asthma

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Asthma
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (2014), one in eleven children and one in twelve adults has asthma. Consequently, nine people die every day from asthma (CDC, 2014). The financial burden was $56 billion each year (CDC, 2014). Children missed 10.5 million days of school (CDC, 2014). Adults missed 14.2 days of work (CDC, 2014). The impact this disease has on our community is colossal. As a result, it is critical to understand the pathophysiology of asthma in order advocate for successful control and prevention of progression. This paper will review the pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic asthma and acute asthma exacerbation.
Chronic Asthma and Acute Asthma
According to Heuther and McCance (2012), asthma is considered a “chronic inflammatory disorder of the bronchial mucosa that causes hyperresponsiveness and constriction of the airways” (p. 688). Kumar and Ghosh (2009) reviewed the literature related to asthma pathogenesis. Their findings suggested that asthma is “characterized by airway inflammation and remodeling that leads to reversible airway obstruction” (p.1). Individuals who have chronic asthma remain in a constant state of potential overreaction to an inhaled trigger. The disease can be controlled through lifestyle modifications and individualized treatment plans.
Acute asthma exacerbation occurs when individuals are exposed to an environmental trigger. The disease of chronic asthma creates a medium for hyperresponsiveness. The bronchial environment comprises of inflammation and inflammatory mediators. Consequently, when exposed to an antigen, “increased cellular permeability, smooth muscle contraction, and increased mucus production” occur (Huether & McCance, 2012, p. 689). The ...

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Goals of treatment include interventions to help maintain good lung function (U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2014). Asthma is treated with long-term control and quick relief medications (U. S. Department of Health and human Services, 2014). The severity of symptoms will dictate a medical treatment plan. As advanced practice nurses, we need to help asthma patients identify their triggers. This aspect is individualized based on the recognition of symptoms that lead to exacerbations. A few of common triggers include smoke, weather, pollen, and food. Additionally, we need to provide them with education related to their disease process.
Summary
An understanding of the mechanisms that create a risk for asthma is critical. There is no cure for asthma. Goals of care include interventions to help patients maintain a normal healthy life.

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