Asthma – 2025/2026 – 80 Q&A on Pathophysiology, Flares, Inflammatory Cells, ICS/LABA Treatment

This advanced academic document features 80 in-depth exam questions and detailed A+ graded answers, designed for the 2025/2026 academic year. It is tailored for students in medical, nursing, respiratory therapy, and pharmacy programs at the University of Health Sciences and equivalent institutions. The content explores asthma comprehensively, from pathogenesis to clinical management, integrating foundational knowledge with evidence-based pharmacology. It includes: Pathophysiology: airway inflammation, smooth muscle hypertrophy, airway remodeling, and structural changes Inflammatory cells and mediators: eosinophils, neutrophils, mast cells, cytokines, leukotrienes, and their clinical impact Genetics and environmental triggers: atopy, allergens, pollution, respiratory infections, occupational factors Clinical features: wheezing, cough, dyspnea, pulsus paradoxus, silent chest, and severe attacks Differential diagnoses: foreign body aspiration, GERD, cystic fibrosis, COPD Diagnostic workup: PFTs, ABGs, chest X-rays, nitric oxide testing Peak flow zones and self-monitoring protocols Treatment strategies: SABA (e.g., albuterol) for intermittent asthma ICS for persistent asthma ICS + LABA combos (e.g., Advair) for uncontrolled symptoms Use of leukotriene modifiers, theophylline, cromolyn, and oral corticosteroids Step-up and step-down protocols Black box warnings for LABAs This document is ideal for: Medical students preparing for system-based or board exams (e.g., USMLE, COMLEX) Nursing and physician assistant students reviewing for pharmacology or clinical decision-making exams Respiratory therapy students studying for credentialing or clinical rotations Clinical tutors and lecturers creating respiratory disease review materials Its detailed explanations, integrated physiology, and pharmacologic rationale make it a premium, exam-focused study tool. Keywords: asthma pathophysiology, airway inflammation, ICS, LABA, albuterol, wheezing, eosinophils, peak flow meter, pulsus paradoxus, asthma exacerbation, asthma triggers, corticosteroids, bronchospasm, nitric oxide testing, status asthmaticus, asthma differential, asthma medications, Advair, leukotrienes, airway remodeling