- Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by airway inflammation and narrowing of the airways. It causes symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
- It is diagnosed based on a patient's medical history and symptoms, and confirmed via spirometry testing which shows improved lung function after use of a bronchodilator.
- Treatment involves controlling triggers, medications like inhaled corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and managing exacerbations which involve increasing medications under a treatment plan.
2. Asthma is...
• Derived from the Greek word for panting
or breathlessness
• Recurrent airflow obstruction caused by
chronic airway inflammation with a
superimposed bronchospasm
• Leads to… wheezing, breathlessness
and a cough
Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma—Update on Selected Topics 2002. NIH, NHLBI. June 2002.
NIH publication no. 02-5075.
3. Pathophysiology of Asthma
• Genetic predisposition
– Chromosome: 5Q31-Q33
• Results from repeated exposure to
allergens in the individual already
equipped with the genetic predisposition
• Upon exposure to an allergen, there is a
release of IgE antibodies
• IgE antibody binds with the antigen
4. Pathophysiology of Asthma
• IgE/allergen complex - then attaches itself
to the mast cells on the nasal and
bronchial mucosa
• Release of numerous chemical mediators
5. Histamine
• Histamine is stored mainly in the mast cell
– Circulated in the blood via the basophil
• Causes an increase in blood flow to the
affected area.
– Responsible for the increased nasal
discharge, edematous mucous membranes,
sneezing, itchy nose and eyes, and hives
– Also associated with airway inflammation and
bronchoconstriction
12. Triggers
• Inhalant allergens are the most common
triggers for both asthma
– House dust
– Pollens
– Mold spores
– Animal and insect emanations
• Cockroach feces
17. Diagnosis of Asthma
• History and Physical Examination
• Spirometry is needed to make
diagnosis
• Monitoring:
–Peak Flow Meters
18. Symptoms and Signs of
Asthma in Children and Adults
• Coughing, particularly at night or
after exercise
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• SOB
• Cold that lingers x months
19. Methods for Measuring Airway
Caliber
Maximum PEFR
airflow achieved
Home
FVC, FEV1
FEF25%-75%
Office/Clinic
Airway
Resistance
Clinic/Laboratory
21. Asthma Findings
• Typically, reversibility of 20% or
greater after administration of a
bronchodilator aerosol is
consistent with asthma.
Conboy-Ellis, Kathleen. Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management. The Nurse
Practitioner: November 2006; Vol.31, No. 11. 24 – 39.
23. Chronic Asthma Changes
• Increased AP Lateral
diameter
• The way you know that
AP/Lat diameter is
increased is by this clear
space between the sternum
and the ascending aorta
• Flat diaphragms
26. Environmental Control:
A Useful but Often Ignored Step
• Dust Mite Avoidance
– Bed linens must be laundered 1-2 times/week
– Maintain humidity at <50%
– Encase pillows and mattresses
– Frequent vacuuming
• Remember: 30 minutes after vacuuming:
increased dust mite emanations in the air
• Individuals with significant asthma should avoid
vacuuming or avoid the room for 30 minutes after
vacuuming
27. Environmental Control: A Useful
but Often Ignored Step
• Pollen Avoidance
– Air-conditioning
– Minimize outdoor exposures during times of
highest pollen counts
– Keep bedroom windows closed
– Air filters
28. Environmental Control
• Animal Avoidance
– Keep animals out of the bedroom
– If the family has a cat, weekly washing of the
cat significantly reduces the allergen load
– May have to remove animals from home
– Dry clean upholstery and carpets
– Cover with an air filter any ducts leading into
the bedroom
29. Environmental Control
• Mold Avoidance
– Children/adolescents with allergic rhinitis
and/or asthma should not be sleeping in a
damp basement
– Clean moldy surfaces
– Avoid houseplants
– Avoid chores that involve damp grass, leaves
30. Environmental Control
• Avoidance of Non-allergic Triggers
–Strong emotions
–Smoke: No smoking in house or car
–Pollution
–Cold air
–Odors
–Exercise
31. 31
Stepwise Approach for Managing Asthma
in Patients Aged ≥12 Years:
NAEPP EPR-3 Guidelines
Step 1
Preferred:
SABA prn
Step 2
Preferred:
Low-dose inhaled
corticosteroid
(ICS)
Alternative:
Mast cell stabilizer
(Cromolyn
nedocromil),
leukotriene
receptor
antagonist (LTRA),
or
theophylline
Step 3
Preferred:
Medium-dose
ICS
or
Low-dose ICS +
LABA
Alternative:
Low-dose ICS
and either
LTRA,
theophylline,
or zileuton
Step 5
Preferred:
High-dose ICS +
LABA
and
omalizumab use
can be
considered for
patients who
have allergies.
