Asthma Flashcards
chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing
asthma
what are some common triggers for an acute asthma attack?
- exposure to allergens
- respiratory tract infections
- exercise
- inhaled irritants
- emotional upset
NOTE
in asthma the airways are in a constant state of inflammation, even when symptom free (these periods are known as subacute or quiet)
when an asthma sufferer is exposed to a trigger what are the three things that occur that make breathing more difficult?
- bronchoconstriction
- airway edema
- impaired clearance of secretions
what physiological results occur when an asthma attack is underway?
- airway narrowing limits the airflow
- increases work it takes to breathe
- trapped air mixes with inhaled air -> impairs gas exchange
what is the acute or early response of an asthma attack?
bronchospasms and parasympathetic response
what occurs in the late-phase of an asthma attack?
inflammatory cells (basophils, eosinphils) :
- damage airway epithelium
- produce mucosal edema
- impair mucociliary clearance
- produce/prolong bronchoconstriction
when does the late-phase of an asthma attack occur?
4-12 hours later
what can an untreated asthma attack lead to?
- limited expiratory air flow (CO2 isn’t getting out)
- hypoxemia
- hyperventilation
what acid base imbalance can occur with an untreated asthma attack?
because of hyperventilation (blowing off excess CO2) the CO2 levels will drop causing respiratory alkalosis
an exaggerated bronchoconstrictor response
hyperresponsiveness
- a severe, prolonged form of asthma that is difficult to treat
- can result in respiratory failure
status asthmaticus
the effort or force needed to move oxygen through the trachea to the lungs
airway resistance
what is the primary method of breathing for children under 6 years, and why?
due to immature intercostal muscles, children are diaphragmatic breathers before age 6
sunken areas seen between the ribs during inspiration
retractions
why is oxygen consumption higher in children than in adults?
greater metabolic rate
children have a greater metabolic rate than adults, what effect does this have on breathing?
high oxygen consumption
what are the clinical manifestations of asthma?
- coughing
- wheezing
- shortness of breath
- chest tightness
- tachypnea
- tachycardia
- anxiety/apprehension
NOTE
locations of airway obstructions
nasopharyngeal – sonorous snoring
larynx/upper trachea – inspiratory stridor
mid-lower trachea/central bronchus – exp. stridor, croupy or low pitched cough
larynx or subglottic space – insp&exp stridor
obstructed vocal chords – hoarse/weak voice
what does PEFR stand for?
Peak Expiratory Flow Reading
- a method of objective measure of lung function
- allows clients to monitor symptoms and communicate severity to others
- personal norms established over period of time so that deviation can be read later
PERF (Peak Expiratory Flow Reading)
what does MDI stand for?
metered dose inhaler
what does DPI stand for?
dry powder inhaler
asthma meds:
- relaxes the smooth muscles of the airways
- inhalation of nebulized medication is preferred
- can be anticholinergic, methylxylines or adrenergic stimulants
- often administered with anti-inflammatory agent (corticosteroids)
bronchodilators
