Acute Exacerbation of Asthma Assignment 2022

Acute exacerbation of asthma
Nursing
Institution
Student assignment

Acute exacerbation of asthma
Acute exacerbation of asthma
Question 1
Pathogenesis of asthma
Asthma is a respiratory condition that causes inflammation of the airway. Acute
exacerbation of asthma is a sudden and severe onset of symptoms of asthma (Zhang et al. 2019).
Pathogenesis is a complex process and involved more than one processes. Exposure to an
allergen such as dust mites causes infiltration of cells of inflammation. These include
lymphocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils, epithelial cell injury and activation of mast cells. These
cells together contribute to the inflammation of the airway, limiting airflow. This airflow
limitation in asthma is recurrent and is caused by such factors as bronchoconstriction, airway
hypersensitivity, airway edema and airway remodeling. Some of the signs and symptoms of
asthma include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, chest tightness or chest pressure and
wheeze (Zuo et al. 2019).
Bronchoconstriction is the contraction of a bronchial smooth muscle causing narrowing
of the airway commonly caused by exposure to an allergen or irritants. This is mediated by IgE
dependent mediators such as histamine, leukotrienes, prostaglandins and tryptase, which directly
on smooth muscles and cause constriction. Other contributors include irritants such as extreme
physical activities of cold water. Use of NSAID drugs has also been found to cause
bronchoconstriction (Russell and Brightling 2017). Poppy has symptoms of a wheeze and
difficulty in breathing as he speaks in single words, use of accessory muscles and shoulder
shrugging when breathing in. This is due to the narrowing of the airway.
As the disease progresses and inflammation becomes more persistent, and other factors
contribute to limiting airflow. Edema of the airway, increased mucus production and formation
of mucus plugs further contribute to the symptoms. Poppy is presenting with RR of 42 breaths
per minute (normal 16-30bpm) in order to compensate for respiratory acidosis and shrugging of
shoulders when breathing in which is an indication of labored breathing. Heart rate increases
(HR 160 bpm, normal 60-100 bpm) to increase blood supply to tissues as there is decreased
oxygen supply. Poppy presents with respiratory acidosis as evidenced by the ABG results. This
is due to the accumulation of carbon IV oxide due to impaired expiration and inspiration. These
symptoms are as a result of inflammation of the airway structures, edema and increased mucus