NURS103 Study Guide - Final Guide: Headache, Blood Pressure, Health Professional
25 Aug 2016
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Document Summary
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, with recurring episodes of coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. The inflammation leads to airflow obstruction, triggering an asthma attack . Asthma is very common and is very treatable, especially among children and adolescents. Intrinsic asthma: triggered by upper respiratory tract infections or psychological stress. 5-12% of the population has asthma, most of whom are children. 50-80% of children develop symptomatic asthma before the age of 5 years. Risk factors for childhood asthma: parental asthma, allergies (eczema, food, inhalant), lower respiratory tract infections at a young age, low birthweight, tobacco exposure. Could be due to specific allergens in the air, or could be triggered by nonspecific exposures such as dust, cigarette smoke, car fumes, cold air, or exercise. Decreased wheezing, inspiratory systolic blood pressure decreases by > 10 mmhg, change in mental status, and paradoxic abdominal and diaphragmatic movement indicate worsening condition.
