Asthma

Question 1

Signs and symptoms of asthma (11)

Answer 1

Wheezing
Dyspnoea
Blue extremities
Low peak flow
Low O2 SATs
Hypoxia/hypoxaemia
Exercise intolerance
Dizziness
Slow capillary refill
Apnoea
Orthopnoea

Question 2

Pathophysiology of Asthma

Answer 2

An irritant or trigger causes increased inflammatory response from cells called cytokines
Causes airways to bronchioconstrict reducing airway space and excess amounts of mucus are produced blocking and narrowing the airway
Blocking of air fails to empty lungs sufficiently and limiting amount of O2 entering and going to blood resulting in high CO2 in blood
Chemoreceptors detect this and signal respiratory centre to increase rate and depth of ventilation
However doesn’t solve problem long term as body cells continue to be deprived of O2 and suffer from build up of CO2 causing respiratory acidosis

Question 3

Triggers for asthma (11)

Answer 3

Environmental changes
Lifestyle factors
Allergies
Stress
Infection
Pollution
Chemicals
Poor housing conditions
Medication
Sexual inter course
Diet

Question 4

Risks to fetus from asthma

Answer 4

IUGR
SGA
Fetal hypoxia
Fetal abnormality

Question 5

What would your management plan be for someone with asthma?

Answer 5

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