SOUTHERN BICOL COLLEGES Inc.

COLLEGE OF NURSING & MIDWIFERY

PHILIPPINE NURSING STUDENT ASSOCIATION 2023- 2024

ASTHMA CASE PRESENTATION

Prepared By: BSN 2 – D RLE GROUP 3

1. Aninang, Kayla
2. Brabante, Maria Lolett Ephraim
3. Fernandez, Rachelle
4. Gonzalez, Jacob
5. Gulmatico, Dave
6. Lamoste, Angela
7. Llanto, Hanna May
8. Pangantihon, Josam
9. Tunacao, Mary Thonie

Clinical Instructor: Ampil Ruvy Pastor, RN

Objectives:
The general objectives of asthma management are focused on
1. Symptoms Control
2. Prevention of exacerbations
3. Maintenance of Lung Function
4. Individualized Treatment
5. Health Education about Asthma
6. Minimizing Medication Side Effects

Introduction
In the landscape of respiratory medicine, asthma stands as a quintessential example of the intricate interplay between
environmental triggers, genetic predisposition, and immune dysregulation. This manuscript serves as a conduit for the
exploration of one such case, offering a nuanced perspective on the diagnosis, management, and therapeutic challenges
encountered in the realm of asthma care.
Within the pages that follow, we invite readers to immerse themselves in the clinical narrative of [Patient's Name], a
[age]-year-old [gender], (DOA) whose journey epitomizes the complexities inherent in the management of asthma.
Through meticulous documentation and comprehensive analysis, we endeavour to elucidate the multifaceted nature of
this chronic respiratory condition, shedding light on both the triumphs and tribulations encountered along the way

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to
recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. It is a complex and heterogeneous
disease, with various triggers and manifestations that can vary from person to person.
The hallmark feature of asthma is airway inflammation, which leads to swelling and excessive mucus production in the
airways. This inflammation makes the airways sensitive to certain triggers, causing them to narrow and making it difficult
for air to flow in and out of the lungs.
The treatment of asthma in a hospital setting, particularly during an acute exacerbation or severe asthma attack, aims to
rapidly relieve symptoms, improve lung function, and stabilize the patient's condition. Here's an overview of the typical
treatment approach for asthma in a hospital: 1 Assessment and Monitoring:
Upon admission, the patient's vital signs, oxygen saturation, and lung function (spirometry) are assessed.The severity of
the asthma exacerbation is determined based on clinical features, including respiratory rate, accessory muscle use,
ability to speak in sentences, and oxygen saturation levels.2 Oxygen Therapy: Supplemental oxygen is provided to
maintain adequate oxygenation and prevent hypoxemia. Oxygen delivery is titrated based on oxygen saturation levels,
 SOUTHERN BICOL COLLEGES Inc.
COLLEGE OF NURSING & MIDWIFERY
PHILIPPINE NURSING STUDENT ASSOCIATION 2023- 2024
typically targeting a saturation of 90-94% in most patients and higher in those with severe exacerbations.
3.Bronchodilator: Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) are administered via nebulization or metered-dose inhaler with a
spacer to rapidly relieve bronchoconstriction and improve airflow. In severe exacerbations, frequent administration of
SABAs may be necessary, sometimes via continuous nebulization. Anticholinergic medications, such as ipratropium
bromide (Atrovent), may be added to SABAs for additional bronchodilation. 4. Systemic Corticosteroids: Oral or
intravenous corticosteroids are administered to reduce airway inflammation and prevent relapse after discharge.
Methylprednisolone or prednisone are commonly used, with dosages tailored to the severity of the exacerbation. 5.
Intravenous Fluids: Intravenous fluids may be given to ensure adequate hydration, particularly in patients who are
unable to tolerate oral fluids due to respiratory distress or vomiting. 6. Continuous Monitoring and Reassessment:
Patients with severe exacerbations are closely monitored for signs of respiratory distress, oxygenation, and response to
treatment. Serial assessments of lung function, including peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) or forced expiratory volume in
one second (FEV1), may be performed to evaluate response to bronchodilator therapy. Overall, the treatment of asthma
in a hospital setting requires a multidisciplinary approach involving physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other
healthcare professionals. Close monitoring, prompt intervention, and patient education are key elements in achieving
optimal outcomes and preventing future exacerbations.

