OUTLINE

Introduction

Epidemiology

Airway anatomy

Spirometry

Aetiology

Pathophysiology

Classification

Differential diagnosis

Investigations

Management

Conclusion

References

INTRODUCTION

Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory condition of the lung airways with 3 classical characteristics;

Airflow limitation which is usually reversible spontaneously or with treatment.

Airway hyper-responsiveness to a wide range of stimuli

Inflammation of the bronchi.

The most frequent form has its onset in childhood between ages of 3 and 5 years and may either worsen or improve during adolescence.

In chronic asthma, inflammation may be accompanied by irreversible airflow limitation as a result of airway remodeling.