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Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways causing obstruction. It is caused by factors like allergens, infections, pollution and emotions. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Diagnosis involves patient history, exams, lung function tests and imaging. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation with corticosteroids and dilating airways with bronchodilators. Patients are advised to avoid triggers and take medications as prescribed.
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Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease causing airway obstruction, making breathing difficult.
Common types of asthma include cough variant and exercise-induced. Triggers vary from allergens to stress.
Risk factors include family history, allergies, obesity, smoking, and environmental exposures.
Asthma involves bronchial constriction, inflammation, mucosal edema, and leads to hypoxia and airway obstruction.
Asthma symptoms include cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing, and excessive mucus.
Diagnosis involves history collection, physical examination, chest x-rays, and spirometry to assess lung function.
Common treatments include corticosteroids, antibiotics, beta-adrenergic agents, and mucolytics for symptom relief.
During an attack, check vitals, aid breathing, administer medication, and encourage relaxation.
Asthma requires monitoring, trigger avoidance, medication adherence, and preventive measures such as immunizations.
Complications can include pneumothorax, respiratory failure, persistent cough, and even death.
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Asthma
- 2. Asthma is achronic (long-lasting) inflammatory disease of the airways that causes varying degrees of obstructions in the air ways. It is a condition in which the airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
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- 4. Airborne allergens, suchas pollen Allergic reactions to some foods, such as peanuts or shellfish Respiratory infections, such as the common cold Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma) Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke Certain medications, including beta blockers, aspirin, ibuprofen Strong emotions and stress Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acids back up into your throat Climatic conditions
- 5. Having a bloodrelative (such as a parent or sibling) with asthma Having another allergic condition, such as dermatitis or allergic rhinitis (hay fever) Being overweight Being a smoker Exposure to secondhand smoke Having a mother who smoked while pregnant Exposure to exhaust fumes or other types of pollution Exposure to occupational triggers, such as chemicals used in farming,and manufacturing Low birth weight
- 7. Due to etiologicalfactors Asthma triggers(infection,allergens,) Inflamation ,brochopasm Bronchial Smooth Muscle Constriction Occurs over secreation of mucus
- 8. Mucosal edema Obstruction ofsmall and large airways Air trapping Hypoxia
- 9. Coughing Chest tightness Shortness ofbreath A whistling or wheezing sound Insomnia Common cold Excessive mucus production Tachycardia Cyanosis
- 10. History collection Physical examination Chestx rays P FT ABG Spirometry
- 11. Cortico steroids toreduce inflamation and to reduce broncho-constriction Antibiotics Beta –adrenergic agents to dilate smooth bronchial muscles Mucolytics
- 12. Check vitals. Monitor pulseoximetry and peak flow. Demonstrate the proper use of metered dose inhaler properly. Reassure the patient during an asthma attack Place the patient in semi-fowler position and encourage breathing and provide nebulisation. Assist him to relax as much as possible to reduce anxiety. Administer bronchodilators and corticosteroids
- 13. Adjust oxygen accordingto the patient’s vital functions and ABG measurements. Administer drugs and I.V. fluids as ordered which will help loosen secretions. Encourage the patient to express his fears and concerns about his illness. Encourage the patient for deep breathing excercises and chest physiotherapy.
- 14. Asthma is anongoing condition that needs regular monitoring and treatment. Identify and avoid asthma triggers. Get immunizations for influenza and pneumonia. Advice regarding inhaler use. Advice to quit smoking. Advice to take medicines and regular checkups. If asthma is related to exposure at work, take all precautions, including wearing a mask .
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