Lucas and his Asthma

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Lucas and his Asthma

• By
• Kelley Neumann, Kelly Kasner, Michelle Nunez,
  Andrew Simon

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A Problem with Asthma
Lucas is a soccer player dealing with asthma and
a fast acting inhaler doesnt resolve all of his
symptoms. His doctor recommends a combination of
quick relief and long term control medications.

• Short Term Control
• Anti-Cholinergics

• Long Term Control
• Leukotriene Modifiers
• Beta Agonists

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What is Asthma?
Smooth muscle constriction in a parasympathetic
response with inflammation (edema) in the
bronchial airways, which decreases airflow.
Accompanied by increased mucous production.
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Possible Triggers of Asthma

• Extrinsic factors
• Allergic reaction
• Smoke, mold, dust, pollen, food
• Exercise
• Emotional stress

• Intrinsic factors
• Rapid changes in air temperature or humidity
• Chemical signals at the cellular level
• Acetylcholine
• triggers Ca2 release
• Leukotrienes
• produced by mast and macrophage cells
• Histamine
• produced by mast cells

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Chemical Messages and Receptors related to Asthma
Exploiting Signal Molecules Acetylcholine Leukotr
iene modifiers Beta 2 Agonist Anticholinergic
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Signal Transduction during Asthma
(Second Messenger)
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Exercise induced Asthma
Increased air intake through the mouth
Airway Constriction
Smooth muscle contraction, Mucous production
Long Term Control
Short Term Control
Anti-Cholinergics
Leukotriene Modifiers
Beta-2 Agonist (NE)
Muscarinic receptors (Ach)
Reduces muscle constriction and mucous production
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Why should Lucas listen to his Doctor?

• Long term control medicines can prevent asthma
  episodes
• Beta 2 agonist medicine can be used for immediate
  relief and long term control
• Short term Anticholinergics are used for
  individuals who dont respond well to short term
  beta agonists
• Positive feedback mechanism of homeostasis
• A combination of long and short term medicines
  are used to deal with the different receptors
  involved with the activation or blocking of
  asthma symptoms and attacks

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Analogy
The flow of cars on the freeway is the flow of
air moving through your bronchial airways.
Cops are similar to the Leukotrienes by slowing
the flow of traffic Ambulances or Fire trucks are
also similar to Leukotriene modifiers in
regulating the flow of traffic by clearing up
accidents
Beta2 agonists act as long term control in
widening the freeway
One car at a time stop lights at on-ramps similar
to Anti-Cholinergics