Asthma is a complicated disease that affects all age groups and is marked by acute and chronic exacerbations. As one of the most complex respiratory diseases, asthma is associated with a high mortality rate. The purpose of this paper is to explore the pathophysiology of acute and chronic asthma across the lifespan, medications used for treatment and the impact on disease and the use of stepwise approach to treatment can be used to educate patients in various healthcare settings.
As airways narrow and inflammation sets in, resistance to airflow develops with a decreased flow rate due to the obstruction of the airway (Arcangelo, 2013). Distal to the blockage, hyperventilation occurs, causing a difficulty in breathing (Arcangelo, 2013). At the …show more content…
These medications work best at long term prevention but do not aide in acute attacks are recommended in the smallest dose possible (Arcangelo, 2013). Beclomethasone, fluticasone propionate, and triamcinolone acetonide are some examples of inhaled steroids. Mast cell stabilizers (Intal and Tilade) are also used for long-term control and are very effective in exericise-induced asthma. Singular is a leukotriene modifier and works my preventing leukotriene-mediated bronchoconstriction (Arcangelo, 2013). Leukotriene modifiers are not considered first line treatment, and are often used as an adjunct …show more content…
If this treatment is ineffective the next step is to add an inhaled steroid, and then another add-on therapy, which may include a long-activing beta2-angonist (Kaufman, 2012). Poor control may need an increase in the dosage of existing medications, as well as an addition of a leukotriene receptor antagonist (Kaufman, 2012). The use of long term or continuous oral steroids is the last step and must include frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels and concern for exposure to pathogens (Kaufman,
As airways narrow and inflammation sets in, resistance to airflow develops with a decreased flow rate due to the obstruction of the airway (Arcangelo, 2013). Distal to the blockage, hyperventilation occurs, causing a difficulty in breathing (Arcangelo, 2013). At the …show more content…
These medications work best at long term prevention but do not aide in acute attacks are recommended in the smallest dose possible (Arcangelo, 2013). Beclomethasone, fluticasone propionate, and triamcinolone acetonide are some examples of inhaled steroids. Mast cell stabilizers (Intal and Tilade) are also used for long-term control and are very effective in exericise-induced asthma. Singular is a leukotriene modifier and works my preventing leukotriene-mediated bronchoconstriction (Arcangelo, 2013). Leukotriene modifiers are not considered first line treatment, and are often used as an adjunct …show more content…
If this treatment is ineffective the next step is to add an inhaled steroid, and then another add-on therapy, which may include a long-activing beta2-angonist (Kaufman, 2012). Poor control may need an increase in the dosage of existing medications, as well as an addition of a leukotriene receptor antagonist (Kaufman, 2012). The use of long term or continuous oral steroids is the last step and must include frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels and concern for exposure to pathogens (Kaufman,