Essay on Asthma

Words: 2255
Pages: 10

1. Discuss the pathophysiology of asthma.
The pathophysiology of Asthma includes inflammation of the airway. The way in which this works is from an irritant which can include dust, pollen, cedar, or cat hair. When a reaction occurs, the airways become inflamed and narrow. The narrowing occurs because once the inflammatory response is triggered by an irritant, histamines, immunoglobulin E antibodies, and leukotrienes are released. Because of this, mucous production occurs. Since the bronchioles are inflamed and narrow, breathing becomes difficult. Wheezing sounds can be heard due to the lack of air being able to easily move in and out of the narrowed bronchioles.

2. Discuss the educational points that should be included when

Situations In which the medication may need to be increased would be if the patient was having more frequent attacks and hospitalization. If the patient is having less attacks, can sleep throughout the night with no difficulty breathing and can tolerate ADLs and exercise, the medication can then be decreased. Over all, asthma control is the main goal. 5. Describe the tools that should be used to assist the asthmatic patient in managing her disease.
Asthmatic patients should always have an asthma action plan. This action plan should be changed every 6 months in order to stay updated with the patient’s most current condition. Tools to manage the disease would include information on long acting and short acting inhalers, how to recognize symptoms of an attack, the reasons for why medication is either stepped up or stepped down, when to report to the physician, what do if asthma becomes worse at night, and what to do if an emergency were to occur. Other tools would be demonstration of how to use an inhaler, along with pamphlets or suggested videos to watch not only for the patient but also the family members on what asthma is, the importance of managing symptoms and ways to treat it. 6. What are the common devices used to monitor and administer medications for asthma? Describe the technique for proper use.
A common device used for asthmatic patients is a metered dosed inhaler. A meter dosed