asthma (respitory system disorder)

   

                             

- ASTHMA

• Asthma is a long-term problem in the tubes

that carry air into your lungs that can make it

hard for you to breathe. These airways get so

narrow that air can't move freely. It can cause

serious wheezing and breathlessness, known

as asthma attacks. There's no cure, but most

people can control their symptoms.

Couse /etiology /कारण

•Airborne substances, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander

                                 or particles of cockroach waste

Respiratory infections, such as the common cold

Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)

Cold air

Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke

Certain medications, including beta blockers, aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil,

Motrin IB, others) and naproxen (Aleve)

Strong emotions and stress

Sulfites and preservatives added to some types of foods and beverages,

including shrimp, dried fruit, processed potatoes, beer and wine

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach

acids back up into your throat

Sign /symptoms 

• hortness of breath

Chest tightness or pain

Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath,

coughing or wheezing

A whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling

(wheezing is a common sign of asthma in

children)

Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened

by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu

Diagnosis / 

Physical examination

Personal & medical history

Lung function test

. . . Spirometry

. . . . PFT

Chest x ray

Blood examination

Allergy test

Treatment उपचार

•Bronchodilators

Bronchodilators relax the muscle around your airways and are used to ease chest

tightness. They can prepare your chest for chest physiotherapy or exercise by

opening your airways nebulizer

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are used to treat, prevent and control infection. They should be taken

after bronchodilators and chest physiotherapy.

Mucolytics DNase

DNase is used to make sputum thinner and easier to clear. It is normally

prescribed once a day.

Osmotics

Hypertonic sodium chloride comes in different strengths; 3%, 6% or 7%. You

Nursing care

•Nursing Management The immediate nursing care of the patient with asthma

depends on the severity of the symptoms. The patient may be treated

successfully as an outpatient if asthma symptoms are relatively mild, or he or she

may require hospitalization and intensive care for acute and severe asthma. The

patient and family are often frightened and anxious because of the patient’s

dyspnea. Thus, an important aspect of care is a calm approach. The nurse

assesses the patient’s respiratory status by monitoring the severity of symptoms,

breath sounds, peak flow, pulse oximetry, and vital signs. The nurse obtains a

history of allergic reactions to medications before administering medications and

identifies the patient’s current use of medications. The nurse administers

medications as prescribed and monitors the patient’s responses to those

medications. Fluids may be administered if the patient is dehydrated, and

antibiotic agents may be prescribed if the patient has an underlying respiratory

infection. If the patient requires intubation because of acute respiratory failure, the

nurse assists with the intubation procedure, continues close monitoring of the

patient, and keeps the patient and family informed about procedures.