3. Outline
What is asthma?
Triggers
Signs and symptoms
Medications
Care and Treatment
Possible side effects
Summary
4. What is asthma?
Inflammation and constriction of the airways that makes
breathing difficult
Can be severe and life threatening
Occurs in the lower airway
5.
6. Triggers
Medication
Fear
Air pollution
Intense exercise
Perfume
Animal fur or feathers
Extreme changes in weather
7. Signs and symptoms
Coughing
Wheezing
Chest tightness
Sweating
Rapid, shallow breathing
Feelings of fear or confusion
Whistling when exhaling
8. Signs and symptoms (cont’d)
Posture
Shortness of breath
Trouble breathing
9. Medications
Three types:
Long term:- controls chronic symptoms and prevents
attacks. e.g. steroids via MDI or nebulizer
Quick relief:- relieves symptoms during an attack. e.g.
Salbutamol (Ventolin) – via MDI or nebulizer
Medications for allergy:- reduces sensitivity to
allergens. e.g. antihistamine or epinephrine via
injection or orally
10. Care and Treatment
Calm and reassure
Assist with MDI
Assist with oxygen therapy
Assist with nebulization
Assist with antihistamine or epinephrine
11. Care and Treatment: Possible Side Effects
Increased heart rate
Vomiting
Nausea
Nervousness
Dry mouth
Sleeplessness
Coach
Headache
Throat irritation
