physiological factors of asthma and control Flashcards
moderate acute asthma?
- increasing symptoms
- PEF >50-75% best or predicted
- no features of acute severe asthma
-symptoms of life threatening asthma?
- PEF <33% best or predicted
- SpO2 <92%
-PaO2 <8kPa - silent chest
- cyanosis
- poor respiratory effort
- arrhythmia
Identify a factor which can increase the risk of death for asthma patients.
-Adverse psychosocial factors (e.g. alcohol or drug abuse, social isolation, psychosis or depression)
-Patients with severe asthma and one or more adverse psychosocial factors are at risk of death
True or False: Difficult asthma is often associated with coexistent psychological morbidity.
True, difficult asthma is indeed associated with coexistent psychological morbidity.True, difficult asthma is indeed associated with coexistent psychological morbidity.
Why are psychological factors important in asthma ?
1) They affect disease process: difficulties with adherence to treatment or taking in information + may directly lead to worsening of symptoms
2) Respiratory illness has significant psychological impact (esp. anxiety and depression)
Overall, reduced QOL compared to controls
3) Influences the service level (more demand on the NHS, and on hospital staff)
What specific health-related (in the context of asthma) events are adverse psychosocial factors associated with ?
-Asthma-related deaths
-Near fatal asthma
-Brittle-asthma
-Non-compliance
-Visits to A and E
Which specific psychosocial factors are closely related with health-related events in asthma ?
1) Emotions
Depression
Anxiety
Panic
Denial
2) Cognitive Factors
Reduced confidence
Beliefs around vulnerability
What proportion of children/adolescents with asthma also have anxiety ? Panic ?
33%
Up to 24%
Define anxiety.
State of intense apprehension, uncertainty, and fear resulting from the anticipation of a threatening event or situation, often to a degree that normal physical and psychological functioning is disrupted
What is the appropriate course of action when dealing with an asthmatic patient with an anxiety/panic attack ?
Expression of fear allows for appropriate psychological formulation, planned intervention and treatment plan
Therefore, need to encourage exploration of fears through active listening, comforting, guidance, quiet and accepting presence.
What are the physical symptoms of anxiety ?
Physical: Quicker and shallower breathing + dry mouth + faster heartbeat + tunnel vision + bladder urgency
Cognitive: Difficulties with concentration and attention + memory problems
what are psychological symptoms of anxiety?
Psychological: Thoughts that something bad is going to happen + fear of losing control + sense of dread, impending doom + loss of confidence
what are behavioural symptoms of anxiety?
Behavioral: Fidgeting, hesitating, avoidance, shaking
what are cognitive symptoms of anxiety?
Cognitive: Difficulties with concentration and attention + memory problems
Give a specific way in which anxiety/panic attacks relates with asthma.
Breathlessness is a symptom of both asthma and panic attacks.