Exploration of A&P and Pathophysiology

Last updated 22 February 2023

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Pathophysiology of Asthma

Asthma is a long-lasting inflammatory ailment of the breathing systems. It can be classified in different ways; physiologically, pathologically and bronchoconstriction. Physiologically it can be observed as an adjustable and partly it can be reversible by blocking of air flow just as in the case of Jessica where your aunt Anne used salbutamol puffer and spacer to reverse the obstructed air. (Marthan., R, et al. 2014)

Pathologically it comes with overdeveloped mucus glands, airway thickens due to scarring inflammation and bronchoconstriction, the narrowing of the airways in the lungs due to the tightening of surrounding smooth muscle. It has many symptoms and among them is cold like symptoms, clear discharge from the nose, low grade fever and frequently coughing at night. This characteristic of asthma has insinuations for the diagnosis, management, and potential prevention of the disease. (Guido R. Zanni. 2013)

Pathophysiology or physiopathology is a word that is formed by combination of two words, both pathology with physiology. Pathology is a medical discipline that is used to explain conditions that are originally seen during a disease and in this case, Jessica’s ailment, On the other hand physiology is the biological term that is used to describe processes or ways that operate within a being. Pathology has always been used to describe the irregular or undesired disorder, as a result of which pathophysiology tries to explain the physiological processes or mechanisms in which such a condition grows and advances (Marthan., R, et al. 2014)

Pathophysiology is also used to mean the functional variations related with or resulting from illness or injury. Lastly it can also be defined as the functional changes that accompany a particular disease.

How it affects the respiratory system

During an asthma incident, inflamed airways react to environmental triggers such as smoke, dust, or pollen. The airways narrow and produce excess mucus, making it difficult to breathe. In essence, asthma is the result of a resistant response in the bronchial airways. The airways of asthma patients are oversensitive to certain triggers, also known as stimuli. In response to exposure to these triggers, the bronchi which has large airways contract into spasm which is an attack by asthma. Inflammation soon follows, leading to a further narrowing of the breathing system and excessive mucus that is produced. This leads to coughing and other breathing difficulties. Bronchospasm may resolve impulsively in one to two hours, or in about half of the subjects, may become part of a delayed response, where this initial insult is followed three to twelve hours later with further bronchoconstriction and inflammation.

The normal ability of the bronchus is usually maintained by a stable operative of the autonomic anxious system, which both of them operates reflexively. The parasympathetic reflex loop consists of afferent nerve endings which originate under the inner linings of the bronchus. Whenever these afferent nerve endings are stimulated by different this such as dust, cold air or fumes. When they have stimulated the efferent nerve system, impulses travel to the brain-stem called the vagal center, then it moves down the vagal efferent pathway until it reaches the bronchial small breathing system. When it reaches here acetylcholine is released from the efferent nerve endings which results in the excessive formation of inositol 1, 4, 5-trisphosphate (IP3) in the bronchial smooth muscle cells which leads to muscle shortening and this initiates bronchoconstriction which brings the chest problems of difficulty in breathing which is called asthma. . (Pat Bass. 2014 page 36)

Shortness of breath in asthma and its manifestation

Asthma is a life time ailment that makes someone’s lungs hypersensitive and hard to breathe. It is an incurable disease, but with good treatment, people with asthma can lead normal, active lives. Shortness of breath is a feeling whereby you get a dyspnea. Dyspnea is having a difficulty in breathing. If one has asthma, their breathing passages are highly sensitive. Some things can thereby make their respiratory system to encounter some problems. One of the problems encountered is swollen and blocked airways. This is as a result of excessive mucus. The swelling and mucus makes the respiratory system narrow. This leads to difficulty in breathing. This is one of the major cause’s signs of an asthma patient even before a diagnosis is carried out. . (Pat Bass. 2014 page 36) Other symptoms of asthma include wheezing, chest tightness and chronic cough as in the case of Jessica. There is no medical terminology for shortness of breath. Asthma patients will frequently describe this trouble of breathing in different ways. While others call it unable to catch my breath others call it gasping for breath. (Pat Bass. 2014 page 36)

Wheezing and in asthma and its manifestation

This are some of the most common asthma symptoms and are often the purpose why many people look out for care. With wheezing you will hear a high-pitched whistle sound as you breathe through your mouth or nose. While most commonly heard as you exhale, or breathe out, wheezing may also occur when inhaling or breathing in. Wheezing results from the airways of the lungs narrowing as a result of inflammation, making it more difficult for air to flow through the lung. . (Pat Bass. 2014 page 25)