Asthma Flashcards
What is asthma ?
Swollen airways resulting in reduced air flow due to ;
- bronchoconstriction
- airways inflammation
- mucus
What causes asthma ?
Extrinsic (atopic)
- younger age groups
- allergens
- Family history
Intrinsic (non atopic)
- older age groups
- associated with chronic bronchitis
- stress / anxiety
- resp infections
What is the related pathology of asthma ?
Narrowing of airways due do
- bronchospasms
- oedema of mucus membranes
- mucus production and plugging
Features of asthma
Extrinsic:
Night onset of chest tightness, wheezing, dyspnoea (SOB), unproductive cough
Intrinsic:
Same as extrinsic but symptoms are continuous and worse in the morn
What would you find on an asthma chest exam?
Auscultation, percussion, x ray, posture, breathing and spirometry?
Auscultation - wheezing and prolonged expiration. Silent chest during attack
Percussion- hollow sounds
Chest x-ray - hyperinflation
Poor posture
Use of accessory muscles on breathing
Spirometry- FEV1 and FVC drops during attacks. TLV AND RV increases due to hyperinflation
What is the medical management of asthma?
Oxygen during attack
Inhalers or nebulisers
Corticosteroids
Bronchodilators
Main problems associated with asthma (3)?
Lung secretions
Reduced lung expansion
Reduced exercise tolerance (lead to de conditioning)
Aims of asthma physiotherapy
Release bronchospasms & remove secretions
Improve breathing control (especially during attacks)
Improve posture and reduce anxiety
Improve exercise tolerance
Self management advice
Physio interventions for asthma
Relaxation techniques to relieve spasms
Breathing exercise to reduce RR & TV Z
Teach sputum clearance such as ACBT
ACBT, PD, Manual techniques
Patient education (avoid allergens, stick to meds, reduce stress and anxiety etc)
Increase aerobic capacity through exercise (mindful of bronchochonstriction prior to exercise. Can induce attacks)
