Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
Asthma Exacerbation (Pathophysiology (Stimulation of immune response to…
Asthma Exacerbation
Epidemiology
Affects 25 million Americans
3rd leading cause of hospitalization under the age of 15
Highly prevalent in children
Adults are 4x more likely to die from asthma exacerbation than children
Pathophysiology
Stimulation of immune response to allergens,
Environmental triggers
Viral infections
Cold air
Exercise
Immune response stimulation of increased inflammation
Increased mucous production
Bronchospasms
Increased narrowing and obstruction of airways
Hypoxemia
Decreased alveolar ventilation
Clinical Presentation
Episode
Increased dyspnea
Cough
Wheezing
Chest pain
Severe attack
Increased respirations
Prolonged expiration
Accessory muscle use
Inspiratory and expiratory wheezing
Low O2 saturation
Status Asthmaticus
Decreased lung sounds
Unable to speak
Low tidal volumes
Cyanosis
Changes in mental status
Diagnosis
O2 saturation
Peak flow measurement 80-100
ABG if O2 lower than 90%
Treatment
Episode
Asthma action plan
Increase frequency of SABA
Seek medical attention
Short course of oral systemic corticosteroids if SABA is needed greater than 24 hours
Severe attack
Immediate supplemental oxygen to correct hypoxemia
Inhaled bronchodilators
Oral corticosteroid if not already taken
Evaluate response and effectiveness of treatment
Repeat peak flow measurement and ABG if needed
Determine need for higher level of care and monitoring