You are on page 1of 6

Respiratory Pathophysiology Paper

Kines 403 February 6, 2012 Katelyn Cherry

Cherry

Disease Process Asthma is a common condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. There are many different forms of asthma that can range from mild to moderate or even severe. Typically, mild to moderate asthma does not interfere with every day activities. However, severe asthma can turn into anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening if not immediately treated. While there is no cure for asthma, its symptoms can be controlled through the use of a bronchodilator, allergy shots and asthma medications (Staff). Inflammation of the airway and overactive bronchi are the primary issues that contribute to an asthma attack. Some types of asthma attacks occur from various stimuli such as, allergens, odors, detergents, exercise, medications, respiratory infections and irritants in the air. A stimulus or trigger, is a substance that can elicit certain symptoms, ultimately causing an asthma attack. When a person comes across a certain trigger, specific chemicals called mediators, are released into the airway causing significant inflammation. This in turn, causes the cells inside of the airways to secrete mucous. The inflammation, constriction and substantial increase in mucous production make breathing extremely difficult. Another cause of an asthma attack is overactive bronchi. When a stimulus is introduced, the bronchi within the lungs respond by constricting, thus causing inadequate breathing (Asthma). Essentially, an asthma attack is a response by the immune system to the given trigger. However, some asthma attacks are not caused by a definite allergen (Gulli, et al., 485). Affected Organ System The main organs that are affected during an asthma attack consist primarily of the trachea, lungs and structures within the lungs, such as the bronchi and bronchioles. These organs are all part of the respiratory system, which aids in breathing and respiration. Respiration is

Cherry

commonly defined as the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between tissues and capillaries in the lungs. While breathing, air enters either the nose or mouth and travels through the trachea, also known as the windpipe, where it is delivered to the bronchi. The bronchi branches stem into each lung, dividing them into right and left portions. As the bronchi delve deeper into the lungs, smaller bronchi, called bronchioles, give rise to small balloon-like sacs. These sacs are referred to as alveoli, which is where respiration takes place (Asthma). During an asthma attack, the muscles around the bronchi branches and airways into the lungs constrict. This constriction causes inflammation and thick mucous production within the airways. These factors are what contribute to the signs and symptoms of an asthma attack as described below (Asthma). However, if the signs and symptoms are not controlled and breathing is compromised, oxygen will no longer be delivered to the tissues in the body. Thus, causing decreased perfusion and eventually, organ failure. Signs and Symptoms There are many signs and symptoms associated with asthma attacks. Signs can be defined as something that can be physically seen, while symptoms are noticed by the patient. According to, Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured, the main symptoms of an asthma attack include wheezing on inhalation or exhalation and bronchospasm (Gulli, et al., 479). Other literature sources include symptoms such as, chest tightness, flaring of the nostrils, hyperventilation, shortness of breath and coughing (Asthma). Wheezing is a characteristic symptom of an asthma attack and can be described as a highpitched sound that is the result of the patient inhaling or exhaling. This high-pitch is caused by a partial blockage of the lower airway. At times, the airways can become so inflamed that there

Cherry

may be no breathing at all. In this case, the patient may become cyanotic, or blue from lack of oxygen, and can eventually enter respiratory arrest (Gulli, et al., 485). Treatment There are numerous treatments available to alleviate the symptoms associated with asthma. Long-term control medications, quick-relief medications, allergy shots, oral medications and nasal sprays all aid in treating the effects of asthma symptoms. When dealing with signs of wheezing and shortness of breath, bronchodilators are commonly used (Staff). For an acute asthma attack, a short-term bronchodilator inhaler may be utilized. A majority of these medications contain beta-agonists, which dilate the airways. Typical generic beta-agonists are albuterol, metaproterenol and terbutaline. When using these medications, there can be related side effects. These include, muscle tremors, increased pulse rate and nervousness If the(Gulli, et al., 500-502). Bronchodilator treatment by a trained EMT is crucial for someone suffering from an acute asthma attack. When arriving on scene, the EMT must follow all standard precautions and then must check airway, breathing and circulation. If the patient appears to be in anaphylactic shock, the EMT must call advanced life support (ALS) for additional help. If the patient is not in serious danger, the EMT may continue to work on the patient without ALS aid. After checking airway, breathing and circulation, high flow oxygen must be administered via a non-rebreathing mask at 15 L/min. If the patient does not tolerate this mask, then a nasal cannula can be set up at a flow rate of 4-6 L/min. While it is not mandatory, pulse oximetry should be measured to obtain an accurate reading of oxygen saturation. If the patient is still wheezing, the EMT may help to administer the patients inhaler (bronchodilator) medication (PA Protocol, 421). The EMT must check to make sure that the prescribed medication matches the patient and is not expired. Then,

Cherry

the EMT must help to remove the oxygen mask and hand the inhaler to the patient. Next, the EMT must instruct the patient to press the inhaler and coach the patient to hold their breath for 5 seconds and then reapply the oxygen (Gulli, et al., 503). However, the EMT may only help to deliver one dose of the medication and then call medical control for further instruction. After the medication is administered, the patient may be transported to the hospital. The EMT must reassess en route every 15 minutes for a stable patient and every 5 minutes for an unstable patient (PA Protocol, 421).

Cherry

Bibliography Asthma . HealthCentral.com Trusted, Reliable and Up To Date Health Information. Remedy Health Media. Web. 06 Feb. 2012. http://www.healthcentral.com/encyclopedia/408/244.html?ic=506048. Gulli, Benjamin, Joseph A. Ciatolla, and Leaugeay Barnes. Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett, 2011. Print. PA DOH BLS Protocol. Protocol #421. Print. 06 Feb. 2012. Staff, Mayo Clinic. Asthma MayoClinic.com. Mayo Clinic. MFMER, 27 May 2010. Web. 06 Feb. 2012. http://mayoclinic.com/health/asthma/DS00021.

Cherry

You might also like