class 7 asthma Flashcards
jan 30th
what is asthma
inflammation fo the airways characterized by paroxysmal or persistent symptoms such a dyspnea, wheezing, sputum production and cough
what happens in the airways with asthma
-airway is more irritable or “twitchy”
-chronic inflammation
-excessive mucus production
-airway remodeling
what are the symptoms of asthma
-chronic cough
-wheeze
-chest tightness
-shortness of breath
when do symptoms occur?
-worse at night/morning
-with viral respiratory infection
-after exposure to allergens
-after exercise
-after playing/laughing
comorbidities for asthma
-allergic rhinitis
-chronic sinusitis
-GERD
-obesity
how is asthma diagnosed in children <6 years of age
-clinical history of recurrent symptoms
-improvement in symptoms with therapy
-no suspicion of alternative diagnosis
-family hx of asthma, allergies, and/or eczema
how is asthma diagnosed in children > 6 years and adults
-clinical history
-pulmonary function test (PFT)
-methacholine challenge test
what is pulmonary function test (spirometry)
-preferred diagnostic test
-measure how much and how fast you can blow air out of your lungs
-FEV1 improves >12% after bronchodilator or >20% after 2 weeks of inhaled steroid
what is a methacholine challenge
-perform baseline spirometry first
-increasing concentrations of methacholine given via neb. FEV1 is measured after each inhalation (>20% change is significant)
-measures airway hyperresponsiveness
education needed for people dx with astma
-what it is
-identify triggers/discuss avoidance
-reliever therapy prn
-medications daily
-inhaler technique
-adherence to meds
-written action plan
-regular assessments of asthma control
non-allergic triggers (irritants)
-dust
-exercise
-tobacco smoke
-wood smoke
-strong scents
-viral infections
-weather changes
-air pollution
environmental control outside of the home
-plan ahead
-avoid smoke/vapour
-remove pets
home environmental controls
-mold/mildew removal
-no carpets
-hypoallergenic mattress/pillow cover
-bed linen washed 1x week
-humidity
education for exercise-induced asthma
-warm-up before
-cool down after
-use bronchodilator 10-15 minutes before
-avoid outdoor exercise when pollution/pollen count is high
-cover mouth and nose when exercising in cold
-always carry blue puffer (bronchodilator)