Asthma
Jaianna, Jada, Zadia, & Laashia
DAVIS
What is Asthma?
A recurrent and reversible shortness of breath.
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Bronchospasms, inflammation, swelling of the bronchial mucosa, and production of a sticky
mucus causes an obstruction of airflow in the airways
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Bronchi and bronchioles become narrow
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Carbon dioxide can’t leave the air spaces and oxygen
can’t get in
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Results in symptoms of wheezing and difficulty
breathing
How is Asthma Diagnosed?
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There are a number of
ways that asthma can be
diagnosed:
○ A physical exam
○ Lung function test
○ Chest or sinus x ray
Causes/Types of Asthma
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Intrinsic Asthma - occurs in patients with no history of allergies
Extrinsic Asthma - occurs in patients exposed to a known allergens
Exercise induced asthma
Drug induced asthma
Family History of Asthma
Asthma Attack
An asthma attack may start with coughing. The chest can feel tight; with a heavy pressure sensation.
An asthma attack can feel like having air sucked out of you or sucking air in through a straw.
Wheezing or lightheadedness can also occur during an asthma attack.
To Avoid Asthma Attacks
Patients Should:
● Follow an Asthma Action Plan
● Take all asthma medication exactly as prescribed.
● Avoid stopping any medications or changing asthma treatment plan without talking
to HCP..
● Talk with HCP, insurer, and pharmacist and obtain an emergency supply of at least 30
days of prescription medications, such as asthma inhalers.
● Make sure at least 30 days of non-prescription medications and supplies are
available
● Know how to use your inhaler.
● Avoid asthma triggers.
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Asthma Treatment
Bronchodilators (inhalers)
○ Short acting beta 2 agonist (Albuterol)
○ Anticholinergic medications (Atrovent)
○ Methylxanthines (theophylline)
○ Long-acting beta2 agonist (salmeterol)
Anti-inflammatory agents
○ Corticosteroids (fluticasone- Flovent
and prednisone)
○ Leukotriene antagonist (montelukastSingulair) and monoclonal antibodies
such as Xolair.
Combination agents (bronchodilator and antiinflammatory agent)
○ Fluticasone and salmeterol (Advair)
○ If prescribed separately for inhalation
administer at the same time. Give
Bronchodilator first.
Patient Teaching
● The best way to prevent an asthma
attack or episode is to follow your
treatment plan you and your doctor
created specifically for you.
● Learn what triggers an attack and how
to avoid it if possible.
● Use quick acting medication as soon as
symptoms appear so they won't
progress into a full blown episode.
Work Cited
AAFA. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. (n.d.). Retrieved March 23, 2022, from https://www.aafa.org/asthma.
Asthma - Asthma Attack | NHLBI, NIH. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/asthma/attacks. Accessed 29 Mar. 2022.
Asthma art stock illustrations – 1,769 asthma art stock illustrations, Vectors & Clipart. Dreamstime. (n.d.). Retrieved March 30, 2022, from
https://www.dreamstime.com/illustration/asthma-art.html
CDC. “Learn How to Take Control of Asthma.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 9 Apr. 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/asthma_care_during_emergency.html.Accessed 29
Mar. 2022.
CDC. “Learn How to Take Control of Asthma.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 July 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/faqs.htm.Accessed 29 Mar.
2022.
Collins, S., & Snyder, J. (2020). Pharmacology and the nursing process (ninth). Elsevier.
What Causes Asthma - Identify Your Asthma Triggers | ACAAI Patient. (2022). Retrieved 23 March 2022, from https://acaai.org/asthma/asthma101/what-causes-asthma/