Step 4
Preferred:
Medium-dose
ICS + LABA
Alternative:
Medium-dose
ICS
and either
LTRA,
theophylline,
or zileuton
Step 6
Preferred:
High-dose ICS +
LABA + oral
corticosteroid
and
consider
omalizumab for
patients who
have allergies
Severe Persistent
Moderate
PersistentMild
PersistentIntermittent
32. Step Approach to Therapy
• If control is not achieved with
therapy, step up the therapy
• Once control is sustained for a
minimum of 3 months, can consider
stepping down the therapy
• Regardless, therapy should be
reviewed q 6 months
34. Acute Asthma Exacerbation
• Measure FEV1
• Inhaled short acting beta 2 agonist: Up to
three treatments of 2-4 puffs by MDI at 20
minute intervals OR a single nebulizer
• Can repeat x 1 – 2 provided patient tolerates
• Prednisone
– What dose and schedule??
35. Management of Moderate Exacerbations:
Response from ED Treatment
• Good Response
–Symptom relief sustained x 1hr; FEV1 or
PEF ≥ 70%
–D/C home
–Continue SABA & oral corticosteroid
–Consider inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
–Patient education / asthma action plan
35
36. Management of Moderate Exacerbations:
Response from ED Treatment
• Incomplete Response
– Mild-moderate symptoms, FEV1 or PEF
40-69%
– SABA, oxygen, oral or IV corticosteroids
– Can D/C home
• Poor Response
– Marked symptoms, PEF <40%
– Repeat SABA immediately
– ED / 911; oral corticosteroid
36
37. Key Differences in the EPR-3 Report
• Point of discharge
–FEV1 or PEF ≥ 70% predicted
–Response sustained 60 minutes after
last treatment
–Normal physical exam
• Continued ED treatment needed
–FEV1 or PEF 40-69% predicted
• Consider adjunct therapies
–FEV1 or PEF <40% predicted
37
Results from repeated exposure to allergens in the individual already equipped with the genetic predisposition
Release of IgE antibodies
IgE binds with the antigen and attaches to the mast cells on the nasal mucosa
Release of numerous chemical mediators
Results from repeated exposure to allergens in the individual already equipped with the genetic predisposition
Release of IgE antibodies
IgE binds with the antigen and attaches to the mast cells on the nasal mucosa
Release of numerous chemical mediators
Histamine is stored mainly in the mast cell
Circulated in the blood via the basophil
Causes an increase in blood flow to the affected area. This increase in blood flow causes the introduction of more fluids to the area. Responsible for the increased nasal discharge, edematous mucous membranes, sneezing, itchy nose and eyes, and hives
Also causes inflammation and bronchoconstriction of airways
Remember; Asthma is a disease of primarily inflammation. This inflammation causes an increase in hyperresponsiveness and bronchoconstriction.
Disruption of the bronchial epithelium, as shown on this slide, has both structural and functional effects that contribute to inflammation and airway wall remodelling. (Holgate, 1999)
The deposition of collagen type III, collagen type V, and fibronectin in the lamina reticularis accounts for thickening of the basement membrane. Thickening of the basement membrane is one of several elements of airway wall thickening observed in patients dying from asthma. Inflammatory cell infiltration, increased airway smooth muscle mass, and exudation of plasma with edema of the airway wall also contribute to airway wall thickening. (Fish, 1999)
Inhalant allergens are the most common triggers for both asthma
House dust, pollens, mold spores, animal and insect emanations
Chemicals, perfumes, foods are other triggers
Viruses or infections
Cold air
Occupational exposures
Tobacco smoke
Pollution
Exercise
Inhalant allergens are the most common triggers for both asthma
House dust, pollens, mold spores, animal and insect emanations
Chemicals, perfumes, foods are other triggers
Viruses or infections
Cold air
Occupational exposures
Tobacco smoke
Pollution
Exercise
Inhalant allergens are the most common triggers for both asthma
House dust, pollens, mold spores, animal and insect emanations
Chemicals, perfumes, foods are other triggers
Viruses or infections
Cold air
Occupational exposures
Tobacco smoke
Pollution
Exercise
A disease of:
Inflammation
Hyperresponsiveness/Bronchoconstriction
Excessive mucous production
Diagnosis of Asthma
History and Physical Examination
Pulmonary Function Tests
Peak Flow Meters
Coughing, particularly at night
Wheezing
Chest tightness
SOB
Tachypnea
Restlessness
Retractions
Associated Symptoms
Anxiety-children with asthma more likely to suffer from anxiety symptoms and disorders than non asthmatic children-study by Vila et. Al and Published in Psychosomatics: Sept 1999
Treatment of Asthma
Pollen counts are the highest first thing in the morning-this is when plants release their spores
Also highest during breezy times of day
Air filters-high efficacy units are somewhat efficacious-recommend renting the equipment prior to purchasing.
