01 / 07
12min module

Pathophysiology of Asthma

with Dr Stephen Gaduzo

This module provides a basic overview of the pathophysiology of asthma, including:

  • asthma characteristics and symptoms,
  • consequences of airway inflammation, and
  • a closer look at the difference between a normal airway and the airway of a patient with asthma

No advice given in this module is intended to be a substitute for your own professional judgment in the clinical management of your patients.

Let's get started
Click to play. You can also expand the video to full screen. When prompted, click Next to continue.
 

Asthma is characterised by attacks of breathlessness and wheezing, with exacerbations associated with variable airflow obstruction. True or false.

True
False

Correct!

That’s right. Attacks of breathlessness and wheezing are characteristics of asthma, and exacerbations are associated with variable airflow obstruction.

Incorrect

Not quite. Attacks of breathlessness and wheezing are characteristics of asthma and exacerbations are associated with variable airflow obstruction meaning the statement is true.

Click to play. You can also expand the video to full screen. When prompted, click Next to continue.
 

Which of these changes are associated with the airway of a patient with asthma?

Loss of epithelium surface and cartilage integrity
Increased smooth muscle mass
Inflammation
All of them

Correct!

That’s right. All of these are changes from a normal to asthmatic airway. These changes can lead to inflammation, airway obstruction, hyper-responsiveness, airway oedema, and mucus hypersecretion.

Incorrect!

Almost. All of these are changes from a normal to asthmatic airway.

Click to play. You can also expand the video to full screen. When prompted, click Next to continue.
 

Well done you have successfully completed this module

Download and keep your certificate below. Why not explore more Respiratory Refresher training?

More educational resources

UK-RES-2301539 January 2024