1. Discuss the pathophysiology of asthma.
Asthma occurs when a patient’s airway becomes narrow, swells and produces excess mucus. The patients’ breathing becomes labored and causes shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. Asthma may be minor for some patients, but for others it may cause severe complications. Asthma may also interfere with activities of daily living and in some instances can be life threatening. Asthma is not curable, but the symptoms can be managed with medications. Overtime, asthma may change and therefore it is important for patients that have asthma to consult with their primary care physician to identify any triggers that may cause asthma attacks and symptoms and adjust their treatment accordingly (Mayo Clinic, 2014). …show more content…
These patients should also consult with their physicians to implement specific protocol in the event there is a life-threatening emergency. Life-threatening emergencies include rapid and worsening SOB or wheezing, little improvement after the use of a quick relief inhaler, and SOB during mild exertion. Patients should notify their physician if they believe they have asthma, to monitor symptoms after being diagnosed with asthma, if their symptoms become worse, and to review the effectiveness of their current treatment (Mayo Clinic, …show more content…
The least amount of medication possible is ideal for asthma patients as they maintain control of their asthma. This is also known as the stepwise approach. The patient’s allergist may gradually increase or decrease (step up or down) their medication dosage until the best possible balance has been obtained. It is very important for asthma patients to remain compliant as they take their medications. Patients should not decrease or discontinue taking their medication if their symptoms have been relieved. The main purpose of asthma medications is to assist the patient in remaining symptom free. The patient should feel free to consult with their physician if he/she feels that their medications require alterations (AAAAI,
Asthma occurs when a patient’s airway becomes narrow, swells and produces excess mucus. The patients’ breathing becomes labored and causes shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. Asthma may be minor for some patients, but for others it may cause severe complications. Asthma may also interfere with activities of daily living and in some instances can be life threatening. Asthma is not curable, but the symptoms can be managed with medications. Overtime, asthma may change and therefore it is important for patients that have asthma to consult with their primary care physician to identify any triggers that may cause asthma attacks and symptoms and adjust their treatment accordingly (Mayo Clinic, 2014). …show more content…
These patients should also consult with their physicians to implement specific protocol in the event there is a life-threatening emergency. Life-threatening emergencies include rapid and worsening SOB or wheezing, little improvement after the use of a quick relief inhaler, and SOB during mild exertion. Patients should notify their physician if they believe they have asthma, to monitor symptoms after being diagnosed with asthma, if their symptoms become worse, and to review the effectiveness of their current treatment (Mayo Clinic, …show more content…
The least amount of medication possible is ideal for asthma patients as they maintain control of their asthma. This is also known as the stepwise approach. The patient’s allergist may gradually increase or decrease (step up or down) their medication dosage until the best possible balance has been obtained. It is very important for asthma patients to remain compliant as they take their medications. Patients should not decrease or discontinue taking their medication if their symptoms have been relieved. The main purpose of asthma medications is to assist the patient in remaining symptom free. The patient should feel free to consult with their physician if he/she feels that their medications require alterations (AAAAI,