Gasping
for air
with
Asthma
Overview
• One of the most common upper
respiratory disorders
• Inflammation in airways
• Bronchoconstriction present
• Reduces gas exchange and air flow
• Leads to airway obstruction
Pathophysiology
Contributors to an asthma attack:
• Over production of Eosinophils
• Airway tissue sensitivity
• Inflammation
• Airway constriction
Triggers
• Athletic induced
• Cold air
• Physical exercise
• Occupational induced
• Dust, chemicals etc.
• Allergen induced
• Pollen, animal dander, mold
Symptoms
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Trouble sleeping
• Increased HR and RR
Diagnostic Testing
• Spirometry
• Peak flow
• Methacholine challenge
• Imaging tests; X-ray, CT scan
• Sputum eosinophils
• ABG tests
Nursing Diagnosis
• Primary nursing diagnosis:
• Ineffective breathing pattern related to asthma as evidenced by the patient is seen gasping for
air and states he cannot “catch his breath”
Goals
Short term goal:
• The patient regains regular breathing patterns successfully within a 12 -hour shift as evidenced by a
relaxed breathing sequence, and his breathing shows improvement within a span of an hour post
interventions.
Long Term goal:
• The patient effectively identify triggers that may cause an asthma attack continuously and use
proper interventions and prevention methods to result in reduced attacks.
Interventions
• Assess airway and respiratory system
• Monitor respiratory rate and rhythm, oxygen levels, blood
pressure
• Administer medication; albuterol
• Position in a therapeutic way;
• semi fowlers position, tripod position, deep breathing
exercises
• Educate on diagnosis, medication usage, and avoidance
of triggers
References
“Asthma.” Mayo Clinic, 5 Mar. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases -conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653.
Ignatavicius, Donna D., et al. Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care. Elsevier, 2021.
Asthma - Statpearls - NCBI Bookshelf, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430901/. Accessed 3 June 2023.
Hassoun, Dorian, et al. “Bronchial Smooth Muscle Cell in Asthma: Where Does It Fit?” BMJ Open Respiratory Research, Sept. 202 2,
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9478857/.
Cleveland Clinic Medical. “Positions to Reduce Shortness of Breath.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles /9446-positions-to-reduce-shortness-of-breath
Accessed 10 June 2023.
Cleveland Clinic Medical. “What Is an Allergist? When to See One & What to Expect.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic. org/health/articles/24053-allergist. Accessed 10
June 2023.
Mayo Clinic “Asthma.” , 5 Mar. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases -conditions/asthma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369660.
Mayo Clinic “Albuterol (Inhalation Route) Proper Use.”, 1 Mar. 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/drugs -supplements/albuterol-inhalation-route/proper-use/drg-20073536.
Mayo Clinic “Allergy Medications: Know Your Options.” , 5 Mar. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases -conditions/allergies/in-depth/allergy-medications/art-20047403.
Mayo Clinic “Asthma Attack.” , 1 Oct. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases -conditions/asthma-attack/symptoms-causes/syc-20354268.
Osmosis, “ORTHOPNEIC Position: What Is It, Uses, and How It Helps Breathing,” www.osmosis.org/answers/orthopneic -position. Accessed 11 June 2023.
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