Asthma

Question 1

Clinical Manifestations

Answer 1

• Coughing
• SOB
• Chest Tightness
• Wheezing
• Tachypnea
• Tachycardia
• Anxiety & Apprehension

Question 2

Asthma Definition

Answer 2

Defined by severity & control as well as the frequency of exacerbations.

Asthma that is not well controlled is evident by daytime symptoms, nocturnal awakenings r\t symptoms, frequent use of short-acting beta-agonist, & difficulty with ADLs

Question 3

Audible Manisfestations of Asthma

Answer 3

• Snoring
• Wheezing with Croupy Cough
• Hoarsness
• Inspiratory/Expirstory StridorMost are indications of obstructed airways

Question 4

• Air Pollutants
• Allergens
• Chemicals & Food
• Respiratory Infections
• StressAll are common causes for?

Answer 4

Asthma

Question 5

Asthma Classifications per Severity & Symptoms: Mild Intermittent

Answer 5

• Daytime Symptoms < twice a week
• Nighttime Symptoms < twice per month
• Peak Flow Rates between attacks are in range
• Attacks (Flares) last hours to a few days
• Classic Symptoms:
• SOB
• Labored Breathing
• Fatigue
• Treatments include:

1. Brochiodilater or Beta-agonist for anticipated excersise
2. Oral Corticosteroids for attacks > 24 hours or related to infection or other disease
3. Oral Antihistmines when Allergies are the trigger for attacks

Question 6

Asthma Classification: Mild Persistent

Answer 6

• Daytime Symtoms occuring >twice a week but > once per day
• Nighttime Symtoms occuring > twice per month
• Exacerbations may affect activity
• Classic Symptoms

1. SOB
2. Labored Breathing
3. Fatigue

• Treatments

1. Brochiodilator or Beta-agonist
2. Long-acting Beta-agonist (LABA)
3. Daily use of inhaled corticosteroids to prevent symptoms
4. If triggered by allergens an antileukotriene

Question 7

• Asthmas Classification: Moderate Persistent

Answer 7

• Symptoms occur daily
• Short-acting Bronchiodilator (SABA) is used daily (Albuterol)
• Nighttime Symptoms > once a week
• Exacerbations may last for days
• Exacerbations affect activity
• Classic Symptoms

1. SOB
2. Labored & painful breathing
3. Chest tightness
4. Coughing
5. Wheezing
6. Tachypnea
7. Tachycardia
8. Fatigue

• Treatments

1. LABA inhalers
2. Inhaled Corticosteroids
3. Antileuktrienes
4. Cromolyn Sodium or Theophylline
5. Nebulizer
6. Oral Corticosteroids during exacerbation periods lasting more than 1-2 hours

Question 8

Asthma Classicfication: Severe Persistent

Answer 8

• Continuous Symptoms occur with frequent exacerbations
• Physical activity is limited
• Classic Symptoms:

1. SOB
2. Labored & Painful Breathing
3. Chest tightness
4. Coughing
5. Wheezing
6. Tachypnea
7. Tachycardia
8. Difficulty speaking with out pausing for breathing
9. extreme fatigue

• Treatments:

1. LABA inhalers
2. Inhaled Corticosteroids
3. Antileukolenes
4. Immunotherapy if triggered by allergies
5. Cromolyn Sodium or Theophylline
6. Oral Corticosteroids exacerbation > 1-2 hours
7. Steroids & Beta-agonist via nebulizer
8. Steroid-dependent pt. w/ Asthma & high IgE scores with no relief from immunotherapy may be prescribed omalizumab (Xolair)
   9.