NURS 1400 - Chronic Asthma | Self Management of Chronic Asthma Assignment
Added on 2020-03-04
12 Pages2680 Words44 Views
Running Head: CHRONIC ASTHMA1Title: Chronic AsthmaAssignment Name: Self-Management of Chronic AsthmaStudent NameCourse Name and NumberProfessor
CHRONIC ASTHMA 2ContentsIntroduction......................................................................................................................................3Pathophysiology and Self-Management of Chronic Asthma..........................................................3Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................9References......................................................................................................................................10
CHRONIC ASTHMA 3IntroductionAsthma is generally a chronic respiratory tract disease which involves an interaction of obstruction in airflow, hyperresponsiveness of bronchi and inflammation. The severity of above interaction varies from patient to patient. Technically, the bronchial tubes of the lungs get inflamed and they become swollen, which in turns results in tightening of the bronchial muscles. Therefore, airflow through these bronchial tubes becomes difficult and shows symptoms like coughing, difficulty in breathing, wheezing and tightness of the chest.Many changes occur due to obstructive airflow through bronchial tubes. These changes are as follows:In asthma, the main physiological event occurs is narrowing of airway leading to obstruction in airflow(Asthma: pathophysiology, causes and diagnosis, 2014). In acute asthma, the narrowing of smooth muscles occurs rapidly due to some external stimuli such as allergens or some irritants. Pathophysiology and Self-Management of Chronic AsthmaBronchoconstriction due to allergens is mediated by the release of Ig-E dependent mediators which are released by mast cells. These mediators include histamine, prostaglandins, tryptase and leukotrienes which are responsible for contraction of bronchial smooth muscles. Further, in addition to above mediators other stimuli such as cold air, exercise and irritants may be responsible for airflow obstruction. The mechanisms governing the response of airway to the above factors are not well defined, but it appears that the main mechanism is related to
CHRONIC ASTHMA 4inflammation of the airway(Bachert & Zhang, 2012). The other factor which may also responsible for precipitating asthma complications is stress. Although the mechanisms for this is not clearly established yet. But it may be due to increased production and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.When asthma becomes severe by time due to inflammation, other complications also begins suchas hypersecretion of mucus, edema, and formation of mucus plugs in the airway.One of the reasons for hyperresponsiveness of airway may asthma. The mechanisms which are responsible for above pathology are dysfunctional neuro-regulation, inflammation, and structuralchanges.In some patients suffering from asthma, airflow obstruction may be reversible to some extent(Cardinale, Giordano, Chinellato & Tesse, 2013). The permanent structural modifications can occur. These changes are due to progressive lung dysfunction which is not prohibited by or can be reversed by current therapy. Airway remodeling includes an activation of several structural cells, with permanent changes that enhance the airflow obstruction and airway hyperresponsiveness. This leads to patient decreased response to therapy. The structural changes discussed above can be the sub-basement membrane thickening, airway hypertrophy of smooth muscles and hyperplasia, subepithelial fibrosis, proliferation of blood vessels and dilation, and mucus hypersecretion(Henderson, 2008).The following are the important points which should be always taken into consideration by nurses during health management of asthma patients:Nurses should put emphasis on long-term therapy which is ongoing.Nurses should take care of patients with moderate as well as severe asthma require inhaled anti-inflammatory therapy on daily basis to decrease asthma episodes.Discuss with the patient and concerned physician to
End of preview
Want to access all the pages? Upload your documents or become a member.
Related Documents
Pathogenesis of Severe Acute Asthma: Understanding the Mechanisms and Nursing Prioritieslg...
|8
|2078
|347
NURS2003 | Pathophysiology of the Disease of the Patientlg...
|10
|2742
|22
Asthma Vodcast Questionslg...
|7
|1590
|178
Nurses Care Practice Case Study 2022lg...
|7
|1986
|20
Nursing Priorities-Status Asthmaticuslg...
|23
|3456
|77
Priority Problems in Asthma: Ineffective Airway Clearance and Impaired Gaseous Exchangelg...
|13
|3513
|23