NSB231 Chapter Notes - Chapter 25: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Pulmonary Function Testing, Obstructive Lung Disease
Week 4: Asthma, Bronchitis & Emphysema (COPD)
ASTHMA
• Asthma: chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways that result in recurrent episodes of
airflow obstruction that it is usually reversible
• Asthma Triggers:
• Allergens
• Air Pollutants
• Inflammation and Infection
• Drugs
• Occupational Exposure
• Food Additives
Pathophysiology
• Persistent but variable inflammation of the airways
• Airflow is limited because of inflammation resulting in bronchoconstriction, airway
hyperresponsiveness (hyperreactivity) and oedema of the airways
• Exposure to a trigger initiates the inflammatory cascade
• Asthma isn't a psychosomatic disease (mind and body cause)
• Genetics and immune response can influence asthma development
• Exercise-induced Asthma
• Most pt with asthma have a history of allergic rhinitis (irritation of nose) and GORD
Signs and Symptoms
• Wheezing, cough, dyspnoea and chest tightness
• Expiration may be prolonged
• When experiencing an asthma attack, usually show signs of hypoxaemia (low blood oxygen)
• Can be sudden or abrupt
• Wheezing is an unreliable sign to gauge severity off
• Asthma Classification
• Intermittent
• Mild persistent
• Moderate persistent
• Persistent
• Severe persistent
• Severe asthma exacerbations (worsening of symptoms) occurs when patient is dyspnoeic
(difficulty in breathing) at rest and speaking in single works
• Sit pt forward to maximise diaphragmatic
• Severe asthma can result in severe hypoxia (deficiency in oxygen reaching tissue)
Diagnostic
• Under-diagnosis of asthma is common
• Detailed history is important to determine the trigger
• Diagnosis of asthma is made based upon the presences of indicators
• Signs and symptoms
• Health history
• Pulmonary function tests
• Peak flow variability
• During exacerbation, lung function parameters fall.
Care
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