Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
Asthma is chronic inflammatory disease driven by Th2 immune response producing IL-4 (IgE switching), IL-5 (eosinophil recruitment), IL-13 (mucus, hyperresponsiveness). IgE cross-linking triggers mast cell degranulation. Stepwise therapy: Step 1-2 = PRN ICS-formoterol; Step 3 = low-dose ICS-LABA; Step 4-5 = medium-high ICS-LABA +/- LAMA +/- biologic. Connect Pediatric Asthma Management to bedside cues you will reassess first: vitals trends, work of breathing, perfusion, mentation, and pain or ischemic equivalents when relevant. Boards reward recognizing when subtle instability outweighs reassurance, then selecting nursing actions that protect airway, circulation, and neurologic status before routine tasks.