Asthma is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Environmental factors include exposure to air pollution and allergens. Other potential triggers include medications such as aspirin and beta blockers. Diagnosis is usually based on the pattern of symptoms, response to therapy over time, and spirometry. Asthma is classified according to the frequency of symptoms, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow rate. It may also be classified as atopic or non-atopic where atopy refers to a predisposition toward developing a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction. COUNT 5
QSN1 What two factors cause asthma? ANS1 genetic and environmental factors QSN2 What are two enviromental factors? ANS2 exposure to air pollution and allergens QSN3 What medications can also trigger asthma? ANS3 aspirin and beta blockers QSN4 What patterns are used to diagnose asthma? ANS4 the pattern of symptoms, response to therapy over time, and spirometry QSN5 How is asthma classified? ANS5 according to the frequency of symptoms, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow rate