Define Asthma
Define Asthma
Define Asthma
OUTLINE
I. Clinical definition of Asthma
II. Categories of Asthma (AMC classification)
III. Clinical Features of Asthma
IV. Focus assessment in Asthma
a. Initial assessment
a.1 History
a.2 Physical Examination
V. AMC Guidelines
VI. Drug of Choice: Hydrocortisone
VII. Piko Peak Flow Monitoring
Pattern of occurrence
Onset
Intensity
Duration
Nature
Sputum
Severity
Associated symptoms
Precipitating or aggravating
factors
Family History
Social History
sudden or gradual
Diagnosis of Asthma
An accurate diagnosis of asthma is based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and
spirometry [5]. A thorough medical history should include pattern of occurrence; precipitating or
aggravating factors; exacerbation type, severity, and frequency; family and social history; and the
patients own assessment of their illness.
The physical examination should be focused on abnormalities of the nose, throat, upper airway, skin, and
chest [5]. In terms of the latter, hyperexpansion of the thorax, use of accessory muscles, appearance of
hunched shoulders, and chest deformity should increase the suspicion of asthma. Auscultations of
wheezing during normal breathing and/or a prolonged phase of forced exhalation are typical findings
associated with airflow obstruction. However, the NAEPP notes that wheezing may only be heard during
forced exhalation, but this is not a reliable indicator of airflow limitation [5]. Signs of allergic reactions,
such as increased nasal secretion, mucosal swelling, and/or nasal polyps; atopic dermatitis/eczema; or any
other manifestation of an allergic skin condition, should also raise suspicion of asthma [5].
Spirometry, in combination with medical history and physical examination, is essential to establish the
diagnosis of asthma. Spirometry must establish reversible obstructive airflow defined as an increase in
FEV1 of 12% and 200 mL after the administration of a bronchodilator [12]. The Global Initiative for
Asthma (GINA) guidelines advise that most asthma patients will not demonstrate reversibility at every
assessment; therefore, repeat assessments are recommended [12]. Importantly for the differential
diagnosis of asthma and COPD, it should be noted that persistent non-fully reversible airway obstruction,
the classic hallmark of COPD, can also occur in patients with long-standing asthma [13].
The NAEPP provides guidance on establishing the severity of asthma, which is based on 2 components:
impairment and risk of future adverse effects of the condition (such as exacerbations and decreasing lung
function). Both of these domains are based on spirometry, frequency of symptoms and their effect on
normal activity, and response to treatment [5]. Similarly, assessment of asthma control relies on the
monitoring of the effectiveness of interventions to reduce impairment and reduce the risk of future
adverse events [5].
SIGN
Breathlessness
Speaking
Level of
consciousness
Breathing rate
Muscle
retraction
MILD
On walking
Can lie down
Phrases
May be
agitated
Increased
No
MODERATE
On talking
Prefers to sit up
Parts of phrases
Usually agitated
Increased
Usually
SEVERE
On lying down
words
Always agitated
Often >30/min
Often >30/min
Usually
Wheezing
Pulse/min
Peak expiratory
flow after
treatment
Moderate
<100
Over 70%
Strong
100-120
50-70%
Very syrong
>120
<50%; <100/min