Asthma

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

Chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes hyperresponsiveness, mucosal edema, and mucus production

Question 2

Causes

Answer 2

Inflammation leads to cough, chest tightness, wheezing, and dyspnea

Question 3

Is it reversible?

Answer 3

Yes, with treatment or spontaneously

Question 4

Predisposing Factor

Answer 4

Allergies

Question 5

S & S

Answer 5

Cough, dyspnea, wheezing

Question 6

Exacerbations

Answer 6

-Cough, productive or not
-Generalized wheezing
-Chest tightness and dyspnea
-Diaphoresis
-Tachycardia
-Hypoxemia and central cyanosis

Question 7

Treatments

Answer 7

*Quick-relief medications
-Beta-2 adrenergic agonists
-Anticholinergics
*Long-acting medications
-Corticosteroids
-Long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonists
-Leukotriene modifiers: prevent
bronchiole constriction
*Patient education
-Identify/avoid the trigger
-Proper inhalation use
-When to see help