Asthma
Asthma is a respiratory tract disease characterized by spasms of the airway tube that can affect individuals. According to Huether and McCance (2012) well over 34 million adult and children were diagnosed with asthma by health care providers. Although, it is more prevalent during childhood. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the pathophysiology of chronic and acute asthma disorders, implications of genetics on Asthma, as well as diagnosis and treatment. Pathophysiology of Chronic Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways that is characterized by intermittent period of acute airflow obstruction (Kennedy 2006). When an asthmatic individual is exposed to allergens and irritants, the inhaled antigen binds to …show more content…
Therefore, a thorough history, physical examination, and manifestations must be considered for accurate diagnosis. Individuals with asthma may present with dyspnea, chest pain or chest tightness, wheezing and cough, insomnia due to shortness of breath, and a whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling. Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu Mayo Clinic, 2014. As the attack gets severe, the individual inhales with the use of accessory muscles; intercostal retractions, audible wheezing, and distant breath sound may be noted. Fatigue, anxiety apprehension and severe dyspnea are also present. The treatment goal is to manage the disease daily focusing on ways to prevent acute attacks. During an acute attack, the treatment goal is to maintain an open airway and alveolar well ventilated. Spirometry, chest x -ray, are performed to evaluate Asthma; in acute asthma attack, arterial blood gas, peak flow meter, and allergy testing in performed (Hunther & McCance,
Asthma is a respiratory tract disease characterized by spasms of the airway tube that can affect individuals. According to Huether and McCance (2012) well over 34 million adult and children were diagnosed with asthma by health care providers. Although, it is more prevalent during childhood. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the pathophysiology of chronic and acute asthma disorders, implications of genetics on Asthma, as well as diagnosis and treatment. Pathophysiology of Chronic Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways that is characterized by intermittent period of acute airflow obstruction (Kennedy 2006). When an asthmatic individual is exposed to allergens and irritants, the inhaled antigen binds to …show more content…
Therefore, a thorough history, physical examination, and manifestations must be considered for accurate diagnosis. Individuals with asthma may present with dyspnea, chest pain or chest tightness, wheezing and cough, insomnia due to shortness of breath, and a whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling. Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu Mayo Clinic, 2014. As the attack gets severe, the individual inhales with the use of accessory muscles; intercostal retractions, audible wheezing, and distant breath sound may be noted. Fatigue, anxiety apprehension and severe dyspnea are also present. The treatment goal is to manage the disease daily focusing on ways to prevent acute attacks. During an acute attack, the treatment goal is to maintain an open airway and alveolar well ventilated. Spirometry, chest x -ray, are performed to evaluate Asthma; in acute asthma attack, arterial blood gas, peak flow meter, and allergy testing in performed (Hunther & McCance,