MBBS · General Medicine

Asthma

Asthma involves variable respiratory symptoms and expiratory airflow limitation related to airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. Patterns vary across patients and over time.

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Asthma — learning map

Original conceptual SVG · scalable
LABELED RELATIONSHIP MAP · SCHEMATIC, NOT TO SCALEAirway processesinflammation and narrowingVariable symptomsepisodic patternObjective assessmentdocument variabilityRisk and follow-upsymptoms are not allAsthmaKEY RELATIONSHIPS

Original schematic relationship map for this topic; relationships are organized for study, not intended as an anatomical depiction or a diagnostic algorithm.

Concept 01

Airway processes

Bronchoconstriction, airway-wall swelling and mucus can narrow airway lumen and impair airflow.

Concept 02

Variable symptoms

Wheeze, breathlessness, chest tightness and cough can fluctuate with exposure, exercise, infection and time of day.

Concept 03

Objective assessment

Spirometry and other tests, interpreted in clinical context, may demonstrate variable expiratory airflow limitation.

Concept 04

Risk and follow-up

Exacerbation history, lung function, inhaler technique and environmental factors contribute to assessing control and future risk.

Education / safety note: This lesson is not an asthma action plan or inhaler prescription. Acute respiratory distress requires urgent professional care.

Reference and next reading

Explore the original curriculum and publisher-hosted resources for full-depth reading; this note is an original schematic introduction, not an exhaustive chapter.

Official / publisher source: NMC official CBME Curriculum 2024 and current regulations index ↗Official / publisher source: NCBI Bookshelf ↗Official / publisher source: PubMed ↗