This paper will discuss and explore five-year-old Jessica White, who presented to the emergency department suffering from asthma (School of Nursing & Midwifery 2014). Firstly, this paper will scope the normal pathophysiology of the respiratory system and then discuss the abnormalities in relation to Jessica’s respiratory system and the reasoning behind her asthma due to being exposed to a certain trigger. In addition, it will discuss the pharmacology in relation to two medications in which Jessica has been prescribed, and how these medications will provide relief for Jessica and improve her asthma. Lastly, this paper will explore the signs and symptoms of asthma that Jessica presented with at the hospital and how they are associated with asthma. …show more content…
In addition, asthma affects the smooth muscle walls and glands of the bronchioles, due to narrowing of the bronchial passageway, this results in a build-up of mucus in the bronchial tubes leading to difficulty breathing (Rizzo 2016, p.423). Airflow in the alveoli becomes limited due to inflammation causing bronchoconstriction, as the inflammatory process begins mast cells degranulate and release inflammatory mediators (Kaufman 2012, pp.589-590). ‘The inflammatory process results in vascular congestion, production of thick mucus, bronchial muscle spasm and thickening of the airway walls’ resulting in Jessica becoming short of breath and coughing (Kaufman 2012, pp.589-590). Typically, this reaction occurs 30 to 60 minutes after being exposed to the triggering allergen or irritant (Kaufman 2012, pp.589-590). Asthma can be triggered by a range of different factors including exercise, infection, exposure to allergens or airborne substances such as dust, fumes or pollen (Rizzo 2016, p.843). However, some asthma attacks may be worse than others, this is because a severe asthma attack can completely narrow and close the airway (Lew 2011, pp.43-45). This can result in oxygen not getting to vital organs such as the heart or brain and can result in …show more content…
These medications are essential in ensuring that Jessica recovers and does not have another asthma attack. This is because orally Prednisolone is an effective treatment of asthma, as it is absorbed quickly and efficiently (Chung et al. 2011, p.240). Prednisolone a corticosteroid is effective in asthma treatment due to the anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant effects (“Prednisolone/prednisone”, 2017). This form of medication is effective to Jessica because she has been exposed to lots of histamines due to being exposed to an asthma trigger, because of this corticosteroid suppress the inflammatory response leading to a decrease in mucus production and narrowing of Jessica’s airways (“Corticosteroids”, 2017). However, Prednisolone is an effective treatment for Jessica in the short term, it may negatively affect her if taken for a long period (“Prednisolone/prednisone”, 2017). This is because Prednisolone has ‘potential serious adverse reactions such as weight change, growth retardation, osteoporosis and adrenal suppression’ (“Prednisolone”, 2011). Prednisolone is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, and metabolised in the liver, and excreted in the urine (“Prednisolone”, 2011). In addition, Prednisolone often reaches its peak plasma concentrations one to two hours
History of Present Illness: Ms. Dahlberg is a very pleasant 69-year-old woman who suffers from poorly controlled asthma. She has a recent exacerbation requiring hospitalization at Anna Jaques Hospital in June. Since discharge, she states that she has done well. She has stable dyspnea on exertion. She does feel that perhaps it might be slightly worse given the heat and humidity. She is not complaining of any cough. She is compliant with her bronchodilator regimen.
Decreasing exposure to allergens in the environment, workplace and food can help lower the number of exacerbations. It is thought that continued exposure to allergens can lead to chronic inflammation and airway remodeling. The elimination of dander, dust mites, dust, and other allergens has been shown to alleviate symptoms and should be made a priority especially smoking. For homes that have pets or other sources of allergens installing filters on the HVAC registers in home will help reduce the amount of allergens put back into the
Professor Ann Woolcock (1937-2001) was a medical scientist who contributed to the field of asthma research through the foundation of the Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Sydney in 1985. This institute has become one of the top six world leading institutes in the field. She published over 300 journal articles and book chapters which mark major contributions to the field of asthma research. Her epidemiological study of asthma along with her research team have described important risk factors related to atopy and childhood asthma. Her work in the respiratory laboratory enhanced the understanding of acute exacerbation of asthma. She also worked in Papua New Guinea, Sydney and rural regions of New South Wales focusing on allergen sensitivity and
Avoiding and controlling asthma triggers is important in every phase of the intervention process in order to manage the disease. However, many times because of lack of awareness and education, asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airway that impacts a person’s and their family’s quality of life. In people with asthma, their airway becomes constricted with swelling and excessive mucous. This constriction or narrowing of the airway makes it difficult for the person with asthma to breath (Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 2009). If asthma is left uncontrolled, it leads to further wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, tiredness, and stress. (Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 2009).
