Chapter 11: Asthma Exam 2 Flashcards
Inhalation
-The diaphragm contracts & moves downward while the intercostal muscles contract & pull the ribs upwards, increasing the space in the chest cavity
-The lungs expand into this space reducing pressure in the chest cavity below that of atmospheric air
-Air moves from high to low pressure so it automatically enters lungs
Exhalation
-The diaphragm relaxes & moves upward while the intercostal muscles relax & pull the ribs downward, decreasing the space in the chest cavity
-The lungs contract in this reduced space increasing pressure in the chest cavity above that of atmospheric air
-Air moves from high to low pressure so it automatically exits lungs
Air travels from the nasal and mouth cavity through the ______ down the _____
Pharynx & Trachea
Breakdown of Trachea Branches
-Trachea divides into left & right primary bronchi
-Primary bronchi branches into 3 secondary bronchi in the right & 2 in the left lung
-Secondary bronchi then branch into smaller bronchioles deep in each lung
Where do bronchioles terminate?
At alveoli
Alveoli
Small air sacks where gases are exchanged
What is the purpose of respiratory airways being lined with mucous membranes & cilia?
Keep the airway warm & moist and help trap foreign particles
What does mucous protect the lung from?
Trauma
What does moist air help?
Oxygen diffusion into pulmonary capillaries
Function of C-shaped Cartilage Rings in the Trachea
Provides structure that prevents collapse during breathing
Can food pass through the esophagus?
Yes
Asthma
-Chronic inflammation of the airways
-Hyperactive bronchi temporarily narrow airways
-Classic symptoms of an asthma attack
Symptoms of Asthma
-Coughing
-Wheezing
-Chest Tightness
-Shortness of Breath
What Happens During an Asthma Attack?
-Respiratory passages inflame & smooth muscle lining (lumen) constricts, reducing air & oxygen movement through airways
-Mucous accumulates & obstructs smaller airways (bronchioles)
-Untreated, inflammation increases & smooth muscle lining spasms further constricting airway
-Inflammation & bronchoconstriction reduce airflow & oxygen into the alveoli
There is a Cure to Asthma. True or False
False
Tips to Management of Asthma
-Medication as prescribed
-Avoid triggers
-Monitor airflow
-Avoid respiratory infections
-Exercise
-Proper breathing techniques
Asthma Medication: Bronchodilators
-Relax bronchial tubes & prevent or alleviate constriction
-Short-Acting Beta-2 Agonists (SABAs) (Rescue) lasts 4-6 hrs
-Long-Acting Beta-2 Agonists (LABAs) (Maintenance) lasts 12 or more hours
Asthma Medication: Anti-inflammatories
-Prevents inflammation & swelling of bronchial tubes
-Used regularly for long-term control of asthma
Asthma Medication: Combination Drugs
Provides both anti-inflammatory & long-acting beta-2 agonists in a single inhaler
Triggers of Asthma
-Extreme immune system response sends white blood cells to engulf allergens or irritants
-Results in excess fluid accumulation & mucous production
-Repeated bouts promote permanent damage & further inflammation & airway constriction
Monitor Airflow
-Use a peak flow meter to measure how well air moves out of lungs
-Users blow into a tube & check their score on the device
-After three attempts, the highest score is taken & compared to a standard score
-A score below the standard suggests a constricted airway & possible upcoming asthma attack
Where are the accessory breathing muscles located?
-Neck
-Upper Chest
-Shoulders
What breaks the panic cycle?
Pursed-lip breathing
What type of breathers are asthmatics?
Shallow & rapid chest breathers
The Panic Cycle
Become Stressed-> Shortness of Breath Begins-> Anxiety Starts-> Breathing Becomes Faster-> Breathing Muscles Tire-> Shortness of Breath Increases-> Anxiety Increases-> Breathing Becomes Even More Rapid-> Breathing Muscles Tire Even More
Benefits of Proper Breathing Techniques
-Trains diaphragm to work properly
-Reduces load on accessory breathing muscles
-Prevents chest breathing
Exercise Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB)
-12-15% of general population
-Exercise is trigger
-Develops 10-15min after start of exercise, intensity increases
-Gradually resolves during activity
-Post-exercise symptoms reappear after 15 min & resolve after 45-60 min
Why does Exercise Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB) happen?
-As intensity increases more breathing done through the mouth
-Insufficiently filtered, warmed, & moistened air passes into the deeper respiratory airways
-Dries & cools the airway linings promoting further irritation, inflammation and constriction
What to avoid if you have Exercise Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB)?
-Exercising in dry, cool environments
-Steady state, long duration exercise
What is a form of exercise that is ideal if you have Exercise Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB) and why?
Swimming because of increased warmth & humidity and horizontal position facilitates mucous removal
There is no exercise-based guidelines for the Asthmatic population. True or False
True
Benefits of Exercise
-Improved overall conditioning & functional capacity
-Decreased hospitalizations
-Decreased risk for chronic conditions
-Improved psychological mood
