Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and clinical assessment of asthma in the adult
Kathryn Killeen1, Elizabeth Skora
1The Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Adult Critical Care Nursing, Rush University Medical Center, 1725 West Harrison, Suite 054, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. Kathryn_M_Killeen@rush.edu
Abstract:
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder that is characterized by 3 distinct responses in the airways: inflammation, hyperresponsiveness, and remodeling. Clinical diagnosis of asthma is often based on the presence of symptoms, such as cough, wheeze, breathlessness, and chest tightness; but the presence of these symptoms is not exclusive to asthma, and clinical correlation with spirometry and other diagnostic testing is essential. Once a diagnosis of asthma is established, the focus of care should be toward control of the disease. This article discusses the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and clinical assessment of asthma in the adult patient population.
Related Concept Videos
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Asthma-IV: Nursing Management
First, in...
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Asthma-I: Introduction
