BRONCHIAL ASTHMA IN ACUTE EXACERBATION PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

Predisposing Factors Precipitating Factors

Gender, Age, Family History, Race Viral Respiratory Infections, Allergen Exposure (animal
dander, dust, pollen, etc.)
Change in Weather, Smoking, Exercise

Exposure to different pathogens

Entry of the allergen

Release of immunoglobulin E (IgE)

Release of different chemical mediators

Mast cell degranulation

Release of the different inflammatory chemical mediators

Leukotrienes Prostaglandins Histamine, bradykinin, & other inflammatory

mediators

Release of eosinophils Opening of the mucosal

(to combat allergen) inrtracellular junction

Inflammatory process
 Mucus production Increase vascular permeability Direct stimulation of the vagal
efferents

Mucosal edema Bronchoconstriction

More release of other inflammatory mediators

Decrease ciliary function Epithelial damage Further edema

Mucus hypersecretion Increased airway responsiveness

Wheezing, continuous coughing, dypnea, moist skin, tachypnea

feelings of chest tightness
fatigue, anxiety
View more pathophysiology and schematic diagrams at Nurseslabs.com