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System

Card 1 of 6

DiseasePulmonary

Asthma

Recall: Pathophysiology · S/Sx · Gold Standard Dx · First-line Tx · Pearl

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DiseasePulmonary

Asthma

Pathophysiology: Airway inflammation + bronchial hyperresponsiveness → reversible bronchoconstriction, mucus, and edema.
S/Sx: Episodic wheeze, cough, chest tightness, dyspnea; worse at night/with triggers; prolonged expiration.
Gold Standard Dx: Spirometry: obstructive pattern (↓ FEV1/FVC) with post-bronchodilator FEV1 or FVC rise ≥12% AND ≥200 mL (adults).
First-line Tx: Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) is the controller foundation; current guidelines favor as-needed ICS-formoterol (SMART) as the preferred reliever over a SABA alone. Step up controller therapy (add LABA) by symptom control.

Degree of reversibility does not reliably separate asthma from COPD. Every asthmatic needs ICS-containing therapy — guidelines now favor ICS-formoterol as reliever, not SABA monotherapy.