About 10% of American children have asthma (Thakur et al., 2013). It is vital to understand what determinants cause childhood asthma to understand even with a low percentage, why it is still present. According to Williams et al., asthma is a health outcome which is a major impact on American youth (Williams et al., 2009). This health outcome not only impacts them throughout the years of being a child, but it has the potential of creating more serious health problems in the future. And without knowing what the causes are, it increases the rate asthma among children and prevents treatments from being implemented. It needs to be addressed by using results from prior studies in order to show how much of a problem childhood asthma is but also in finding and understanding the other underlying
Asthma is the leading cause of hospital admissions during childhood. Kumar and Robbins give an accurate definition of asthma as “a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways that causes recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and cough, particularly at night and/or early in the morning” (489). Asthma is a terrifying disease, especially in children, because of the sudden attacks that could claim lives if not treated immediately and effectively. Despite recent advancements in available drugs and overall therapy, the incidence of childhood asthma is rising (Dolovich 373). In order to effectively treat and eventually prevent the onset of asthma, more effective and economical therapies are necessary; although
The pathophysiology of Asthma includes inflammation of the airway. The way in which this works is from an irritant which can include dust, pollen, cedar, or cat hair. When a reaction occurs, the airways become inflamed and narrow. The narrowing occurs because once the inflammatory response is triggered by an irritant, histamines, immunoglobulin E antibodies, and leukotrienes are released. Because of this, mucous production occurs. Since the bronchioles are inflamed and narrow, breathing becomes difficult. Wheezing sounds can be heard due to the lack of air being able to easily move in and out of the narrowed bronchioles.
Asthma is a long-term lung disease. Those with asthma have sensitive airways in their lungs which triggers a flare up. When this flare up happens the muscle around the airways squeeze tight and the airways swell, become narrows and produce more mucus. (Anon., 2016) All these things make it harder for a person to breathe. Asthma effects the human body’s respiratory system. Asthma causes a spasm and constriction of the bronchial passages and the swelling and the inflammation of the mucous lining. The body responds by defence cells from the immune system, which causes the airways to swell and the muscles surrounding the airways to contract. Which is what cuts off the airflow. While a person is in asthma attack, the asthmatic cannot breathe which
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects the airways, which is comprised of tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. People who experience difficulties breathing have inflamed airways. The inflammation causes the tubes to swell and become sensitive, especially when inhaling strong substances. As a result, the airways tighten and the muscles around the tubes become swollen and narrower. In addition, cells in the airways might produce more mucus. This sticky and thick mucus makes it even more difficult for air to pass into the lungs.
The bronchi and bronchiole tubes are loosely wrapped with muscle. During regular breathing, the muscles around these airways are relaxed (5). This allows air to flow freely through these passageways to the alveoli. However, during an asthma attack, air has trouble reaching the alveoli, which prevents the body from receiving oxygen. This is because the airways become smaller. Firstly, the muscles around the airways spasm and contract. This then causes inflammation of the bronchioles and bronchi themselves, which causes a mucus to be produced.
Asthma is a chronic disease in which the airways of the patient become inflammed and can constrict the flow of air leading to difficulty in breathing and can cause symptoms like shortness of breath .In recent times there has been a rise in the number of cases of asthma reported among infants and children .The symptoms and signs for all children are not the same and may differ ,today with the growing pollution levels and the other types of allergies that the child may have it is very crucial to understand what is asthma and it's symptoms .The aim of my study is to summarize about the asthma disease in infants and children, under that I have discussed the following topics-introduction to pediatric asthma ,indications of asthma, risk factors
The child I helped take care of was a 15-year-old adolescent male. He was brought into the hospital due to an asthma attack. According to his mom, he has had asthma for years and sometimes has more severe attacks causing him to come into the hospital. Throughout this paper, this child’s developmental stages and medical diagnosis will be discussed.
Release of chemotactic and toxic mediators causes activation of macrophage and degranulation of mast cells, which can lead to an inflammatory response that is at the highest level in airway remodeling.5 It brings about subepithelial thickening, and changes of mucous glands and smooth muscles structure.5,12 In addition, there is some evidence in bronchial biopsies of the cases with acute-onset of IIA, including epithelial desquamation (denuded epithelium), significant detected number of lymphocytes (mononuclear inflammation), airway remodeling, collagen deposition in the bronchial wall (edematous mucosa).5,15,70 These types of alterations have been reported in the experiments with animal models as well.71 Furthermore, studies revealed that there are other alterations in this type of asthma, such as mucosal squamous cell metaplasia, basement membrane
When Prednisone is administered in dosage levels higher than the usual amount produced naturally in the body inflammation can become suppressed. The action of this suppression helps to reduce and treat the signs and symptoms characteristic of certain inflammatory conditions, such as asthma, severe allergies, arthritis and some skin conditions.3, 4 As Prednisone is a steroid medication, it has the ability to weaken the immune system, which greatly increases the risk of infection, or worsening an already present infection.11 Because of the potential complications and risks associated with the admission of Prednisone, it is important that great care is to be taken when it is prescribed to a patient. As there is no fixed rule as to how Prednisone is