week 10-asthma Flashcards
Asthma Definition
- Reactive airway disease
- Chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways
Inflammation causes varying degrees of obstruction in the airways
Hyperresponsiveness causes bronchial constriction leading to narrowing of the airway - Asthma is reversible in early stages
Stages of Asthma:
very mild, mild, moderate, moderately severe & severe
stats
- 8.5% of Canadians over 12 diagnosed with asthma (Statscan, 2010)
- Major cause of hospitalization for children in Canada
- 6 in 10 people with asthma have poor asthma control
High morbidity due to:
in asthma
- Underdiagnosis and inappropriate therapy
- Limited access to health care
- Inaccurate assessment of control
- Delays in seeking medical help
- Inappropriate medical therapy
- Non-adherence to prescribed therapy
most common triggers of asthma attacks. Increased reactivity can last 2-3 weeks after the infection in normal and asthmatic people.
Resp infections are the
Triggers of Asthma Allergens
– Exaggerated immunoglobulin IgE response • Animal dander • Dust mites • Cockroaches • Pollens • Molds • Rodents
Triggers of Asthma Exercise
– Characterized by bronchospasm, SOB, coughing, and wheezing
– When exercising in cold or dry climates, breathing through a scarf or mask may decrease likelihood of symptoms
– Can pre-treat with reliever inhaler 15-30 minutes prior to activity
Triggers of Asthma Respiratory Infections
– Most common precipitating factor of an asthma exacerbation
– Inflammation increases airway hyper-responsiveness
Triggers of Asthma Nose and Sinus Problems
– Nasal problems include allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps
• Large polyps are removed for the client with asthma to have good control
– Sinus problems are usually related to inflammation of the mucous membranes
Triggers of Asthma Drugs and Food Additives
Asthma triad: nasal polyps, asthma, and aspirin sensitivity
– Sensitivity to aspirin and NSAIDs
– Wheezing develops in about two hours
– Sensitivity to salicylates
• Inhibit adrenergic stimulation of the bronchioles
– ACE inhibitors
• Produces cough, making asthma symptoms worse
– Beta-blockers
• Can cause increased bronchial tone resulting in bronchoconstriction
Triggers of AsthmaGastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Exact mechanism is unknown
Aspiration of stomach acid causes vagal stimulation and bronchoconstriction
Can exacerbate nocturnal asthma symptoms
Clients with hiatal hernia and prior ulcer or reflux history may have GERD as an asthma trigger
Triggers of AsthmaEmotional Stress
- symptoms can trigger asthma response
- ( leading to panic and anxiety)
- Extent of psychological factors in inducing and continuing acute exacerbation is unknown
Strong emotions can trigger an asthmatic response- crying, laughter, fear and anger can lead to hyperventilation & hypocapnia, which can cause airway narrowing.
Asthma
• Characteristics:
Chronic disease
o Airway obstruction
Wheeze, cough, SOB **Individual presentation varies!
o Inflammation
Mast cells & macrophages damage lung lining
o Hyperresponsiveness
Environmental irritants, infections, cold air, exercise
1 in 20 have asthma.
The incidence has increased 60% since 1980, no explanation for this drastic increase
Morbidity: school attendance, occupational choices, physical activities, and other aspect of life.
Severe Asthma: S&S
Wheezing **Not reliable in severe attacks** Cough, dyspnea Chest tightness, prolonged expiration Indrawing, retractions, tracheal tug Tachypnea, low O2 Sats Diminished breath sounds
Make sure pt takes a deep breath in order to properly assess for wheezes.
Resps >30, O2 sats
AsthmaDiagnostic Studies
• Detailed history and physical exam • Pulmonary function tests -Spirometry (including response to bronchodilators) • Peak flow monitoring • Chest x-ray • Allergy skin testing • ABGs (acute phase) Oximetry Spirometry Allergy testing Blood levels of eosinophils Sputum culture and sensitivity