Pathway Asthma

Precipitating Factors:
Environmental factors: cold weather,
cigarette smoke, ozone, SO2
Allergens: dust, pet dander, pollen;
foods: chocolate, milk, eggs, nuts,
grains

Predisposing Factors:
Genetics
Age
Gender

Exercise
Emotional stress, anxiety
Bronchitis, upper respiratory
infection, viral
Effects of improved home heating
on asthma in community dwelling
children
(Pierse & Nicholls,2008).

Laboratory and Diagnostic

Tests
Pulse oximetry
Chest x-ray
Blood gases
Pulmonary function tests
(PFTs)
Peak expiratory flow rate
(PEFR)
Allergy testing

Immunologic response

IgE & IgA attach to mast

cells & basophils & react
to antigen
(hypersensitive reaction)
Mast cells degranulate &
release mediators: histamine,
leukotrienes, Bradykinin,
Eosinophilic

Localized edema in the

walls of the small
bronchioles & spasm of the
bronchiolar smooth muscle
Dyspnea &
Respiratory
rate
Acupuncture in children and
adolescents with bronchial
asthma (Scheewe & Vogt,
2011).
Do asthmatics benefit from
music therapy? (Sliwka &
Wloch, 2014)
Efficacy and mechanisms of
action of traditional Chinese
medicines for treating asthma
and allergy (Li & Brown,
2009).

Whezzin
g

Probiotic administration in
early life, atopy, and
asthma (Elazab & Mendy,
2013)

Secretion of thick mucus

into the bronchiolar
lumens

Respiratory
obstruction
Increased airway
resistance & airflow
limitation
During inhalation, narrowed lumen
expand slightly allowing air to
reach the alveoli
During exhalation, increased
intrathoracic pressure closes the
bronchial lumen completely
Air enter but cannot
escape
Barrel chest & hyperresonance to
percussion

Mucus fills
the lung
bases
Inhibits
alveolar
ventilation
Hypoxia

Cough
&
rhonchi

Legend:
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Nursing management:
Assess respiratory status
(breathing pattern & vital
signs)
Administer prescribed
medications: bronchodilator,
anti inflammatory, antibiotic
Promote adequate oxygenation
and normal breathing pattern
Explain the possible use of
hyposensitization therapy
Help child cope with poor selfesteem
Discuss the need for periodic
PFTs
Provide child and family teaching
Refer the family to appropriate
community agencies for
assistance