Asthma Flashcards
Asthma
inflammatory disorder of airways
Risk factors for asthma attacks
allergens, exercise, polluntants, occupational hazards, respritory infections, GERD, emotional stress
What is the primary response from exposure to allergens??
Chronic inflamation–> Asthma
Early-Phrase
vascular congestion, edema formation, thick mucas, chronichal spasm and thickening of airway walls
late-phase
response occurs within 4-10 hrs after inital attack, can be more severe
S/S of asthma attack
cough, wheezing, chest tightness, SOB, expiration may be prolonged
cough variant asthma
cough is only symptom
acute asthma attack
hypoxic, restless, increased anxiety and pulse and BP
acute asthma attack
hypoxic, restless, increased anxiety and pulse and BP
severe asthma attack
RR>30 pulse>120, need for ER or hospitalization
Life threatening attack
so dyspnic they cant speak
Diagnostic Studies for Asthma
history/physical exam, pulmonary function test, peak flow monitoring, chest XR, ABG, oximetry, allergy test, eosinophils, sputum cultures
severe exacerbations
increase dose of bronchodilators, IV corticosteriods, supplemental O2, IV fluids
Quick relief drugs
coricosteroids, leukotriene modiers, monoclonal antibody to IgE
corticosteroids
suppress inflammatory response
leukotriene modifers
bronchoconstrictors; antiinflammatory
Anti-IgE
decrease circulating IgE levels, take every 2-4 weeks
Anti-IgE
decrease circulating IgE levels, take every 2-4 weeks
Bronchodilators
B-adrenergic agnoist, methylxanthines, anticholinergics
B-adrenergic agnoist
acute bronchospasm
methylxanthines
alleviates early phase (with another medication)
anticholinergic
block acetylcholine
How much water to drink a day
2-3L it breaks up mucas
Green zone O2
> 80%
yellow zone O2
50-80%
red zone O2
SABA
most effecive b-adrenergicagonists
SABA
most effecive b-adrenergicagonists
mild exacerbations
pt has difficulty breathing only w/activity, peak flow is >70
moderate exacerbations
dyspnea, interferes w/ ADLs peak flow is 40-60%
severe exacerbations
life threatening, repitive SABA needed, corticosteriods via IV
metered dose inhaler
dry powder inhaler and nebulizers
metered dose inhaler
dry powder inhaler and nebulizers
