Asthma Flashcards
(32 cards)
What is asthma (The pathophysiology)?
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, bronchoconstriction, mucus overproduction, and airway remodelling.
What are the main symptoms of asthma?
wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, especially at night or early morning.
What are examples of asthma triggers?
allergens (e.g., pollen, dust mites), exercise, cold air, respiratory infections, stress, or air pollutants.
What are the risk factors and causes of asthma?
genetics (atopy, genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases), environmental factors (Allergen exposure such as pollen, Mold spores, pet dander, air pollution for example occupational asthma that is triggered by workplace irritants such as chemical fumes, gases and dust), obesity, smoking (or exposure in utero or childhood), and respiratory infections, occupational irritants.
What are the main treatments for asthma?
Long term control: Inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., budesonide, fluticasone) prevent and treat inflammation, long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs), leukotriene modifiers- tablets block chain reaction that increases inflammation in airways , theophylline- opens the airways, and quick-relief short-acting beta2-agonists.
Quick-relief (rescue): Short-acting beta2-agonists (e.g., salbutamol/albuterol), Oral corticosteroids in exacerbations
What are non-pharmacological treatments for asthma?
smoking cessation, avoiding allergens and triggers, breathing exercises, pulmonary rehab, and weight management.
What are pharmacological treatments for asthma?
anticholinergics (e.g., ipratropium) and combination inhalers (LABA + corticosteroid).
What are long-term treatments for asthma?
Inhaled corticosteroids, LABAs, Leukotriene modifiers
What are short-term treatments for asthma?
Bronchodilators provide quick relief if symptoms flare up, relax tightened muscles, and open airways. Short-acting beta2-agonists (Salbutamol, Terbutaline) and oral corticosteroids for acute attacks.
What are the aims for treating asthma?
No symptoms, good quality of life, less than two uses of quick-relief medication per week, good peak expiratory flow (PEF) values.
What are the two main medical treatments for asthma?
Inhaled corticosteroids for long-term inflammation control and short-acting beta2-agonists for quick symptom relief during exacerbations.
They are applied to prevent inflammation and manage acute bronchoconstriction, respectively.
What is PEF?
Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) measures the maximum speed of exhalation and helps in monitoring asthma control and identifying early signs of exacerbation using a peak flow meter.
What are the peak flow zones?
Peak flow zones are areas of measurement on a peak flow meter. The goal of the peak flow zones is to show early symptoms of uncontrolled asthma. Peak flow zones are set differently for each person. Your healthcare provider will help determine your peak flow zones. The 3 peak flow zones are noted by color and include:
GREEN: 80% to 100% of your highest peak flow reading, indicating good air movement. It means that you can do your usual activities and go to sleep without trouble.
YELLOW: Sign your airways are starting to narrow. You may start to have mild symptoms, such as coughing, feeling tired, feeling short of breath, or feeling like your chest is tightening.
These symptoms may keep you from your usual activities or from sleeping well.
RED: Less than 50% of personal best, indicating a medical emergency. Severe narrowing of your airways.
This is a medical emergency.
You should get help right away.
You may be coughing, very short of breath, wheezing while breathing in and out, or having retractions (the muscles between the ribs are working hard to help you breathe).
You may also have trouble walking and talking.
What is spirometry?
A diagnostic test that measures lung function, including forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1).
Used for diagnosing asthma, monitoring condition severity, and evaluating response to treatment.
Used for diagnosing asthma, monitoring condition severity, and evaluating response to treatment.
What can be done to prevent asthma?
Avoid triggers (e.g., smoke, allergens), maintain weight control, use medications as prescribed, cease smoking, and get vaccinations (e.g., flu, pneumonia).
How can asthma be detected in patients?
Through symptom history, family history of allergies, physical exam and auscultation (may be normal during periods without symptoms, wheezing sounds when symptoms are on), and PEF and spirometry results before and after bronchodilator use.
What are the necessary examinations for asthma diagnosis?
Medical history and symptom evaluation, physical exam, PEF and spirometry, response to bronchodilators, and possibly a bronchial challenge test.
What is the quick assessment for emergency responses?
Quick assessment: (breathing, SpO2, PEF)
How much effort does the patient use for breathing (muscles?)
Can he or she talk full sentences?
Is there any difference between the length of inhale and exhale (in an asthma attack exhale time increase)
In auscultation a wheezing sound is usually heard, especially during exhale. If the situation is severe decreased breathing sounds (wheezing disappears), shallow breathing, cyanosis, disorientation, bradycardia and decreased blood pressure may occur.
RR+p (Astrup- sample is taken, if the situation is severe or the patient has COPD)
Oxygen therapy aiming to a normal Sp02% level.
Bronchodilator (e.g., salbutamol)
Corticosteroid administration
Hospitalization if severe (cyanosis, confusion, silent chest)
What sounds are typically heard during auscultation in an asthma attack?
Wheezing sounds, especially during exhale.
In severe cases, decreased breathing sounds may occur.
What are the signs of severe respiratory distress?
Decreased breathing sounds (wheezing disappears, cyanosis, disorientation, bradycardia, and decreased blood pressure.
What should be included in the nursing assessment of an asthma patient ?
Respiratory status including lung sounds, peak flow readings, oxygen saturation, Breathing rate, SpO2, coughing, PEF values.
