PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

Asthma airway inflammation loop

This causal loop diagram illustrates one simplified pathway in asthma. Trigger exposure can increase airway inflammation, which can increase bronchoconstriction and airflow obstruction. Greater obstruction can increase respiratory effort and airway irritation, potentially adding to inflammation. The reinforcing loop highlights why symptoms may worsen without a balancing influence. It deliberately avoids treatment choices, severity classifications and patient-specific triggers so the causal structure stays easy to read. Add those only when the intended audience can explain each sign and feedback relationship. Use the diagram for education or discussion, not as a substitute for a personal asthma action plan, emergency assessment or professional medical advice.

UPDATED 2026-09-24
EXAMPLEAsthma airway inflammation loop
Make this diagram your own.

Open it in the AI editor with a prompt pre-filled — keep what works, change what doesn't.

CASE ANALYSIS

Scenario

Asthma mechanism teaching

Key decisions

  • Variables: Separate inflammation and bronchoconstriction.
  • Polarity: Keep every worsening relationship positive.
  • Loop: Name the airway irritation feedback.
  • Scope: Keep the example qualitative.

When to reuse this

Use for learning and discussion, not for individual asthma management.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What does a positive arrow mean?01
It means the variables tend to move in the same direction, all else being equal.
Why is this loop reinforcing?02
Increased inflammation can contribute to changes that create more airway irritation and inflammation.
Can medication be modelled?03
Yes. A bronchodilator can be added as a balancing influence that reduces bronchoconstriction.
Open this example in the editor →

Tweak it with chat, export PNG/SVG, or fork it for your own use case.