ASTHMA

Submitted by
Praty limbu
201909085
2nd year bsc nursing
 Definition

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airway that causes airway

hyperresponsiveness, mucosal edema, and mucus production.
• It is characterized by chronic airway inflammation and increased airway
hyperresponsiveness leading to symptoms of wheeze, cough, chest tightness and dyspnea.
• It is a disorder of the bronchial airways characterized by period of reversible bronchospasm.
 Risk factors
Asthma occurs in families which suggest that it is an inherited disorder.
o Allergy is the strongest predisposing factor for asthma.
o Chronic exposure to airway irritants or allergens also increases the risk for
developing asthma
o Common allergens can be seasonal (eg, grass, tree, and weed pollens, mold,
dust, or animal dander).
• Excitatory state (stress, cry)
• Occupational environment
• Factors such as cold air, air pollution, drug infection, diet
• Triggers
o Allergens
o Upper respiratory tract viral infections
o Exercise
o Cold air
o Sulphur dioxide drugs
o Irritants
 Clinical manifestations
• The principal symptoms of asthma are wheezing attacks and episodic shortness of breath.
• Typical symptoms include recurrent episodes of wheezing, chest tightness, breathlessness
and cough.
• In some instances, cough may be the only symptom.
• Cough with or without mucus production.
• Expiration requires effort and becomes prolonged.
• As the exacerbation progresses, diaphoresis, tachycardia and a widened pulse pressure and
may occur along with hypoxemia and central cyanosis.
Pathophysiology
MANAGEMENT
 Nursing diagnosis

• Increased airway clearance related to increased production of secretions and

bronchospasm.
• Ineffective breathing pattern related to shortness of breath, mucus, bronchoconstriction,
and airway irritants.
• Activity intolerance due to fatigue, ineffective breathing patterns, and hypoxemia.
• Deficient knowledge of self-care strategies related to frequent questions by the patient.