Causes of Asthma

Asthma Often referred to as reactive airway disease (RAD), asthma is an intermittent, reversible, obstructive disease of the lungs characterized by bronchospasm and hyper-reactivity to a multitude of triggering agents (allergens/antigens/irritants).

Incidence: Asthma can occur at any age and it is estimated that it affects about 5% of the population. Men are twice as likely as women to get asthma.

Onset: Onset is usually sudden.

Etiology:Triggers include allergens, infections, exercise, abrupt changes in the weather, or exposure to airway irritants, such as tobacco smoke, perfume, or cold air.
Clinical Findings: Difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough (either dry or productive of thick, white sputum), chest tightness, anxiety, and prolonged expiratory phase.

Nursing Focus
■ During an attack, assess and maintain ABCs, notify RT/MD and implement collaborative care such as meds and IV fluid as ordered.
■ Stay with the Pt and offer emotional support.
■ Monitor vital signs and document response to prescribed therapies.

Patient Teaching
■ Provide Pt and family with literature on asthma.
■ Explain the actions, dosages, side effects, and adverse reactions of asthma meds.
■ Provide instructions on the proper use of metered-dose inhalers.
■ Provide instructions on the proper use of peak flow meter and answer any questions about the Pt’s asthma management plan.
■ Teach the Pt and family about the kinds of triggering agents that can precipitate an attack and how to minimize their risk of exposure.
■ Instruct the Pt to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms are not relieved with prescribed meds.