Asthma

Disease class: Bronchial diseases
Disease class: lung diseases, Obstructive

Types

• asthma, Aspirin-induced
• asthma, Exercise-induced
• asthma, Occupational
• Status asthmaticus

This is an atopic disease.

 

 Signs

• Wheezing (usually expiratory)

 

Pathology

There is a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction, which causes spasm of the bronchi (bronchospasm). There is a reduction in airway patency and there can be complete airway obstruction.

Schematic of the respiratory tract in asthma. Black = obstruction.
Drawn with guidance from the schematic by Dr. Jonathan Simmonds M.D.

 

See also 

• World Health Organisation fact sheet