Signs & Symptoms Of Asthma Flashcards

Which occupational exposure is MOST commonly associated with work-related asthma symptoms that improve on weekends?

Answer: Sensitizers or irritants in the workplace such as isocyanates or flour dust

Occupational asthma caused by workplace sensitizers like isocyanates (paint sprayers) or flour dust (bakers) classically improves on weekends away from exposure.

Which symptom is considered a 'red flag' suggesting potential status asthmaticus?

Answer: Cyanosis, inability to speak, or altered consciousness during an attack

Cyanosis, inability to speak, or altered mental status during an asthma attack indicate life-threatening status asthmaticus requiring immediate emergency intervention.

Which pattern of eosinophilia would you MOST expect to find in a patient with allergic asthma?

Answer: Peripheral blood and sputum eosinophilia

Allergic asthma is characterized by type 2 inflammation with elevated eosinophils in both peripheral blood and induced sputum, reflecting IL-5–driven eosinophil production.

A patient reports worsening asthma symptoms after starting a new blood pressure medication. Which drug class is MOST likely responsible?

Answer: Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers can precipitate severe bronchoconstriction in asthma patients by blocking beta-2 receptors that normally mediate airway smooth muscle relaxation.

Which symptom pattern in children suggests asthma rather than viral bronchiolitis?

Answer: Recurrent episodes of wheeze triggered by multiple factors including exercise and allergens

Recurrent wheeze triggered by multiple factors (allergens, exercise, cold air) in children over age 2 suggests asthma rather than isolated viral bronchiolitis.

Which spirometric parameter directly reflects air trapping in a patient with uncontrolled asthma?

Answer: Increased residual volume (RV) and functional residual capacity (FRC)

Air trapping in asthma causes gas to accumulate in the lungs, elevating residual volume and functional residual capacity on full pulmonary function testing.

During assessment of an asthma patient, which finding on peak flow monitoring suggests poor asthma control over the prior two weeks?

Answer: PEF variability greater than 20% between morning and evening readings

Diurnal PEF variability greater than 20% is a marker of airway hyperresponsiveness and indicates inadequate asthma control over the monitoring period.