Asthma and COPD

Chronic inflammatory lung disease involving recurrent breathing problems, shortness of breath, chest tightness, pressure, coughing, wheezing.

-multicellular reaction causing inflammation of the airway and hyper-responsiveness to a variety of triggers

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Body reacts to a trigger which results in bronchoconstriction, mucus secretion, mucosal edema, and ineffective air way clearance

Common causes of asthma exacerbations:

• irritants (smoke, dust, pollen, cold air)

• allergens

• stress/emotional distress

• Obesity

Signs and symptoms of asthma

• hypoxemia

• tachypnea

• tachycardia

• shortness of breath

• increased sputum production

Status asthmaticus is a medical

Progressive acute event that does not respond to treatment within 30 minutes

-diminished/absent breath sounds

-altered mental status

• Pneumonia
• Asthma exacerbation.

• Pulmonary embolism
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Measures how fast air can be forced out of the lungs

• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT)

• Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR)

• Allergy testing

Nonpharmacological Management for Asthma

• Avoid triggers

• Control allergen and environmental factors

• Smoking cessation

• Deep pursed breathing

How well air moved in and out of lungs

• Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)

• Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR)

• Allergy Test

"Maintenance”-will not help during
an acute exacerbation
Reduces inflammation and swelling
 fluticasone (Flovent)
budesonide (Pulmicort)
 Can cause thrush-educate the
patient on rinsing mouth after
taking

• Inhaled Corticosteroids

• Long-Acting Beta Agonists (LABA's)

• Leukotriene Modifiers

• Short Acting Beta Agonists (SABA's)