Asthma, Pulmonary

Alternate Name:

Test:

Sputum microscopy (eosinophils, Curschmannspirals), WCC (eosinophilia), allergen sensitivity testing (AB), B.p02 (L or N), B.pCO3 (H or N), B.pH (AB), S.IgE (H)

Sign:

Barrel chest, Harrison's sulcus, rhonchi, hypo-ventilation

Dd:

CCF, obstructive emphysema, lung carcinoma,pulmonary embolism, TB, bronchitis, Mycoplas­ma pneumonia

Phys:

Obstruction of air outflow in smaller bronchi due to tenacious mucus and bronchial wall thickening. May be allergic, infective, emotional or exertional in origin