive, leading to bronchoconstriction and inflammation.
Asthma may be caused by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors like allergens, irritants, and infections. The pathophysiology involves airway inflammation, leading to airflow limitation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR).
Clinical manifestations include intermittent breathing difficulty, chest tightness, wheezing, and coughing.
Diagnosis typically includes a medical history, physical examination, lung function tests (spirometry), and sometimes allergy testing.
Management of asthma involves avoiding triggers, using prescribed medications like bronchodilators and anti-inflammatories, and monitoring lung function.
An effective care plan will include patient education, self-monitoring of symptoms, adherence to medication, and controlling environmental factors. Routine follow-ups with healthcare providers are also crucial for managing the physiology of asthma.