Dust mites-live in bedding, mattresses and carpets. They feed on human dander and require a temp of 65-70 degrees in which to live
Vacuuming-leads to 30 minutes where airborne mite feces flies through the air and becomes inhaled
Pollen counts are the highest first thing in the morning-this is when plants release their spores
Also highest during breezy times of day
Air filters-high efficacy units are somewhat efficacious-recommend renting the equipment prior to purchasing.
Dust mites-live in bedding, mattresses and carpets. They feed on human dander and require a temp of 65-70 degrees in which to live
Vacuuming-leads to 30 minutes where airborne mite feces flies through the air and becomes inhaled
Animal Avoidance
Keep animals out of the bedroom
If the family has a cat, weekly washing of the cat significantly reduces the allergen load
May have to remove animals from home
Mold Avoidance
Children/adolescents with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma should not be sleeping in a damp basement
Avoidance of Non-allergic Triggers
Animal Avoidance
Keep animals out of the bedroom
If the family has a cat, weekly washing of the cat significantly reduces the allergen load
May have to remove animals from home
Mold Avoidance
Children/adolescents with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma should not be sleeping in a damp basement
Avoidance of Non-allergic Triggers
Animal Avoidance
Keep animals out of the bedroom
If the family has a cat, weekly washing of the cat significantly reduces the allergen load
May have to remove animals from home
Mold Avoidance
Children/adolescents with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma should not be sleeping in a damp basement
Avoidance of Non-allergic Triggers
Stepwise Approach for Managing Asthma in Patients Aged 12 Years: NAEPP Draft Guidelines
Key Point: This slide presents the stepwise approach to therapy for patients aged 12 years. The stepwise approach is meant to assist, not replace, the clinical decision making required to meet individual patient needs
If alternative treatment is used and response is inadequate, discontinue it and use the preferred treatment before stepping up
The horizontal bars at the top of this graphic correlate the stepwise approach to care with asthma severity, based on the draft guidelines’ tables for classifying asthma severity and initiating treatment. This is for reference purposes only, as stepping up or stepping down is based on control rather than severity
The category of evidence used to support each recommendation is shown in parentheses [NAEPP p 504-510]
For intermittent asthma (Step 1), a SABA should be used as needed [NAEPP p 501 lines 12-13]
For exacerbations from a viral respiratory infection, a SABA may be given every 4 to 6 hours up to 24 hours, and longer with physician consult. If therapy must be repeated more frequently than every 6 weeks, a step-up in long-term care is recommended. A short course of systemic oral corticosteroids may be needed if the exacerbation is moderate to severe or the patient has a history of severe exacerbations [NAEPP p 502 lines 1-9]
At Step 2 or higher (persistent asthma), daily long-term controller medication is recommended, with low- to high-dose ICS, alone or in combination, being the preferred treatment
At Step 2, preferred therapy is low-dose daily ICS, and alternative (but not preferred) therapies include cromolyn, nedocromil, and LTRA, sustained-release theophylline [NAEPP p 504 lines 1-5]
At Step 3, consultation with an asthma specialist may be recommended. Prior to increasing the dose, the physician should conduct a careful review of the patient’s asthma. The physician should review inhaler technique and determine whether environmental factors or comorbid conditions are attributed to the patient’s worsening of asthma [NAEPP p 505 lines 20-24 p 506 lines 1-2]
There are 2 equivalent preferred therapies at Step 3: medium-dose ICS or adding a LABA to low-dose ICS. [NAEPP p 506 lines 3-11] Alternative therapies (in alphabetical order) include adding an LTRA, theophylline, or zileuton to low-dose ICS [NAEPP p 508 lines 16-17]
Zileuton is a less desirable alternative because of limited studies as adjunctive therapy and the need to monitor liver function [NAEPP p 509 lines 10-14]
The preferred option at Step 4 is addition of a LABA to medium-dose ICS. Alternative add-on therapies include an LTRA or theophylline [NAEPP p 509 lines 18-19; p 510 lines 4-5]
At Step 5, preferred therapy is a LABA plus high-dose ICS. Omalizumab should be considered for patients with sensitivity to relevant perennial allergies. Such patients should be referred to an asthma specialist [NAEPP p 510 lines 9-14]
At Step 6, oral corticosteroids are added to Step 5 therapy. [NAEPP p 510 line 16] Before oral corticosteroids are introduced, a 2-week course of oral corticosteroids (to confirm reversibility) or a combination of high-dose ICS, a LABA, and either LTRA, theophylline, or zileuton may be considered, although this approach has not been studied in clinical trials [NAEPP p 510 lines 16-18; p 511 lines 6-10]