ETIOLOGY
The causes of asthma, or the factors contributing to its development, is multifaceted and involves a combination of
genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, and immunological factors. While the exact cause of asthma is not
fully understood, several key factors have been identified:
1. Genetic Predisposition: Asthma often runs in families, suggesting a genetic component to the disease. Multiple
genes have been implicated in asthma susceptibility, including those involved in regulating airway inflammation,
immune responses, and airway hyperresponsiveness.
2. Environmental Exposures: Exposure to various environmental factors can trigger or exacerbate asthma
symptoms. Common triggers include allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, and certain foods.
Other environmental factors include respiratory infections (e.g., viral infections), air pollution, tobacco smoke,
occupational exposures (e.g., chemicals, dust), and indoor/outdoor pollutants.
3. Allergic Sensitization: Allergic asthma, the most common phenotype of asthma, often develops in individuals
with a predisposition to allergic sensitization. Exposure to allergens leads to an immune response characterized
by the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which triggers airway inflammation and asthma
symptoms.
4. Airway Inflammation and Immune Dysregulation: In asthma, there is chronic inflammation of the airways,
involving various inflammatory cells (e.g., eosinophils, mast cells, T lymphocytes) and inflammatory mediators
(e.g., cytokines, leukotrienes). This inflammation contributes to airway hyperresponsiveness,
bronchoconstriction, and mucus production.
5. Airway Remodeling: Long-term inflammation and recurrent exacerbations of asthma can lead to structural
changes in the airways, known as airway remodeling. This remodeling includes thickening of the airway walls,
increased smooth muscle mass, and alterations in the extracellular matrix, contributing to persistent airflow
limitation and reduced lung function over time.
6. Respiratory Infections: Viral respiratory infections, particularly during early childhood, have been implicated in
the development of asthma. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus, and other respiratory viruses can
trigger airway inflammation and promote asthma exacerbations in susceptible individuals.
7. Obesity: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of asthma and may worsen asthma symptoms. Adipose
tissue produces inflammatory cytokines and adipokines that can contribute to airway inflammation and
hyperresponsiveness.
8. Psychosocial Factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression may influence asthma symptoms and disease outcomes
through complex interactions with the immune and nervous systems.
Understanding the multifactorial nature of asthma etiology is essential for developing effective prevention strategies,
personalized treatment approaches, and interventions aimed at reducing asthma morbidity and improving quality of life
for affected individuals.
 SOUTHERN BICOL COLLEGES Inc.
COLLEGE OF NURSING & MIDWIFERY
PHILIPPINE NURSING STUDENT ASSOCIATION 2023- 2024
EPIDEMIOLOGY
The epidemiology of asthma provides valuable insights into the prevalence, incidence, distribution, and trends of the
disease within populations. Understanding asthma epidemiology helps inform public health policies, resource allocation,
and strategies for prevention and management. Here are some key epidemiological aspects of asthma:
1. Prevalence: Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory conditions worldwide. Its prevalence varies
between countries, regions, and demographic groups. Globally, it is estimated that over 339 million people are
affected by asthma, with prevalence rates ranging from 1% to over 20% depending on the population studied.
2. Age Distribution: Asthma can affect individuals of all ages, but it often begins in childhood. Childhood asthma is a
significant public health concern, with high prevalence rates reported in many countries. While asthma
prevalence tends to decrease with age, it can persist into adulthood or develop later in life.
3. Sex Differences: Asthma prevalence varies between males and females across different age groups. In childhood,
asthma is more common in boys than girls, but this trend often reverses during adolescence and adulthood, with
higher prevalence rates observed in females.
4. Geographic Variation: Asthma prevalence and severity vary geographically, with higher rates reported in urban
areas, regions with high levels of air pollution, and areas with socioeconomic disparities. Environmental factors,
including climate, air quality, and allergen exposure, may contribute to geographic variations in asthma
prevalence.
5. Socioeconomic Factors: Socioeconomic status (SES) is closely associated with asthma prevalence and outcomes.
Asthma disproportionately affects individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, who may experience
barriers to healthcare access, inadequate housing conditions, exposure to environmental pollutants, and higher
levels of stress and psychosocial factors.
6. Ethnic and Racial Disparities: Ethnic and racial disparities in asthma prevalence, severity, and outcomes have
been documented in many countries. In the United States, for example, asthma prevalence is higher among
African American and Hispanic populations compared to non-Hispanic white populations. These disparities may
be influenced by genetic, environmental, socioeconomic, and healthcare-related factors.
7. Trends Over Time: Asthma prevalence has increased over the past few decades in many countries, particularly in
urban and industrialized areas. However, recent data suggest that asthma prevalence may be stabilizing or
declining in some regions. Changes in environmental exposures, lifestyle factors, diagnostic practices, and
healthcare interventions may contribute to these trends.
8. Burden of Disease: Asthma imposes a significant burden on affected individuals, healthcare systems, and society
as a whole. It is a leading cause of chronic illness, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, school and
work absences, and healthcare expenditures. Asthma-related morbidity and mortality can be reduced through
effective management strategies, including appropriate diagnosis, medication adherence, and patient education.
By monitoring asthma epidemiology and identifying population-specific risk factors, healthcare providers and public
health authorities can implement targeted interventions to reduce asthma prevalence, improve asthma control, and
enhance quality of life for individuals living with asthma.