Asthma

Respiratory system
ASTHMA
. What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung condition. It is
characterized by difficulty in breathing. People
with asthma have extra sensitive or
hyperresponsive airways. The airways react by
narrowing or obstructing when they become
irritated. This makes it difficult for the air to
move in and out.
SYMPTOMS
wheezing
coughing
shortness of breath
chest tightness
OBSTRUKSI
Airway inflammation (meaning that the
airways in the lungs become red, swollen
and narrow)
Bronchoconstriction (meaning that the
muscles that encircle the airways tighten
or go into spasm)
TRIGGER
Triggers irritate the airways and result in
bronchoconstriction.
Triggers do not cause inflammation and
therefore do not cause asthma.
Symptoms and bronchoconstriction caused by
triggers tend to be immediate, short-lived, and
rapidly reversible.
Airways will react more quickly to triggers if
inflammation is already present in the airways.
TRIGGER
Cold air
Dust
Strong fumes
Exercise
Inhaled irritants
Emotional upsets
Smoke
Causes or Inducers
In contrast to triggers, inducers cause
both airway inflammation and airway
hyperresponsiveness and hence are
recognized as causes of asthma.
Inducers result in symptoms which may
last longer, are delayed and less easily
reversible than those caused by triggers.
Causes / inducers
Allergens , exp: debu, kotoran binatang,
Respiratory viral infections , exp influenza
Assessment
family history of asthma, allergies, fever,
eczema; children will have a greater
chance of developing the above if there is
a family history of allergies and asthma
family history of asthma, allergies, hay
fever, eczema; children will have a greater
chance of developing the above if there is
a family history of allergies and asthma
Another assessment………
o history of recurrent and persistent cough
following a cold, frequent colds, croup, seasonal
changes (i.e. worse in the spring and fall),
exercise limited by breathing problems, waking
at night with symptoms.
o school absences, emergency room visits
(hospitalizations)
o environmental history
Another assessment………
Physical test
Blood test & sputum studies
X – ray
Allergy pick skinning test
Respirometry
Management goal
1. Normalize lifestyle (taking into account environmental
control): the individual should be able to participate in
virtually any activity he or she wishes
2. Freedom from night/early AM symptoms: sleep should
not be disturbed by asthma symptoms
3. Relief or bronchodilator medications should not be
required daily (other than with vigorous exercise)
Normalize or optimize lung function as measured by
peak flow or lung function testing
Patient education
Environment control
EC
House dust mites: Dust mites are small parasites that
live off the dead skin that we shed. Decrease exposure
by enclosing mattress and box spring in plastic and
washing all bed sheets and blankets in hot water once a
week.
Pets: If allergic to pets, animals should not be allowed in
the house; this can include animals such as dogs, cats,
gerbils and birds. People with identified animal allergies
should not care for the pet.
Smoke: No smoking in the home should be allowed at
any time.
EC
Mold: Remove the mold wherever and whenever mold is
found. Bleach can be used for this. The source of mold
should be eliminated.
High humidity: Increased moisture in the home can
encourage mold growth and house dust mites, which
require greater than 50% humidity to survive. Humidifiers,
if not cleaned properly, can grow bacteria and produce a
residue which some people find irritating to their lungs.
Pollens: It may be necessary to avoid playing outside
during times of high pollen counts. Pollen counts are
usually greater in hot, dry and/or windy weather and
usually between 4-10 AM. Camping and raking leaves
will expose the person to pollens