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Dx: PFT - Pulmonary Function Tests → general criteria: Based on age. (1) FEV1/FVC < LLN, (2) more than 12% (+/- 200 cc) improvement in FEV1/FVC after bronchodilator

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Relevant Physiology

Etiology

• Inflammation (eosinophils, mast cells, Th2 → IgE)
  • triggered by allergens, exercise, viral infection

Pathogenesis

• Airway smooth muscle hypertrophy
• Goblet cell hypertrophy

Consequences/Natural history

• Early onset → grows out → come back later in life
• Late first-time onset often triggered by occupational allergens, tend to be more severe

Presentation

Signs and Symptoms

• Clinical presentation (HPI):
  • !SOB (Dyspnea)
  • Cough
    • Nocturnal cough (at night, airway more constricted and mucus accumulate)
  • Wheezing (expirational)
• Complications

Asthma Triggers

• biggest trigger in
  • Pediatric: Infection Agents (viral infection)
  • Adult: occupational trigger

Risk factors

• Atopy Triad: Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema), Allergic rhinitis