INTRODUCTION:

 Asthma is a lower respiratory tract

disease;it is an pulmonary obstructive
disease.It is also called as “REACTIVE
AIRWAY DISEASE
DEFINITION:

 Asthma  is a common chronic
inflammatory disease of the airways
 characterized by variable and recurring
symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction
 and bronchospasm. Common symptoms
include wheezing, coughing, chest
tightness, and shortness of breath
INCIDENCE:

 It can occur in any age and in any sex

 26 million are diagnosed with asthma
every year
 10.6 million people are affected
 Womens are increased risk of death
compare to men
 In India 4000-6000 are dying every year
with asthma
TYPES:
CAUSES:
RISK FACTORS:

 Hereditary
 Allergens
 Airpollutants
 Upper respiratory tract infections
 Drug over dosage
 Occupational exposures
 Environmental factors
 Psychological factors
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY:
CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS:
 Wheezing
 Cough
 Chest tightness
 Dyspone
 Hypoxia
 Nasal flaring
 Sputum is thick and tenacious
 Decreased or absence of breath sounds
called “SILENT CHEST”
SYMPTOMS:
ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC
STUDIES:
 History collection
 Physical examination
 Pulse oximetry
 Pulmonary function test
 Arterial blood gas
 Complete blood count
 Chest x-ray
MANAGEMENT:
 Medications:
 Bronchodilators:
-long acting beta adrenagic blockers:
eg:salmeterol,formeterol,theophylline
 Anti-inflammatory drugs:
-corticosteriods:
eg:flunisolides,beclamethasone,cromolyn
-Mast cell stabilizers:
eg:montelukast,zileuton
 DRY POWDER INHALERS
CORTICOSTEROIDS ARE
MOST EFFECTIVE
DELIVERY METHODS:

 Medications are typically provided as 

metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) in
combination with an asthma spacer or as
a dry powder inhaler. The spacer is a
plastic cylinder that mixes the medication
with air, making it easier to receive a full
dose of the drug. A nebulizer may also be
used.
ADVERSE EFFECTS:

 Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids at

conventional doses carries a minor risk of
adverse effects.Risks include the
development of cataracts and a mild
regression in stature.
OTHER METHODS:
 When asthma is unresponsive to usual
medications, other options are available for
both emergency management and prevention
of flareups. For emergency management
other options include:
 Oxygen to alleviate hypoxia if saturations fall
below 92%.
 Oral corticosteroid are recommended with
five days of prednisone being the same 2
days of dexamethasone.
 Magnesium sulfate intravenous
treatment has been shown to provide
a bronchodilating effect when used in
addition to other treatment in severe
acute asthma attacks.
 Heliox, a mixture of helium and
oxygen, may also be considered in
severe unresponsive cases
NURSING MANAGEMENT:

 Check vitalsigns at regular intervals.

 Monitor allergic symptoms.
 Administer medication, note action of
medications.
 Avoid exposure to pollution environment.
 Deep breathing exercises.
 Health education.
NURSING DIAGNOSIS:

Ineffective airway cleareance related to

bronchospasm.
Impaired breathing pattern related to
excessive mucus secretion.
Sleep pattern disturbance related to
cough and dysponea.
Anxiety related to difficulty in breathing.
Knowledge deficit related to treatment
regimen.
yamini