Asthma

Aug 17, 2024

Asthma

  • Definition: Chronic inflammatory disorder of the airway; intermittent and reversible.
  • Differentiation: Unlike COPD, asthma is reversible.

Pathophysiology

  • Triggers: Can include allergens, cold air.
  • Symptoms: Result from inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness causing bronchoconstriction and obstruction.

Symptoms of Asthma

  • Dyspnea (difficulty breathing)
  • Wheezing
  • Chest tightness
  • Coughing
  • Tachypnea (rapid breathing)
  • Use of accessory muscles
  • Prolonged expiration
  • Severe cases: Barrel chest

Diagnosis

  • Tests: Pulmonary function tests (PFTs), arterial blood gases (ABGs).
  • Indicators: Decreased SpO2, possibly below 92%.

Treatment of Asthma

  • Medications:
    • Bronchodilators (control therapy and reliever drugs)
    • Anticholinergics
    • Anti-inflammatories
    • Leukotriene antagonists

Patient Education

  • Monitoring: Use of peak flow meter to detect airway narrowing early.
    • Record highest number from three attempts.
  • Avoidance: Identifying and avoiding environmental triggers and irritants.
  • Exercise-Induced Asthma: Take bronchodilator 30 minutes before exercising.
  • Medication Understanding:
    • Short-acting bronchodilators (e.g., Albuterol) for acute attacks.
    • Long-acting bronchodilators (e.g., Salmeterol) for daily control.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Carry an emergency inhaler.

Complications

  • Status Asthmaticus: A life-threatening condition with airway obstruction unresponsive to therapy.
    • Can lead to pneumothorax, cardiac, and respiratory arrest.
    • Symptoms include labored breathing, gasping, decreased consciousness, cyanosis, neck vein distention, pulsus paradoxus.
  • Treatment: Bronchodilators, epinephrine, corticosteroids; administer oxygen and prepare for intubation and mechanical ventilation.

Quiz Questions

  1. Prolonged expiration is a symptom of asthma. True or false?
    • Answer: True
  2. Should patients record the average number after three attempts with a peak flow meter? True or false?
    • Answer: False (record the highest number)
  3. What type of bronchodilator should be used during an acute asthma attack?
    • Answer: A short-acting bronchodilator, such as albuterol.