2.6 Respiratory malfunctions: monitoring, treatment, and care needs

Question 1

Methods for monitoring asthma?

Answer 1

Spirometry- blow into an electronic machine that measures how fast you breathe out and how much air you can hold in your lungs.
Peak flow test- blow into a handheld device that measures how fast you breathe out, you can do this yourself
Asthma journal- severity, triggers, attacks
Regular checkups

Question 2

Methods for monitoring COPD?

Answer 2

Spirometry- blow into an electronic machine that measures how fast you breathe out and how much air you can hold in your lungs.
Regular checkups- stethoscope to listen to chest
Blood test- exclude other infections
Sputum exam

Question 3

Methods for monitoring cystic fibrosis?

Answer 3

Spirometry- blow into an electronic machine that measures how fast you breathe out and how much air you can hold in your lungs.
Sweat test- measures the amount of salt in sweat which would be abnormally high in someone with cystic fibrosis.

Question 4

Medical treatment for asthma?

Answer 4

Blue reliver inhalers- used when needed to quickly relieve asthma symptoms for a short time
Brown preventer inhalers- used everyday to prevent asthma symptoms happening
Medication for chest infections
Identifying triggers
Short-term oxygen therapy

Question 5

Medical treatment for COPD?

Answer 5

Oxygen therapy- can help increase your oxygen levels, can help with daily tasks
Medication- decrease airway inflammation in people with sever COPD
Bullectomy- surgical procedure that removed damaged air sacks. It can reduce breathlessness and improve function

Question 6

Medical treatment for cystic fibrosis?

Answer 6

Antibiotics- help prevent and treat chest infections
Medicine- to make mucus thinner and easier to cough up
Medicine- widen airways and reduce inflammation
Special techniques and devices- help clear mucus from the lungs
Physiotherapy- breaks up mucus in the lungs

Question 7

Lifestyle changes for asthma?

Answer 7

Avoid triggers, aim for a healthy weight, choose heart-healthy foods, regular physical activity, manage stress, quit smoking and avoids second hand smoke, and enough good quality sleep.

Question 8

Lifestyle changes for COPD?

Answer 8

Stop smoking, staying up to date with vaccines, follow treatment plans, and regularly see your healthcare practitioner for updates.

Question 9

Lifestyle changes for cystic fibrosis?

Answer 9

Vaccinations- helps people stay healthy for longer by preventing additional health issues and are able to generate a satisfactory immune response in people with cystic fibrosis
Avoiding infection- wash hands regularly, wearing masks in clinical areas, avoid touching or playing with things (especially with children).