 |
Definition |
|
Need to breathe |
|
Lung structure |
|
Mucus clearing |
|
Bronchial ‘hyperresponsiveness’ |
|
Who gets asthma |
|
International differences |
|
Recent trends |
|
Symptoms |
|
Physical examination |
|
Lung function tests |
|
Patterns of peak flow readings |
| |
Response to treatment |
| |
Limitations of peak flow readings |
| |
Chest x-rays |
| |
Blood and ‘allergy’ tests |
| |
Antigens and antibodies |
| |
Skin prick testing |
| |
Difficulties in diagnosis |
| |
Severity of asthma
|
|
Cells of the immune system |
|
Risk factors for asthma |
|
Host factors |
|
Environmental factors |
|
House dust mite |
|
Identifying trigger factors |
|
Identifying atopy |
|
Stopping smoking |
|
House dust mite |
|
Moulds |
|
Pollen |
|
Exercise |
|
Drug therapy |
|
Food allergy |
|
Desensitisation |
|
Steroids |
|
Sodium cromoglycate and nedocromil |
|
Leukotriene receptor antagonists |
|
Bronchodilators |
|
Theophylline |
|
Anticholinergics |
|
Controllers and relievers |
|
Antihistamines |
|
Inhaler devices |
|
Pressurised metered dose inhalers |
|
Spacers |
|
Dry powder inhalers |
|
Nebulisers |
