Asthma
Asthma has been reported to impact "over 300 million people globally" (Nuff, 2016, p. 68). There are "34 million people diagnosed in the United States" (Huether & McCance, 2012, p. 689). Additionally, over "30% of people with severe asthma are misdiagnosed" (Nuff, 2016, p. 68). Therefore, it is essential to understand how to recognize and differentiate between the pathogenic alterations of acute and chronic asthma to appropriately treat and prevent the progression of this condition. This paper will review the pathophysiology of both chronic and acute asthma. Additionally, the behavioral factor smoking will be examined and applied to the diagnosis and treatment.
Pathophysiology: Chronic Asthma
According to Huether and McCance (2012), …show more content…
689). These inflammatory mediators will compromise the airway with cellular consequences that cause "vasodilation, increased permeability, mucosal edema, and smooth muscle contraction" (Huether & McCance, 2012, p. 689). The result of this aftermath is an obstructed airway with altered oxygenation and respiratory compromise. As these acute events unfold, respiratory alkalosis will result from an adaptive hyperventilation. The hyperventilation occurs when the body 's respiratory center detects low levels of circulating oxygen (Huether & McCance, 2012). However, this course can quickly progress to respiratory acidosis when carbon dioxide is trapped and cannot be exhaled. Without immediate treatment to reverse these alterations, respiratory failure is …show more content…
50). Therefore, individuals who smoke or are exposed to second-hand smoke are at risk for asthma-related events due to this trigger. Smoking is associated with "persistent asthma symptoms" and a "higher mortality" (Kaufman, 2011, p. 51). This modifiable factor can be addressed to help minimize the impact this has on the long-term management of
Asthma has been reported to impact "over 300 million people globally" (Nuff, 2016, p. 68). There are "34 million people diagnosed in the United States" (Huether & McCance, 2012, p. 689). Additionally, over "30% of people with severe asthma are misdiagnosed" (Nuff, 2016, p. 68). Therefore, it is essential to understand how to recognize and differentiate between the pathogenic alterations of acute and chronic asthma to appropriately treat and prevent the progression of this condition. This paper will review the pathophysiology of both chronic and acute asthma. Additionally, the behavioral factor smoking will be examined and applied to the diagnosis and treatment.
Pathophysiology: Chronic Asthma
According to Huether and McCance (2012), …show more content…
689). These inflammatory mediators will compromise the airway with cellular consequences that cause "vasodilation, increased permeability, mucosal edema, and smooth muscle contraction" (Huether & McCance, 2012, p. 689). The result of this aftermath is an obstructed airway with altered oxygenation and respiratory compromise. As these acute events unfold, respiratory alkalosis will result from an adaptive hyperventilation. The hyperventilation occurs when the body 's respiratory center detects low levels of circulating oxygen (Huether & McCance, 2012). However, this course can quickly progress to respiratory acidosis when carbon dioxide is trapped and cannot be exhaled. Without immediate treatment to reverse these alterations, respiratory failure is …show more content…
50). Therefore, individuals who smoke or are exposed to second-hand smoke are at risk for asthma-related events due to this trigger. Smoking is associated with "persistent asthma symptoms" and a "higher mortality" (Kaufman, 2011, p. 51). This modifiable factor can be addressed to help minimize the impact this has on the long-term management of